What day is Presidents Day on 2023?

President's Day federal holiday is celebrated on the third Monday in February. The holiday commemorates all the former US presidents' achievements and sacrifices. Interestingly, the day is celebrated on the same day as George Washington's birthday. The holiday is also celebrated a day after Abraham Lincoln's birth date. In the early 19th century, the day was acknowledged as a fasting and prayer day. People would offer prayers to God and ask for protection over their president.

Is it President's Day or Presidents' Day?

The day celebrates all the presidents of the United States. Therefore, the right name for this holiday is Presidents' Day.

Which Are The Alternative Names Of Presidents' Day?

Some states celebrate the day under a different name other than the Presidents' Day. These names include George Washington's Day, Washington and Lincoln Day and President's Day.

Which States Do Not Observe The Presidents' Day?

The US states that do not celebrate the Presidents' Day are Florida, Lowa, Kentucky, Delaware, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Kansas, and North Carolina.

Presidents' Day History

The history of the Presidents' Day holiday dates back in 1800 after the death of George Washington. People celebrated his birthday on February 22 as a way to remember the first president in American history. In 1879, Washington's Birthday was signed into law as a federal holiday.

In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act shifted the day to be celebrated on the third Monday of February every year. The day also changed its name to Presidents' Day as a way to commemorate all the presidents of the United States.

Presidents' Day Traditions

Presidents' Day is a time of patriotic remembrance. Before the holiday was declared as a day to celebrate all the presidents of the United States, portraits of George Washington would grace the front pages of newspapers every February 22nd.

Today, Presidents' Day is marked by staged celebrations and reenactments. Some states require teachers of public schools to teach students about the accomplishments of former US presidents, mostly focusing on the lives of Washington and Lincoln.

Why Do We Celebrate President's Day?

We observe the holiday to honor the present and past presidents of the United States for making the country the land it is today.

How to Celebrate Presidents' Day

Americans mark this day by engaging in various activities. You can visit Mt. Vernon, VA, where Washington's ancestral home and tomb lies. On Presidents' Day, entry to the place is often free of charge.

If you adore Abraham Lincoln, you should consider visiting his memorial in Washington, DC.

If you love reading, you might find it satisfying to read George Washington's Farewell Address and reflecting on his contributions to the country. Another great read you can reflect on is Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. If you'd rather stay indoors, watch the 1988 Tommy Lee Jones film, which relates to Washington's war troops.

Presidents' Day Activities for Kids

For kids, the day is often marked with festivals and decorations. Children use masks of the past presidents to commemorate the day. You can also make Presidents' Day T-shirts with the kids since they are out of school on that day. If your kids love books, read them a book by Margaret McNamara that tells of myths, truths, and a funny story about Washington's 7th birthday. To crown the day, go shopping with the kids and take advantage of the Presidents' Day Sales.

What Food to Eat On Presidents' Day?

George Washington loved nuts and fish. He was also fond of cherries, and Cherry Bounce was his favorite drink. President John Adams adored Madeira wine. Consider inviting your family and friends over for the Presidents' Day weekend and observe the day by including some of those foods into your menu. Most American households celebrate the holiday by ensuring their meals have a recipe of cherries.



  How long until President's Day?
President's Day
  Dates of President's Day in USA

