WASHINGTON — Monday, Feb. 16, is Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday honoring George Washington and other former U.S. presidents. Here’s what you need to know about what’s open and closed.
Why Presidents’ Day?
Originally established to celebrate George Washington’s Feb. 22 birthday, the federal government still officially calls the holiday “Washington’s Birthday.” In 1971, Congress moved the holiday to the third Monday of February under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, creating a three-day weekend.
The holiday grew to include Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday also falls in mid-February, and eventually all U.S. presidents. Some states officially recognize “Washington and Lincoln’s Birthday,” but most Americans know it as Presidents’ Day.
What’s Closed
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Federal government offices
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Courts
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Public libraries (most locations)
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U.S. Postal Service — no mail deliveries
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Many public schools (though some districts use the day for weather make-ups)
What’s Open
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UPS, FedEx, Amazon — regular operations
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Retail stores — Walmart, Target, Costco, Kroger and most major chains are open, many with Presidents’ Day sales
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Restaurants — most operate normal hours
