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Presidents Day 2025 falls on February 17. Originally honoring George Washington, it now celebrates both Washington and Lincoln. Schools, banks, and federal offices close, but most stores remain open.
Presidents Day (Photo source: https://www.archives.gov/)
UPDATED: Feb 16, 2025 23:56 IST
Presidents Day 2025 falls on February 17. Originally honouring George Washington, it now celebrates both Washington and Lincoln. Schools, banks, and federal offices close, but most stores remain open.
This year, Presidents Day falls on Monday, February 17. The federal holiday is observed annually on the third Monday of February.
What is Presidents Day?
Officially recognized as Washington’s Birthday, this federal holiday was originally established to honour George Washington, the first U.S. president. Washington was born on February 11, 1731, under the Julian calendar. However, when Britain and its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birth date shifted to February 22, 1732. Over time, the holiday also came to honor President Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12. The positioning of the holiday between Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays led to the widely used name, Presidents Day.
How did Presidents Day become a Federal Holiday?
In 1885, Congress designated February 22 as a holiday for all federal workers. Later, in 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the third Monday of February to create long weekends and reduce midweek disruptions.
Why do we celebrate Presidents Day?
The tradition of honouring Washington’s birthday began long before it became a federal holiday. In 1832, Congress adjourned to commemorate Washington’s 130th birth anniversary. By 1879, Congress officially added February 22 to the list of holidays observed by federal employees in Washington, D.C. By 1885, it became a paid holiday for all federal workers.The Senate continues the tradition of reading Washington’s Farewell Address on Presidents Day.
What’s open and closed on Presidents' Day?
Since Presidents' Day is a federal holiday, various institutions and services will have altered schedules. The following closures and openings are expected:
Closed: Federal government offices, courts, the United States Postal Service, banks, and stock markets.
Open: Most retail stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. Many retailers will offer major sales events, making Presidents' Day a significant shopping holiday.
Public Transportation: Many transit systems will operate on a modified schedule, with reduced service in some areas.
Who Gets the Day Off?
As a federal holiday, Presidents Day is observed by federal government employees, meaning most federal offices, banks, and post offices will be closed. Schools and local businesses may have varying schedules, while most retail stores remain open.
Other Federal Holidays in 2025
Here are all the U.S. federal holidays in 2025:
Memorial Day – May 26
Juneteenth – June 19
Independence Day – July 4
Labor Day – September 1
Columbus Day – October 13
Veterans Day – November 11
Thanksgiving Day – November 27
Christmas Day – December 25
Published By:
indiatodayglobal
Published On:
Feb 16, 2025
