When is Presidents’ Day 2027?

Why is it called Washington’s Birthday?

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. His birthday became a federal holiday in the 1880s, the first to honor a single American.

The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moved several holidays to Mondays to give workers long weekends, and this change took effect in 1971. Because of the new rule, the holiday can never fall on February 22 itself.

So where did Presidents’ Day come from?

Not from Congress. The federal name did not change. The wider name spread through states and through retailers, who found that it suited a three-day sale. Some states use it to honor Abraham Lincoln too, who was born on February 12, or all presidents.

What is open and closed?

• Closed: federal offices, the US Postal Service, most banks, and the stock markets.
• Often closed: public schools, though it depends on your district.
• Usually open: stores and restaurants, many with sales.

An apostrophe nobody agrees on

You will see Presidents’ Day, President’s Day and Presidents Day. All three are in use, because the official name settles nothing.