January 2026 Holidays
January 2026 Holidays in the USA – Federal Holidays, Observances & Special Days
Planning ahead for January 2026 holidays helps you organize time off work, coordinate family gatherings, and make the most of the new year. Whether you’re looking for federal holidays that close schools and banks, religious observances, or fun national celebration days, January 2026 offers a diverse mix of important dates to mark on your calendar. From the traditional New Year’s Day celebration to Martin Luther King Jr. Day and dozens of quirky food holidays, this comprehensive guide covers all the holidays January 2026 brings to Americans. Understanding these dates early allows you to book travel, plan events, and ensure you don’t miss any special observances that matter to your family, community, or business.
Federal Holidays in January 2026
The United States recognizes two official federal holidays in January 2026, both of which result in closures for government offices, banks, post offices, and many schools across the country.
New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026
New Year’s Day marks the first day of the calendar year and is one of the most universally celebrated holidays in the United States. Since January 1, 2026, falls on a Thursday, most Americans will enjoy a long weekend if they take Friday off as well. As a federal holiday, you can expect:
- All federal government offices closed
- Banks and credit unions closed nationwide
- No regular mail delivery from USPS
- Stock markets closed (NYSE, NASDAQ)
- Most schools and many private businesses closed
New Year’s Day traditions include watching the Rose Parade, attending New Year’s Day football games, making resolutions for the year ahead, and spending time with family after the previous night’s celebrations. Many restaurants and retailers remain open with modified hours to accommodate post-holiday shopping and dining.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 19, 2026
Observed on the third Monday of January each year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the civil rights leader’s birthday (January 15, 1929) and his profound impact on American society. In 2026, this federal holiday falls on Monday, January 19th, creating a three-day weekend for many Americans.
Dr. King’s legacy of nonviolent activism, equality, and justice continues to inspire observances nationwide. Many communities mark this day with:
- Volunteer service projects and community outreach
- Educational programs in schools and universities
- Civil rights marches and commemorative events
- Museum exhibits highlighting the civil rights movement
- Day of service initiatives encouraging Americans to give back
As a federal holiday, expect the same closures as New Year’s Day for government offices, banks, and schools. Many retailers hold MLK Day sales, while others close in observance of the holiday.
Religious and Historical Observances in January 2026
Beyond federal holidays, January 2026 features several significant religious and historical observances recognized by various communities throughout the United States.
Epiphany – Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Also known as Three Kings’ Day or Theophany, Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus Christ. While not a federal holiday in the United States, Epiphany holds particular significance for Christian denominations including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran communities. Many Hispanic and Latino families celebrate with special foods, gift-giving (especially for children), and religious services. Some communities host Three Kings parades featuring elaborate costumes and festivities.
Orthodox Christmas – Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Members of Eastern Orthodox churches that follow the Julian calendar celebrate Christmas on January 7th rather than December 25th. This observance is particularly important to Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian, and other Eastern European Orthodox communities in the United States. Traditional celebrations include special church services, fasting periods followed by festive meals, and family gatherings. Major cities with significant Orthodox populations often host cultural events and church services to mark this sacred day.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day – Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Designated by the United Nations, January 27th commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz-Birchwitz concentration camp in 1945. This solemn day honors the six million Jewish victims and millions of other victims of Nazi persecution during the Holocaust. Observances across the United States include:
- Memorial services and candlelight vigils
- Educational programs in schools and museums
- Survivor testimonies and historical exhibitions
- Moments of silence and remembrance ceremonies
- Holocaust museum special programs and events
Many American cities with Holocaust museums and memorials hold special programming to educate younger generations and ensure the lessons of history are never forgotten.
Popular National & Fun Days in January 2026
January 2026 brings dozens of lighthearted national celebration days that have gained popularity on social media and among businesses looking to engage customers. Here are some of the most popular:
National Spaghetti Day – Saturday, January 4, 2026 Italian restaurants nationwide celebrate this carb-lover’s favorite with special menus and promotions. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a comforting bowl of pasta after the new year begins.
National Bird Day – Monday, January 5, 2026 Birdwatching enthusiasts and conservation organizations use this day to raise awareness about avian conservation and the importance of protecting bird habitats.
National Bagel Day – Thursday, January 15, 2026 Many bagel chains offer free or discounted bagels to celebrate this beloved breakfast staple. Check with your local bagel shop for special deals.
