Presidents Day 2026: Unmasking What’s Closed, What’s Open, and What It Means for America

Every Presidents Day, millions of Americans face a familiar but often overlooked reality: while government offices and stock markets close in observance of the holiday honoring our nation’s founding leadership, many essential businesses remain open to serve the public. But why exactly are some institutions shutting down while others carry on? And what does this say about the balance between government ceremony and everyday American enterprise? Why Are Federal Offices Closed — And Does It Really Serve the People? Monday’s closure of federal and state government offices, courts, and schools is rooted in tradition, marking Washington’s Birthday—officially designated as such—even...