Overview
The year 2026 is shaping up to be packed with holidays, long weekends, and travel opportunities. Whether you’re planning vacations, family events, or just maximizing your paid time off, this guide breaks down U.S. federal holidays, bank holidays, and global public holidays all in one place.
This comprehensive list is based on official sources such as the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), UK Government, Canadian Heritage, India’s Gazette notifications, and similar agencies from other regions.
U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026
Federal holidays are recognized by the U.S. government, with most federal offices and banks closed. States may add their own observances.
| Date | Holiday | Day of Week |
| January 1, 2026 | New Year’s Day | Thursday |
| January 19, 2026 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday |
| February 16, 2026 | Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday) | Monday |
| May 25, 2026 | Memorial Day | Monday |
| July 3, 2026 | Independence Day (observed) | Friday |
| July 4, 2026 | Independence Day | Saturday |
| September 7, 2026 | Labor Day | Monday |
| October 12, 2026 | Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Monday |
| November 11, 2026 | Veterans Day | Wednesday |
| November 26, 2026 | Thanksgiving Day | Thursday |
| December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | Friday |
🗓 Total U.S. Federal Holidays in 2026: 11
How many bank holidays in 2026 (U.S.)?
Banks generally observe the above federal holidays. In 2026 that’s 12 federal holidays (counting the observed Independence Day on July 3). Some banks may observe a subset or add local closures; always check your bank’s calendar.
State-Specific Observances
Beyond the federal list, U.S. states recognize over 50 unique holidays. A few notable ones:
- Texas Independence Day – March 2 (Texas)
- Patriots’ Day – April 20 (Massachusetts, Maine)
- César Chávez Day – March 31 (California, Colorado, Texas)
- Nevada Day – October 30 (Nevada)
- Day After Thanksgiving – November 27 (Several states)
If you’re scheduling work or travel, check the state government calendar and major local banks: some close for state holidays, while others remain open.
These can create bonus long weekends depending on where you live.
Observed vs. actual dates & what “observed” means
When a holiday falls on a weekend, the observed date used by federal agencies and many banks changes:
- If a holiday falls on Saturday, it is typically observed on Friday (previous day). (Example: July 4, 2026 → observed Friday July 3).
- If a holiday falls on Sunday, it is typically observed on Monday.
This matters for payroll, government services, and banking cutoffs.
READ MORE: What Is Going to Happen in 2026?
Best Long Weekends in 2026
If your goal is to maximize time off with minimal vacation days, plan around the federal calendar.
Use these dates for travel or staycations:
- Jan 17–19 (MLK Weekend)
- Feb 14–16 (Presidents Day Weekend)
- May 23–25 (Memorial Day Weekend)
- Jul 3–5 (Independence Day Weekend)
- Sep 5–7 (Labor Day Weekend)
- Nov 26–29 (Thanksgiving Weekend)
- Dec 25–27 (Christmas Weekend)
🧭 Pro Tip: Combine PTO days with federal holidays for up to 35+ consecutive days off in 2026.
📅 The Year 2026 Calendar
Explore all public holidays, bank holidays, and key events for 2026 across major countries. Black Friday, Easter, Diwali, and other major observances are marked below.
| Country | Major Holidays (2026) |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | New Year’s Day – Jan 1, Independence Day – Jul 4, Thanksgiving – Nov 26, Christmas – Dec 25 |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Early May Bank Holiday – May 4, Summer Bank Holiday – Aug 31, Boxing Day – Dec 26 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Canada Day – Jul 1, Labour Day – Sep 7, Thanksgiving – Oct 12 |
| 🇮🇳 India | Republic Day – Jan 26, Holi – Mar 14, Diwali – Nov 5 |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Australia Day – Jan 26, Anzac Day – Apr 25, Boxing Day – Dec 26 |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | Holy Week – Apr 1–4, Independence Day – Jun 12, Christmas – Dec 25 |
Major Holidays Around the World
This section focuses on major public holidays that affect travel, commerce and shared interest for American travelers and global audiences. Dates for lunar and movable holidays are noted where relevant.
Many religious holidays (Eid, Diwali, Lunar New Year) move annually based on lunar calendars use local official announcements or timeanddate.com to confirm exact dates before booking.
United Kingdom
| Date | Holiday |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| April 3 | Good Friday |
| April 6 | Easter Monday |
| May 4 | Early May Bank Holiday |
| May 25 | Spring Bank Holiday |
| August 31 | Summer Bank Holiday |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 28 | Boxing Day (observed) |
Travel note: UK long weekends cluster in May (two bank holidays) and August; plan well in advance for domestic trips as trains and hotels fill early.
