There are 149 days till Presidents Day 2026.
Presidents Day, a federal holiday in the United States, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The name 'Presidents Day' is a portmanteau of 'June' and 'nineteenth,' reflecting the holiday's date. However, it is also known by various other names, such as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day. These alternative names not only reflect the cultural richness and diversity of its observance but also signify the different aspects of freedom and liberation that the holiday represents.
Presidents' Day is a federal holiday in the United States, and it is observed on the third Monday of February every year. It honors and remembers all the presidents of the United States, past and present.
The holiday, which originated in the celebration of George Washington's birthday on February 22, 1732, the first president of the United States, has evolved over time to also honor Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12, 1809, often referred to as the 'Father of the Nation.'
Presidents' Day serves as a day of rest and reflection, with many government offices, schools, and businesses closed. It's a day for Americans to take pride in the presidency and the pivotal role that presidents have played in shaping the nation's history.
Some common ways that people celebrate Presidents' Day include:
It's worth noting that while Presidents' Day is often referred to as a day to honor all presidents, it is not an official federal holiday to honor all presidents. Instead, it is primarily a day to honor Washington and Lincoln, often called the "founding fathers" of the United States.
Here are the upcoming dates for Presidents Day for the next few years:
Presidents' Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February every year. This date was chosen as a compromise between the birthdays of two of America's most influential presidents: George Washington (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12). Scheduling the holiday on a Monday, the 1968 Uniform Monday Holiday Act was designed to give federal employees a regular and relaxing three-day weekend, all while celebrating the lasting legacies of these two celebrated leaders.
While often called Washington's Birthday, the official name is Presidents' Day, honoring all U.S. presidents. Some states like Virginia and New York still observe it as Washington's Birthday.
Presidents' Day is a federal holiday in the U.S., observed by all federal agencies, courts, banks, and many private entities, though it's not mandatory.
As we commemorate George Washington's legacy, we are reminded of his wisdom and leadership. Five inspiring quotations from the inaugural President of the United States follow.
Related: 2026 holidays