Planning your 2026 year starts here. Our free printable calendar shows all twelve months. US federal holidays appear clearly marked. You can download both PDF and PNG formats. No registration required. No hidden fees. Over 500,000 users trust Wiki Calendar for their planning needs.
The 2026 calendar begins on Thursday, January 1st (2026-01-01). It ends on Thursday, December 31st (2026-12-31). The year contains 365 days total. Eleven official US federal holidays mark important dates. These holidays affect government offices nationwide. Banks and many businesses close on these dates. Schools typically observe these same holidays. All holiday dates are verified against the Office of Personnel Management official schedule.
2026 US Federal Holidays & Important Dates
US federal holidays impact your planning throughout 2026. Eleven official holidays mark the calendar. Government offices close on these dates. Banks and post offices follow the same schedule. Many private businesses observe these holidays too. Knowing these dates helps you plan vacations. You can schedule meetings around office closures. Families coordinate gatherings when everyone has time off.
We verify all dates annually against official government sources. The Office of Personnel Management provides our primary reference for accuracy.
| Holiday | Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| MLK Jr. Day | January 19 | Monday |
| Presidents’ Day | February 16 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Monday |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Friday |
| Independence Day (Observed) | July 3 | Friday |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Saturday |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Columbus Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving | November 26 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
Major Federal Holidays in 2026
The United States observes eleven federal holidays each year. Federal law designates these dates officially. Government employees receive paid time off. Federal offices close nationwide. State and local governments often follow these dates. Schools typically close too. Private businesses choose whether to observe them. Understanding each holiday helps your planning.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2026
New Year’s Day 2026 falls on Thursday, January 1st. Americans celebrate the calendar year’s start. The Thursday timing creates opportunity. Many workers take Friday off too. This creates a four-day weekend. Government offices close Thursday. Banks remain closed. Post offices don’t deliver mail. Many retail stores open with modified hours. Schools extend their winter break through the first week of January.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 19, 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. Day occurs on Monday, January 19, 2026. This federal holiday honors the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The holiday falls on January’s third Monday annually. Americans commemorate Dr. King’s contributions to equality and justice. Many communities organize service projects. Schools host educational programs about civil rights. Federal offices close Monday. Banks don’t open. The three-day weekend attracts travelers. Winter destinations see increased visitors.
Presidents’ Day – February 16, 2026
Presidents’ Day 2026 lands on Monday, February 16th. The holiday originally celebrated George Washington’s birthday. Now Americans honor all US presidents. The date always falls on February’s third Monday. Federal offices close this day. Banks remain closed Monday. Retail stores hold major sales events. Many school districts extend this into winter break. The three-day weekend attracts shoppers and travelers.
Memorial Day – May 25, 2026
Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25, 2026. Americans honor military personnel who died serving the nation. The holiday occurs on May’s last Monday. Communities hold parades nationwide. Ceremonies take place at military cemeteries. Families visit graves of fallen service members. The three-day weekend marks summer’s unofficial start. Travel peaks during this period. Beach towns fill completely. National parks see maximum visitors. Book accommodations months ahead.
Juneteenth – June 19, 2026
Juneteenth falls on Friday, June 19, 2026. This federal holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The date marks June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought news of freedom to enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas. This occurred two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. Communities celebrate with festivals, parades, and educational events. Many Americans reflect on African American history and culture. The Friday timing creates a three-day weekend opportunity. Federal offices close Friday. Banks remain closed. Schools typically close or hold special programs.
Independence Day – July 3-4, 2026
Independence Day 2026 occurs on Saturday, July 4th. America celebrates its 1776 independence declaration from British rule. Because the holiday falls on Saturday, federal employees observe it on Friday, July 3rd. This federal observance follows standard government policy for weekend holidays. Many private businesses close both Friday and Saturday. This creates an extended three-day weekend for most American workers. Communities organize fireworks displays across both evenings. Parades happen in towns nationwide throughout the weekend. Families host backyard barbecues and gatherings. Public celebrations fill parks and waterfronts. Plan to arrive early for fireworks viewing. Popular viewing spots fill hours before shows begin. Many Americans travel during this extended holiday weekend.
