Presidents' Day 2027 — How Many Days Until Presidents' Day?

About Presidents' Day

Presidents' Day — officially Washington's Birthday — is a US federal holiday observed on the third Monday of February. It was originally established in 1885 to honour George Washington, the first President of the United States, whose actual birthday is 22 February. The Monday holiday law of 1971 moved it to the third Monday of February, where it falls between Washington's birthday (22 February) and Lincoln's (12 February), leading many states and retailers to market it as "Presidents' Day."

The federal government continues to officially call the holiday "Washington's Birthday." However, most Americans associate it with a general celebration of all US presidents, and many states have laws naming it Presidents' Day or a variant. Abraham Lincoln — born on 12 February — is the other president most commonly associated with the holiday.

The holiday is best known today for its large retail sales events, particularly on cars and furniture. Officially, it is observed with patriotic ceremonies at Washington's historic home at Mount Vernon in Virginia, wreath-laying at presidential memorials, and the reading of Washington's Farewell Address in the US Senate.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Presidents' Day?
Presidents' Day falls on the third Monday of February every year. In 2026 that is 16 February.
Is it "Presidents' Day" or "Washington's Birthday"?
The federal holiday is officially called "Washington's Birthday," but it is universally marketed and observed as Presidents' Day — a celebration of all US presidents.
Is Presidents' Day a public holiday?
Yes — it is a US federal public holiday. Government offices, banks, and post offices close. Many businesses stay open, often with sales events.