Presidents’ Day in the United States is one of those very American February holidays that blends history, tradition, and modern-day routines. Some people associate it with George Washington, some think of Abraham Lincoln, and many simply see it as a long weekend—and honestly, all of those are part of the story.
If you’ve ever wondered why Presidents’ Day is celebrated, which presidents are honored, whether it’s a US federal holiday, how it’s observed, and when it began, this guide walks you through the essential facts in a simple, engaging way—without turning it into a textbook. (And yes, February 20 is a real Presidents’ Day date in some years, but not every year. More on that in a moment.)
What is Presidents’ Day, and is it a US federal holiday?
Let’s start with the most important clarification:
The official US federal holiday is still legally called “Washington’s Birthday.” That’s the name used by the federal government, including federal employee holiday calendars. In everyday speech, though, the holiday is widely known as Presidents Day USA (often written as Presidents’ Day), and many states and businesses use that name too.
So yes—it is a US federal holiday, meaning federal offices close and many services pause. But the “Presidents’ Day” label is more of a popular and state-level tradition than an official federal renaming.
When is Presidents’ Day celebrated, and why does the date sometimes show as February 20?
Here’s the simple rule:
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday in February.
That means the date changes every year depending on the calendar. In some years, the third Monday lands on February 20—for example, it did in 2023. In other years, it might be February 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19. So if you’re writing a calendar-style article that lists “February 20 – Presidents’ Day,” it’s accurate for some years, but it’s important to explain that the holiday is defined by the third Monday, not a fixed date.
This “Monday-based” scheduling exists because of a major federal law designed to create predictable long weekends:
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved certain holidays (including Washington’s Birthday) to Mondays to standardize observances and encourage consistent three-day weekends. The change took effect in the early 1970s.
Why is Presidents’ Day celebrated?
At its heart, Presidents’ Day is about recognizing American leadership and remembering key chapters of American history. But historically, the holiday began with a very specific purpose:
1) It started as Washington’s Birthday
George Washington’s birthday is February 22. Washington was the first president of the United States and remains a foundational figure in the country’s early identity. Honoring him with a public holiday became a way to recognize the creation of the presidency itself—and the values associated with the country’s earliest leadership.
2) It evolved into a broader celebration
Over time, many Americans and many states started to treat the day as more than just Washington’s birthday. Because Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is February 12 (also in February), the month naturally became a moment to reflect on more than one president.
That’s how the holiday gradually developed a dual meaning:
- Washington birthday (official federal holiday name and original purpose)
- Lincoln tribute and, more generally, appreciation for presidents and presidential leadership
In a modern sense, Presidents’ Day has become a February holiday that invites reflection on the leadership legacy of the presidency—how different leaders shaped the country in different eras, for better or worse, and how national leadership affects everyday life.
When did Presidents’ Day begin?
This is another place where people get mixed up because there are two timelines—the start of Washington’s Birthday as a formal holiday, and the later shift to a Monday date.
Key milestones (easy timeline)
- Late 1800s: Washington’s Birthday becomes an official holiday for federal workers (first in Washington, D.C., then expanded more broadly).
1968: Uniform Monday Holiday Act passes, moving the observance to a Monday.
1971 onward: Washington’s Birthday is officially observed on the third Monday in February at the federal level (instead of always being tied to February 22).
One interesting detail: because of the “third Monday” system, the federal holiday never actually falls on February 22 anymore. It always lands between February 15 and February 21. That sometimes surprises people who assume it still occurs on Washington’s real birthday.
Which presidents are honored on Presidents’ Day?
This is the most common question, and the answer depends on whether you mean the federal holiday or the popular tradition.
Official federal meaning: George Washington
At the federal level, the holiday honors George Washington. The official name remains Washington’s Birthday.
