This year, Presidents’ Day lands on Monday, February 16, 2026, and the city is ready to hit pause… mostly.
Federal and state offices will shut down, the stock market will nap, and New York City public schools officially close for the first day of midwinter recess.
But for the rest of us, life keeps humming: stores stay open, deliveries roll in, and yes, your Costco gas run is still on the table.
Here’s the lowdown on what’s really happening this Presidents’ Day in NYC—from the big federal closures to the spots that refuse to take the day off.
Is Presidents’ Day a federal holiday?
Presidents’ Day, or officially known as Washington’s Birthday, is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of February.
That means federal offices, courts, and many state offices close, giving workers a long weekend.
Are NYC schools open on Presidents’ Day?
Most public K–12 schools are closed, including NYC and New York State schools.
The city’s midwinter recess officially begins Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, so students get a full week off.
Is the Post Office open on Presidents’ Day?
Nope!
USPS post offices are closed, and there’s no regular mail delivery.
Priority Mail Express still moves, and UPS/FedEx deliveries mostly continue—so Amazon packages and online orders are safe.
Are banks open on Presidents’ Day?
Most banks are closed—it’s a Federal Reserve banking holiday, after all.
ATMs and online banking are your friends!
Is the stock market open on Presidents’ Day?
Nope!
NYSE, NASDAQ, and bond markets all take the day off. Trading resumes Tuesday, Feb. 17.
So…what is open on Presidents’ Day?
Some places keep life moving, which is perfect for your long weekend errands:
- Costco: OPEN
- Amazon & online orders: OPEN, including Presidents’ Day sales
- Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Target, Walmart, major groceries: OPEN, normal or near-normal hours
- Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens): OPEN, sometimes with minor holiday hours
What states get Presidents’ Day off?
Most of the U.S. observes the holiday, but there are some interesting exceptions:
- States keeping offices open: Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Wisconsin don’t recognize Presidents’ Day as a paid state holiday, according to History.com.
- “Late bloomers”: Georgia, Indiana, and New Mexico technically list it as a holiday—but in practice, it’s celebrated on a different day, like after Thanksgiving or during the December break, giving workers a different kind of winter pause.
- Everywhere else: From New York to California, Texas to Oregon and basically the rest, expect government offices, courts, and municipal services to be shuttered.