Labor Day – September 7, 2026
Labor Day arrives on Monday, September 7, 2026. The holiday honors American workers’ contributions. It falls on September’s first Monday always. The three-day weekend marks summer’s unofficial end. Families take final summer vacations. Students return to school this week. Retail stores hold end-of-season sales. Federal offices close Monday. Banks remain closed. Many businesses give workers this day off.
Columbus Day – October 12, 2026
Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 12, 2026. The federal holiday traditionally commemorates Christopher Columbus. Many states now celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead. The observance occurs on October’s second Monday. Not all states recognize this holiday. Private businesses often remain open. Federal offices close Monday. Banks don’t operate. School closures vary by location. The three-day weekend coincides with peak fall colors.
Veterans Day – November 11, 2026
Veterans Day occurs on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. All US military veterans receive honor this day. The date never changes from November 11th. This commemorates the 1918 World War I armistice. Memorial Day honors those who died in service. Veterans Day celebrates all who served. Communities hold parades and ceremonies. Restaurants offer veterans free meals. Retailers provide military discounts. Federal offices close Wednesday. Banks remain closed. Schools typically close too.
Thanksgiving Day – November 26, 2026
Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Families gather for traditional feasts. Americans express gratitude together. The holiday occurs on November’s fourth Thursday. Most workers get Thursday and Friday off. This creates a four-day weekend. Americans travel more this week than any other holiday period. Airports reach maximum capacity. Highways experience heavy traffic. Book flights months in advance. Black Friday shopping begins Friday, November 27th.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2026
Christmas Day arrives on Friday, December 25, 2026. Christians celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth. Americans observe both religious and secular traditions. The Friday timing benefits workers. Many take Monday, December 28th off too. This creates a four-day weekend. Most businesses close Christmas Day. Transportation operates on reduced schedules. Federal offices close Friday. Banks don’t open. Many companies shut down the entire week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Other Important Observances in 2026
Federal holidays aren’t the only important dates. Many observances affect planning too. Religious holidays impact millions of Americans. Cultural celebrations occur throughout the year. Shopping events and tax deadlines require advance preparation.
Valentine’s Day falls on February 14, 2026. This Saturday celebration focuses on romance and affection. St. Patrick’s Day arrives on March 17th, celebrated with parades and Irish culture. Easter Sunday occurs on April 5, 2026. Easter Monday follows on April 6th. Tax Day deadline hits on April 15th, the annual federal tax filing date. Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican heritage on May 5th. Mother’s Day arrives on May 10th, honoring mothers nationwide. Flag Day commemorates the US flag on June 14th. Father’s Day comes on June 21st, celebrating fathers and father figures. Halloween arrives on October 31st with costumes and celebrations. Election Day occurs on November 3rd for midterm elections. Black Friday shopping begins on November 27th, the day after Thanksgiving. Christmas Eve arrives on December 24th as families prepare for Christmas. New Year’s Eve concludes 2026 on December 31st with celebrations nationwide.
Learn more about US federal holidays history and cultural observances.
Choose Your Format – PDF, PNG, Landscape, or Portrait
Our 2026 calendar offers multiple format options. You choose what fits your needs best. File type affects printing and editing. Orientation determines display placement. Understanding each option helps you decide quickly. Download the combination that works for you.
PDF vs PNG Format
Two file formats serve different purposes. PDF works best for immediate printing. PNG offers flexibility for customization. Both formats maintain high quality. Both work on all devices. Choose based on your primary use.
When to Choose PDF Format
Choose PDF for printing immediately. PDF maintains perfect quality across all printers. The format preserves exact layout. Colors remain accurate. Text stays sharp. Margins align correctly. Every printer handles PDF reliably. Every device opens PDF files. No special software required. The file prints exactly as designed. Professional print shops prefer PDF. PDF prevents accidental editing. Your calendar layout stays protected.
