Washington DC Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

Federal holidays hit different when a quarter of your workforce works for the government. Here’s DC’s 2026 calendar. For neighboring states, see our Virginia holidays 2026 and Maryland holidays 2026 guides.

What Are the Federal Holidays in DC for 2026?

Independence Day falls on Saturday. Federal agencies will observe Friday, July 3 as the holiday.

Federal offices, DC government, courts, and most government services close on all dates above. DC has the highest concentration of federal workers in the country—expect widespread closures.

What DC-Specific Holidays Are Observed?

DC observes Emancipation Day (April 16, 2026) as a local holiday. DC government offices and DCPS schools close. This commemorates the end of slavery in Washington DC in 1862.

Inauguration Day (January 20) is a federal holiday only in the DC metro area when it falls on a weekday. The next Inauguration Day is January 20, 2029.

What Local Events Affect DC Schedules in 2026?

Specific 2026 dates for major events are typically announced in late 2025 or early 2026. Cherry blossom peak bloom dates vary by weather.

• Tidal Basin and Mall congestion for 4 weeks – National Cherry Blossom Festival (March–April) draws over 1.5 million visitors. Peak bloom creates extreme crowds around the Tidal Basin. The parade closes Constitution Avenue.
• National Mall closures, July 4 – Independence Day celebrations close the National Mall and surrounding streets. Expect massive crowds, security screening, and limited access from late afternoon through fireworks.
• Downtown and Capitol Hill closures – Protests, marches, and demonstrations can close streets with little notice. Check current events when planning downtown access.
• Marine Corps Marathon route closures – Marine Corps Marathon (October) closes streets in Arlington, Georgetown, and around the Mall. Plan for limited vehicle access Sunday morning.
• Stadium traffic – Nationals games at Nationals Park and events at Capital One Arena create periodic traffic in Navy Yard and Chinatown. Weekend games compound with holiday schedules.

When Do DC Government Offices Close?

DC government closes for federal holidays plus Emancipation Day (April 16)—that’s a local holiday the feds don’t observe. Friday after Thanksgiving is off. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve usually mean early release.

When Are DCPS Schools Closed in 2026?

These dates close DC Public Schools. Plan for childcare gaps and potential staffing shortages:

• All federal holidays
• Emancipation Day (April 16)
• Day after Thanksgiving (November 27)
• Winter break (late December through early January)
• Spring break (April)
• Teacher professional days (dates vary)

The official 2026–2027 DCPS calendar releases in early 2026. Confirm specific dates then.

How Do DC Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

This is a government town. When the feds are off, a quarter of the workforce disappears—and so does the lunch crowd, the dry cleaning, and the coffee runs. Cherry Blossom season (late March–April) flips the script: tourists flood in while locals complain about the crowds. Contractors work different schedules than federal employees, which complicates everything.

Summary

Federal holidays matter more here than anywhere else—plan for ghost-town vibes downtown. Cherry Blossom Festival (spring) brings tourists and traffic. Emancipation Day (April 16) closes DC government and schools but not federal offices—it trips up employers who aren’t from here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do federal holidays affect DC differently than other cities?

Massively. About 25% of DC-area workers are federal employees or contractors. When federal offices close, entire neighborhoods empty out. Downtown restaurants, dry cleaners, and coffee shops lose most of their weekday traffic. If your business serves the federal workforce, federal holidays hit your revenue harder than anywhere else in the country.

What’s the difference between federal employees and contractors on holidays?

Federal employees get paid holidays off. Contractors usually don’t—they either work, take unpaid leave, or use PTO. This creates staffing complexity. A government office might close, but the contractor team supporting it may still be expected to work. Know which category your employees fall into and plan accordingly.

How do I staff for Cherry Blossom Festival?

Peak bloom is unpredictable—it depends on weather and can shift by weeks. The Festival runs late March through mid-April, but the 4–10 day peak bloom window draws the biggest crowds. If you’re in hospitality, tourism, or near the Tidal Basin, staff up for the entire 4-week period. Commute times increase citywide.

Is Emancipation Day a big deal in DC?

For DC government and schools, yes—they close. For federal offices, no—they stay open. For private employers, it’s often overlooked. April 16, 2026 falls on a Thursday. If you have employees with kids in DCPS, expect childcare gaps. Mark it on your calendar even if you don’t observe it as a company holiday.

Related Guides

• Virginia Holidays 2026 – Neighboring state holiday schedule
• Maryland Holidays 2026 – Neighboring state holiday schedule
• Pennsylvania Holidays 2026 – Nearby Northeast state holiday schedule

Sources

• DC Government – Holiday Schedule
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Federal Holidays
• DC Public Schools – School Calendar