2024 Feb 19

USAMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

AlabamaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

AlaskaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

ArizonaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

ArkansasMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

CaliforniaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

ColoradoMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

ConnecticutMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

HawaiiMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

IdahoMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

IllinoisMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

MaineMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

MarylandMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

MassachusettsMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

MichiganMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

MinnesotaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

MississippiMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

MissouriMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

MontanaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

NebraskaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

NevadaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

New HampshireMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

New JerseyMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

New YorkMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

North DakotaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

OhioMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

OklahomaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

OregonMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

PennsylvaniaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

South CarolinaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

South DakotaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

TennesseeMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

TexasMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

UtahMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

VermontMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

VirginiaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

WashingtonMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

West VirginiaMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

WyomingMon, Feb 19Regional Holiday

2023 Feb 20

USAMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

AlabamaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

AlaskaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

ArizonaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

ArkansasMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

CaliforniaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

ColoradoMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

ConnecticutMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

HawaiiMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

IdahoMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

IllinoisMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

MaineMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

MarylandMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

MassachusettsMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

MichiganMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

MinnesotaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

MississippiMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

MissouriMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

MontanaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

NebraskaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

NevadaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

New HampshireMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

New JerseyMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

New YorkMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

North DakotaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

OhioMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

OklahomaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

OregonMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

PennsylvaniaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

South CarolinaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

South DakotaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

TennesseeMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

TexasMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

UtahMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

VermontMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

VirginiaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

WashingtonMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

West VirginiaMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

WyomingMon, Feb 20Regional Holiday

2022 Feb 21

USAMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

AlabamaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

AlaskaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

ArizonaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

ArkansasMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

CaliforniaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

ColoradoMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

ConnecticutMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

District of ColumbiaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

HawaiiMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

IdahoMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

IllinoisMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

MaineMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

MarylandMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

MassachusettsMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

MichiganMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

MinnesotaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

MississippiMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

MissouriMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

MontanaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

NebraskaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

NevadaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

New HampshireMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

New JerseyMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

New YorkMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

North DakotaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

OhioMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

OklahomaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

OregonMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

PennsylvaniaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

South CarolinaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

South DakotaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

TennesseeMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

TexasMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

UtahMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

VermontMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

VirginiaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

WashingtonMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

West VirginiaMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

WyomingMon, Feb 21Regional Holiday

2021 Feb 15

USAMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

AlabamaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

AlaskaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

ArizonaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

ArkansasMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

CaliforniaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

ColoradoMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

ConnecticutMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

District of ColumbiaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

HawaiiMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

IdahoMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

IllinoisMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

MaineMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

MarylandMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

MassachusettsMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

MichiganMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

MinnesotaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

MississippiMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

MissouriMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

MontanaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

NebraskaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

NevadaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

New HampshireMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

New JerseyMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

New YorkMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

North DakotaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

OhioMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

OklahomaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

OregonMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

PennsylvaniaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

South CarolinaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

South DakotaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

TennesseeMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

TexasMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

UtahMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

VermontMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

VirginiaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

WashingtonMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

West VirginiaMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

WyomingMon, Feb 15Regional Holiday

2020 Feb 17

USAMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

AlabamaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

AlaskaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

ArizonaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

ArkansasMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

CaliforniaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

ColoradoMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

ConnecticutMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

District of ColumbiaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

HawaiiMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

IdahoMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

IllinoisMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

MaineMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

MarylandMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

MassachusettsMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

MichiganMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

MinnesotaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

MississippiMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

MissouriMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

MontanaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

NebraskaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

NevadaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

New HampshireMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

New JerseyMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

New YorkMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

North DakotaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

OhioMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

OklahomaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

OregonMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

PennsylvaniaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

South CarolinaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

South DakotaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

TennesseeMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

TexasMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

UtahMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

VermontMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

VirginiaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

WashingtonMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

West VirginiaMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

WyomingMon, Feb 17Regional Holiday

  Summary

The original version of the holiday was in commemoration of George Washington's birthday.

  President's Day in other countries
President's Day internationally
  Which regions observe President's Day in 2023?

When is Washington's Birthday/President's Day?

Washington's Birthday is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February. At a state level, it may be called President's Day, with an apostrophe that moves about from state to state.

Though it may be technically incorrect, the federal holiday is often colloquially referred to as Presidents' Day. The Associated Press Stylebook, most newspapers and some magazines use the form "President's Day" as an alternate rendering of "Washington's Birthday". The name Presidents' Day is also the more common version of the name when used internationally.

This confusion as to the name is that despite its status as a federal holiday, states are free to name this holiday as they wish or even whether or not it is observed as a public holiday in that state.

State by state guide to Presidents' Day

While the day might be a holiday at a state level, whether or not a private company is likely to observe the day as a holiday depends on the nationwide approach to public holidays in that company.

Most government offices and public schools will be closed and it is a postal holiday, so there will be no mail deliveries on President's Day.

