When Is Presidents' Day? (Countdown & Dates)

When is Presidents' Day?

In the United States, Presidents' Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February. Because the holiday depends on the day of the week, the actual calendar date shifts every year, but it always lands on a Monday.

What day of the week / how is the date determined?

The date of Presidents' Day is determined by finding the third Monday of the month of February. The earliest possible date is February 15 (if February 1 is a Monday), and the latest possible date is February 21 (if February 1 is a Tuesday).

A brief history of Presidents' Day

The holiday originated in 1879 to honor George Washington's birthday, which falls on February 22. It was originally celebrated on his actual birthday. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to shift several holidays to Mondays to create three-day weekends for workers. The law moved Washington's Birthday to the third Monday in February, starting in 1971. Over time, popular culture and state legislations rebranded the holiday to 'Presidents' Day' to honor both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln (born February 12), as well as all other U.S. presidents.

Is it a federal holiday?

Yes, Presidents' Day is one of the eleven official federal holidays in the United States. Federal offices, post offices, the stock market, and banks are closed, and public school systems typically observe a holiday or winter recess during this period.

Related Pages

• When Is Father's Day — track the date of Father's Day.
• When Is Mother's Day — track the date of Mother's Day.
• When Is Daylight Saving Time — check when DST starts and ends.