National Popcorn Day – Monday, January 19, 2026 Coinciding with MLK Day, this tasty observance celebrates America’s favorite movie snack. Movie theaters and popcorn brands often run special promotions.
National Hugging Day – Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Founded to encourage human connection, this feel-good observance promotes the emotional benefits of hugs and physical affection among friends and family.
National Compliment Day – Friday, January 24, 2026 Spread positivity by offering genuine compliments to brighten someone’s day during the winter months.
National Chocolate Cake Day – Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Bakeries and chocolate lovers unite to celebrate this decadent dessert with special recipes and indulgent treats.
National Croissant Day – Friday, January 30, 2026 French bakeries and cafés honor this buttery, flaky pastry with special offerings and discounts to cap off the month.
These fun national days have become increasingly popular on social media platforms, with businesses leveraging them for marketing campaigns and individuals celebrating them as conversation starters and reasons to indulge in favorite foods.
Complete List of January 2026 Holidays & Observances in the USA
Here’s a comprehensive calendar of all notable holidays and observances throughout January 2026:
- January 1 – New Year’s Day (Federal Holiday)
- January 4 – National Spaghetti Day, World Braille Day
- January 5 – National Bird Day
- January 6 – Epiphany
- January 7 – Orthodox Christmas
- January 13 – National Rubber Ducky Day, National Sticker Day
- January 15 – National Bagel Day, National Hat Day
- January 16 – National Fig Newton Day, National Religious Freedom Day
- January 17 – Ditch Your New Year’s Resolutions Day
- January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Federal Holiday), National Popcorn Day
- January 20 – Inauguration Day (observed in DC area)
- January 21 – National Hugging Day
- January 24 – National Compliment Day, National Peanut Butter Day
- January 26 – National Spouses Day, Australia Day
- January 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day, National Chocolate Cake Day
- January 28 – National Kazoo Day, Data Privacy Day
- January 30 – National Croissant Day
- January 31 – National Backward Day
This comprehensive list ensures you won’t miss any celebration opportunity throughout the month, whether you’re planning social media content, business promotions, or simply looking for fun reasons to celebrate with friends and family.
January 2026 Holiday Calendar
A visual calendar makes planning easier and helps you see at a glance which days are holidays and how they fall during the week. Having a printable January 2026 calendar with all holidays marked allows you to:
- Plan vacation days strategically around federal holidays
- Schedule business meetings avoiding major observances
- Coordinate family events and gatherings
- Prepare marketing campaigns around national celebration days
- Ensure childcare arrangements for school closures
Consider downloading or creating a calendar that highlights both federal holidays in bold and includes smaller notations for observances and fun national days. Digital calendar users should input these dates with reminders to maximize planning efficiency. Many calendar apps allow you to subscribe to holiday calendars that automatically populate these dates year after year.
FAQs About January 2026 Holidays
Q1: What are the federal holidays in January 2026?
A: There are two federal holidays in January 2026: New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1st, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19th. Both result in closures for federal government offices, banks, post offices, and most schools.
Q2: Is Epiphany a federal holiday in the USA?
A: No, Epiphany (January 6th) is not a federal holiday in the United States. However, it is an important religious observance for many Christian denominations, particularly Catholic and Orthodox churches. Some individuals may take personal time off to observe this day.
Q3: When is Martin Luther King Day 2026?
A: Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2026 falls on Monday, January 19th. It’s always observed on the third Monday of January, close to Dr. King’s actual birthday of January 15th.
Q4: How many holidays are in January 2026?
A: January 2026 has 2 federal holidays, several major religious observances, and dozens of unofficial national celebration days. The exact number depends on which observances you count, but there are notable dates nearly every day of the month.
Q5: Do schools close for all January holidays?
A: Schools typically close only for the two federal holidays (New Year’s Day and MLK Day). However, some private or religious schools may also close for observances like Epiphany or Orthodox Christmas depending on their community.
Q6: Are banks open on MLK Day 2026?
A: No, banks are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as it is a federal holiday. ATMs remain available, and online banking services continue to function normally.
Looking Ahead – February 2026 Holidays
As January comes to a close, start preparing for February 2026’s upcoming holidays and observances. February brings Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day (a federal holiday), Black History Month observances, and more. Planning ahead ensures you’re ready for the next month’s celebrations, time-off requests, and special events. Whether you’re coordinating business operations, planning family activities, or managing your personal schedule, knowing what’s ahead helps you stay organized throughout the winter months.
