Presidents’ Day 2026: Date, history and 5 interesting facts about federal holiday

Why is Presidents’ Day celebrated?

The holiday was first created in 1879 to celebrate the birthday of George Washington. It was originally observed on February 22 which is his actual birthday. In 1971, the date was moved to the third Monday of February as part of a law that shifted several federal holidays to Mondays. While it is commonly known as Presidents’ Day today, the official federal name remains “Washington’s Birthday” in section 6103 (a) of Title 5 of the United States Code. Over time, the holiday has come to honor all American presidents, past and present.

5 interesting facts about Presidents’ Day you didn’t know

Washington did not make a big deal of his birthday

According to the TIME, Historical records suggest that George Washington did not pay much attention to his own birthday. Domestic accounts from Mount Vernon show no evidence of large celebrations or regular family events.

Retail promotions boosted the popularity of Presidents’ Day holiday

After the holiday was moved to a Monday in 1971, retailers began using the long weekend to run special promotions. By the 1980s, “Presidents’ Day Sales” had become a common marketing trend across the US often featuring patriotic images like American flags or Mount Rushmore in advertisements and it became the major sales event of the year.

Cherry pie is loosely connected to the holiday

Cherry pie is often associated with Presidents’ Day because of the well-known but fictional story that George Washington chopped down a cherry tree as a child. Even though the story is not historically true, it helped build a tradition linking the holiday with cherry pie. Over the years, this connection has continued more as a cultural idea than a widespread custom.

The Senate continues to read the Farewell Address

In 1796, near the end of his second term, Washington chose not to run again and announced his decision in a public letter known as his “Farewell Address.” This set the example of a two-term presidency which was later added to the Constitution. Every year, the Senate selects one member, alternating parties to read the full 7,641 word address during a session. The tradition began on February 22, 1862. After the reading, the senator signs a black leather-bound book and adds short remarks.

Lincoln became associated with the holiday

According to TIME, while debating the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, some lawmakers suggested renaming the holiday Presidents’ Day to honor both Washington and Abraham Lincoln whose birthday is on February 12. Lincoln was already widely celebrated for preserving the Union and advancing the Emancipation Proclamation. “Lincoln became the symbol of the Union and the symbol of personal sacrifice, when he died in office,” says Kastor. Although Congress did not officially change the name in 1968, today many Americans now see the holiday as honoring more than one president.

What are the other federal holidays this year?

May 25, 2026 is Memorial Day.