Common public meaning: Washington + Lincoln (and sometimes more)
In many states and communities, Presidents’ Day is treated as a celebration of:
- George Washington
- Abraham Lincoln (a major “Lincoln tribute” theme because of his February 12 birthday)
- and sometimes all U.S. presidents, especially in educational settings, museums, and media
Some states use the holiday specifically to recognize Washington and Lincoln together, while others treat it as a broader celebration of presidential history. In practice, Americans often talk about it as “a day to honor presidents,” but the exact focus can vary.
How is Presidents’ Day observed today?
Presidents’ Day is both a public holiday experience and a cultural moment. Here are the most common ways it shows up across the United States:
1) Federal offices and many institutions close
Because it’s a US federal holiday, many government services close or operate on limited schedules. That includes:
- Federal government offices
- Many state and local government offices (though state rules vary)
- Some schools and universities (depending on district calendars)
Banks and financial markets may also be closed or operate differently, depending on the institution and specific observance rules.
2) Schools and educators use it as an American history moment
In classrooms, Presidents’ Day is often a gateway into:
- The American Revolution and the founding era (Washington)
- The Civil War and the end of slavery (Lincoln)
- Civic lessons about democracy, elections, leadership, and government structure
It’s one of the few holidays that encourages people—especially kids—to learn how the presidency works and why certain leaders are remembered.
3) Museums, historic sites, and events
Many communities use the long weekend to host:
- Museum programs and exhibits
- Historical reenactments
- Talks about the presidency
- Family events tied to American history
You’ll often see increased attention on presidential landmarks, like Mount Vernon (Washington’s home) and Lincoln-related historic sites.
4) Retail and travel: the modern “long weekend” effect
In everyday life, a lot of Americans experience Presidents’ Day as a practical long weekend—a winter break that can be used for:
- Short trips
- Family time
- Catching up on life
- (And yes) shopping promotions
This commercial side doesn’t erase the holiday’s meaning, but it does shape how many people encounter it today.
Why do people spell it differently: Presidents’ Day vs President’s Day?
You’ll see a few versions:
- Presidents’ Day (plural possessive) — suggests honoring multiple presidents
- President’s Day (singular possessive) — sometimes used in marketing, but less precise
- Presidents Day (no apostrophe) — common in headlines and signage
- Washington’s Birthday — official federal name
There isn’t one universally enforced style outside government naming. The key is clarity: if your article explains that it’s officially Washington’s Birthday but popularly called Presidents’ Day, you’re covering the real-world usage accurately.
The deeper meaning: leadership legacy in one February holiday
Presidents’ Day can feel simple on the surface—day off, long weekend, winter pause—but it also invites a bigger question: What kind of leadership shapes a country?
Washington is often remembered for setting norms—like stepping down peacefully after two terms, establishing the idea that leadership is service, not ownership. Lincoln is remembered for holding the country together through its greatest internal crisis and reshaping the nation’s moral direction. Whether people admire every president or critique many of them, the holiday gives space to reflect on how decisions made at the top ripple down into everyday life.
That’s the “why” behind the holiday that still matters: it’s not only about names and dates. It’s about how a nation remembers leadership, power, and responsibility.
(At Riya’s Blogs, that’s also what makes holidays like this so interesting—not just the history, but what it reveals about people.)
Conclusion
Presidents Day USA is widely recognized as a celebration of U.S. presidents, but the official US federal holiday remains Washington’s Birthday, now observed on the third Monday in February. That scheduling came from the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which helped standardize long weekends and moved the holiday away from Washington’s actual birthday on February 22.
So, why is Presidents’ Day celebrated? It began as a tribute to Washington and evolved into a broader reflection on presidential leadership and American civic history.
Which presidents are honored? Officially, Washington; culturally and in many states, Washington and Lincoln—and sometimes all presidents.
How is it observed? Through closures, school lessons, historic programs, community events, and modern long-weekend routines.
When did it begin? As a Washington-focused holiday in the late 1800s, and as the modern Monday observance starting in the early 1970s.
And finally, if you’re using a date like February 20, just remember to add one key line: it’s correct for years when the third Monday lands on February 20—but the holiday itself is defined by the Monday rule, not a fixed calendar date.
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