The origin and evolution of Presidents Day
As the United States prepares to celebrate Presidents Day, we take a look at the origins of the annual holiday.
unbranded – Lifestyle
U.S. stock markets will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents Day.
Presidents Day has been a federal holiday since 1879. It originally served to commemorate George Washington’s birthday but has since expanded to be a tribute to all presidents.
Though the holiday is more commonly called Presidents Day, it’s formally named “Washington’s Birthday,” as Congress never officially changed the name.
Here’s what to know about the stock market on the federal holiday.
Is the stock market open on Presidents Day?
The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, S&P 500 and bond markets will all be closed for Presidents Day. Trading will resume on Tuesday, Feb. 17. The next time markets will be closed is on Good Friday, April 3.
United States stock market 2026 holiday schedule
U.S. stock markets will be closed on the following days in 2026:
- Presidents Day: Monday, Feb. 16
- Good Friday: Friday, April 3
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 25
- Juneteenth: Friday, June 19
- Independence Day: Friday, July 3
- Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 7
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 26 (markets will also close at 1 p.m. ET on Nov. 25)
- Christmas: Friday, Dec. 25 (markets will also close at 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 24)
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected]
