who is off for presidents day

Most people who are “off” for Presidents Day are those whose workplaces follow the federal holiday calendar, but it’s far from everyone.

Who is usually off

• Federal government employees : Most federal offices close, including non‑essential agencies.

• U.S. Postal Service : Post offices close and regular mail is not delivered.

• Most banks and the stock market : Major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, etc.) and U.S. stock exchanges close for the day.

• Many state and local government offices : A large number of states treat it as a state holiday or legal holiday, so many courts, DMVs, and some local offices close.

• Some schools and universities : Many K‑12 public schools close; colleges and universities vary by their own academic calendars.

Who often still works

• Most private‑sector employees : Many private companies don’t close for Presidents Day, or only certain corporate offices close while retail and operations stay open.

• Retail stores and malls : Commonly remain open and often run “Presidents Day” sales.
• Restaurants, hospitality, and service jobs : Hotels, many restaurants, and service businesses usually operate normally or even busier than usual.

Key detail for 2026

In 2026, Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday) falls on Monday, February 16, and is an official federal holiday in the U.S. That means anyone whose employer follows the federal holiday schedule should have the day off, while everyone else depends on their specific company, school, or local policy.