READ MORE: United States Midterm Election 2026
Canada
| Date | Holiday |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| February 16 | Family Day (varies by province) |
| April 3 | Good Friday |
| July 1 | Canada Day |
| September 7 | Labour Day |
| October 12 | Thanksgiving |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
Pro tip: Provinces add holidays (e.g., Family Day in February) check the province calendar where you travel.
Australia
| Date | Holiday |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| January 26 | Australia Day |
| April 3 | Good Friday |
| April 6 | Easter Monday |
| April 25 | ANZAC Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Boxing Day |
Australia’s heavy state variance means travel between states during holidays may have different service levels (public transport, business hours). ANZAC Day is especially significant for cultural events.
India
India’s public holidays differ by state and religion. Major national holidays include:
| Date | Holiday |
| January 26 | Republic Day |
| August 15 | Independence Day |
| October 2 | Gandhi Jayanti |
| Varies | Diwali (likely November 8–9) |
| Varies | Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Holi |
Because many holidays are regional (state-level), check the particular state for closures. Diwali often creates a long family holiday period travel and hotel prices spike.
European Union
| Date | Holiday |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| April 3 | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| October 3 | German Unity Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Boxing Day |
Each German state adds regional holidays; for example, Bavaria observes more Catholic feast days. EU travel in spring and autumn offers many long-weekend windows thanks to Good Friday, Easter, and May Day.
Philippines
| Date | Holiday |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| April 9 | Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) |
| April 3 | Good Friday |
| May 1 | Labor Day |
| June 12 | Independence Day |
| November 30 | Bonifacio Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 30 | Rizal Day |
The Philippines often declares additional non-working holidays and special working holidays for cultural events check official announcements for travel planning.
Movable & lunar holidays
Some of the most widely observed holidays are not fixed to the Gregorian calendar. Examples include:
- Eid al-Fitr / Eid al-Adha (Islamic lunar): dates move ~11 days earlier each Gregorian year; final dates are set by moon sighting or astronomical calculation.
- Diwali / Lunar New Year: tied to lunisolar calendars; dates vary by year and country.
Practical rules for planning:
- Use a reliable date service: timeanddate.com or official government calendars for the country you’re traveling to.
- Confirm 60–90 days before travel: Many countries announce exact observance or bank closure dates in advance.
- Expect last-minute adjustments: Some countries confirm moon-sighting based dates just weeks or days before; build flexibility into bookings.
- Book refundable options when possible for trips around these holidays.
Use holidays to save money and time
- Map your mandatory closures: Bank deadlines (wire transfers), passport offices, and consular closures typically follow national holidays.
- Buy tickets early for major holidays: Flights and hotels often spike around long weekends and major festivals.
- Consider shoulder-period travel: Travel the day after the holiday or the day before the crowds to reduce costs.
- Use one “bridge day” per long weekend: You’ll get more vacation time per PTO day.
- Check visa & consulate schedules when traveling internationally many closed on national holidays.
READ MORE: Major Global Events to Watch in 2026
Why Knowing Your 2026 Holidays Matters
- Work-Life Balance: Planning early ensures better vacation schedules.
- Travel Planning: Flights and hotels sell out fast around long weekends.
- Financial Planning: Many markets, banks, and exchanges follow public holiday calendars.
- Cultural Awareness: Global holidays influence trade, communication, and even market timing.
How Many Bank Holidays Are There in 2026?
In the U.S., there are 11 official federal bank holidays.
In the UK, expect around 8 bank holidays (England & Wales).
Other regions vary from 10-15 in India to 12 in the Philippines.
FAQs
When is Thanksgiving 2026?
Thursday, November 26, 2026.
How many long weekends in 2026?
Roughly 7 to 8, depending on your state holidays.
When is Easter 2026?
Easter Sunday falls on April 5, 2026.
What day is Christmas 2026?
Friday, December 25, 2026 perfect for a 3-day weekend.
How many public bank holidays are there in 2026 in the U.S.?
The U.S. has 12 federal holidays in 2026 (counting observed adjustments). Banks typically follow these federal holidays, but individual bank policies may vary.
Will Diwali/Eid/Lunar New Year dates be the same everywhere?
No. Diwali and Lunar New Year follow lunisolar calendars; Eid relies on moon sighting or astronomical calculation. Always confirm locally.
How can I get the best long weekend from minimal PTO days?
Use bridge days take the single workday between a holiday and a weekend. For instance, if a holiday is Thursday, take Friday off for a 4-day break.
Are state holidays considered “bank holidays”?
Not always. Some banks close for state-specific holidays, but many national banks remain open. Confirm with your bank’s holiday calendar.
Conclusion
The 2026 holiday season is full of opportunities from early-year breaks to year-end getaways. Whether you’re in the U.S. or abroad, understanding public holidays helps you make smarter travel, business, and lifestyle decisions.
Stay updated, bookmark this article, and plan your best long weekends of 2026 early.