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Presidents’ Day marks one of the first long weekends of the year, giving many Americans time to catch up on errands, travel, or simply enjoy a slower Monday.
Here’s what to know about when the holiday is observed, how it’s recognized in California, and which services and stores are open or closed.
When is Presidents’ Day 2026?
This year, Presidents’ Day is on Monday, Feb. 16th. The holiday always falls on the third Monday of February.
Is Presidents’ Day a holiday in California?
Technically, the federal holiday is still called Washington’s Birthday, which has been recognized as a federal holiday since the late 1800s. In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the observance from Washington’s actual birthday on Feb. 22 to the third Monday in February to create long weekends, but Congress never officially changed the name to Presidents’ Day.
In California, the day is widely called Presidents’ Day, but state law and some official designations still reference Washington. The holiday is recognized as a state holiday, and many state offices close in observance.
Because states set their own observance rules, California generally treats the day as a public holiday for government operations, while many private businesses remain open or run regular hours.
Are schools closed on Presidents’ Day in California?
In California, public schools typically close for the third Monday in February. It’s often listed in state education law as Washington Day. However, exact schedules can vary slightly by district, so families should always check their local school calendar.
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Here are all the services available on Presidents’ Day:
Services Closed or Limited on Presidents’ Day in L.A. Banks Most bank branches close for the holiday, though ATMs and online banking remain available. Post Offices (USPS) Post offices close and regular mail delivery pauses for the day. Government Offices Federal offices close for the holiday. Stock Market Markets close in observance of the federal holiday. Shipping Services UPS usually runs normally, while FedEx may operate on modified schedules depending on service type. Stores open on Presidents’ Day in L.A.
Most retail stores, grocery stores, and restaurants stay open because Presidents’ Day is mainly a federal holiday rather than a retail shutdown day.
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