History of Presidents' Day

The original version of the holiday was in commemoration of George Washington's birthday in 1796 (the last full year of his presidency). Washington, according to the calendar that has been used since at least the mid-18th century, was born on February 22nd 1732. According to the old style calendar in use back then, however, he was born on February 11th. In 1796, many Americans celebrated his birthday on the 22nd while others marked the occasion on the 11th instead.

By the early 19th century, Washington's Birthday had taken firm root in the American experience as a bona fide national holiday. Its traditions included Birthnight Balls in various regions, speeches, and receptions given by prominent public figures, and a lot of revelry in taverns throughout the land.

President Chester Alan Arthur was the first to designate Washington's original birth date as a national holiday in 1885.

Then along came Abraham Lincoln, another revered president and fellow February baby (born on the 12th of the month). The first formal observance of his birthday took place in 1865, the year after his assassination when both houses of Congress gathered for a memorial address. While Lincoln's Birthday did not become a federal holiday like George Washington's, it did become a legal holiday in several states.

In 1968, legislation (HR 15951) was enacted that affected several federal holidays. One of these was Washington's Birthday, the observation of which was shifted to the third Monday in February each year whether or not it fell on the 22nd. This act, which took effect in 1971, was designed to simplify the yearly calendar of holidays and give federal employees some standard three-day weekends in the process.

An early draft of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act suggested renaming the federal holiday as "Presidents' Day" to honor the birthdays of both Washington and Lincoln. This proposal failed in committee and on 28 June 1968, the bill was voted on and signed into law, keeping the name "Washington's Birthday".

In the 1980s, advertising campaigns for holiday furniture and other durable-goods sales began adding Lincoln to the mix and popularizing the term Presidents Day.

Washington's Birthday

While the holiday in February is still officially known as Washington's Birthday (at least according to the Office of Personnel Management), it has become popularly (and, in some cases at the state level, legally) known as "Presidents' Day." This has made the third Monday in February a day for honoring both Washington and Lincoln, as well as all the other men who have served as president.

In Arkansas, Daisy Gatson Bates Day is a state holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February.

Mount Rushmore

We use images of Mount Rushmore on this page, so here is some background on this monument.

Mount Rushmore is located in the Black Hills in Keystone, South Dakota. Sculpted by Danish-American Gutzon Borglum and his son, Lincoln Borglum. The side of the mountain features 18-meter (60-foot) sculptures of the heads of four United States presidents from left to right: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

These four Presidents were chosen for this monumental sculpture for the following reasons: 

  • George Washington – He was the first president and represents the foundation of American democracy.
  • Thomas Jefferson – With the Louisiana Purchase, he greatly expanded the nation. He was also the author of the Declaration of Independence.
  • Theodore Roosevelt – He not only represents the industrial development of the nation but was also widely known for conservation efforts.
  • Abraham Lincoln – As the president during the US Civil War, he represents the preservation of the nation above all costs.

Did you know?

Three facts about President's Day

John F. Kennedy was the first president who was a Boy Scout

Abraham Lincoln's birthday falls close to George Washington's, but Lincoln's is not a federal holiday. Some states still celebrate his birthday along with George Washington's

The tallest U.S. President was Abraham Lincoln at 6 feet 4 inches (193 centimeters), while the shortest was James Madison at 5 feet 4 inches (163 centimeters).

More facts about President's Day

Translate this page

What day is Presidents Day every year?

At least a dozen states officially celebrate the third Monday in February as “Washington and Lincoln's Birthday,” and another dozen states call it “Presidents' Day.” In 1971, Congress fixed Washington's Birthday and several other holidays on Mondays to create long holiday weekends.

Does Presidents Day fall on the same day every year?

Presidents' Day is celebrated every year on the third Monday of February — February 20 this year. All the presidents in American history are remembered and honored for their exemplary work in making America the great country it is today.

What is the rule for Presidents Day?

Presidents' Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February because of the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, which moved a number of federal holidays to Mondays when it was passed by the United States Congress in 1968.

What weekend is President's Day 2022?

In 2022, Presidents' Day will be celebrated on Monday, February 21. ... Presidents' Day Dates..