When to Choose PNG Format
Choose PNG for digital flexibility. PNG allows customization before printing. Open it in photo editors. Add personal photos easily. Change colors to match preferences. Insert custom text anywhere. PNG works as desktop wallpaper. Your calendar stays visible on screen. No desk space required. Use PNG in presentations. Insert it into documents. Digital planners prefer this format. Tablet users find PNG ideal.
Landscape vs Portrait Orientation
Orientation affects calendar display significantly. Landscape means horizontal layout. Portrait means vertical arrangement. Your display location determines best choice. Consider available wall space. Think about desk placement.
Landscape Orientation Benefits
Landscape format spreads horizontally. The wide view shows more at once. Desk placement works perfectly. The calendar fits beside monitors. Horizontal wall spaces suit landscape. Office hallways accommodate this format. The width provides better distance visibility. Multiple people can view simultaneously. Date boxes offer more writing space. Notes and appointments fit comfortably. Business environments prefer landscape format.
Portrait Orientation Benefits
Portrait format stands vertically. Standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper fits perfectly. Home printers handle portrait easily. No special settings required. Vertical wall spaces suit portrait. Refrigerator mounting works well. Magnetic clips hold portrait securely. Clipboards display portrait naturally. Traditional wall calendar format feels familiar. Narrow wall areas need portrait orientation. Kitchen command centers prefer portrait.
Ways to Use Your 2026 Calendar Effectively
Calendars serve multiple purposes across different user groups. The right approach depends on your primary needs. Strategic placement maximizes daily value.
For Family Planning and Household Organization
Hang the portrait calendar in your kitchen. Everyone passes this location daily. Use different colored markers per family member to prevent scheduling conflicts immediately. Blue works well for Mom, red for Dad, green for kids. Mark school events, sports practices, and doctor appointments when announced. US federal holidays help plan childcare around school closures. The date boxes fit meal plans, chores, and carpool duties. Large families benefit most from visual coordination when everyone sees their schedule at a glance.
For Professional and Business Use
Keep the landscape calendar on your desk. Place it beside your computer monitor. Track project deadlines and client meetings directly. US federal holidays affect project timelines significantly. Office closures reduce available work days. Business owners use calendars for fiscal year planning. Sales professionals mark prospecting goals and follow-up dates. Highlight quarterly review dates and major milestones in yellow for quick reference. Print multiple copies for office and home locations.
For Students and Academic Planning
Print the calendar each semester start. Mark exam dates, assignment deadlines, and project presentations immediately. The visual layout identifies busy weeks where assignments converge. College students track classes, part-time work, and social events together. Use highlighters to color-code by subject for faster scanning—blue for math, green for English, yellow for science. US federal holidays affect campus library and facility hours. Parents use calendars to monitor academic deadlines and coordinate family schedules around school requirements.
For Remote Workers and Freelancers
Remote work requires intentional boundary management. Block focused work periods visually on the calendar. Mark client meetings and project deadlines clearly. US federal holidays indicate reduced client availability. Freelancers track invoice due dates and contract renewals here. Block “no meeting” focus time in red to protect your deep work hours. The calendar prevents typical remote worker overwork. Many keep it as desktop wallpaper for constant reference. Digital access supports nomadic work styles.
How to Print Your 2026 Calendar
Proper printing ensures quality and longevity. Follow these guidelines for optimal results using standard home or office equipment.
Step-by-Step Printing Instructions
Download your preferred format first. PDF works best for immediate printing. Open the file in your PDF reader. Click the Print button or press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac). Select your printer from the dropdown menu. Choose “Actual Size” or “100%” under page scaling. Never select “Fit to Page” as this may crop edges. Set paper size to Letter (8.5″ x 11″). Match orientation to your calendar format. Landscape files need landscape settings. Portrait files need portrait settings. Select “Best” or “High” print quality. Enable color printing to see holiday markings clearly. Print one test page first. Check margins and alignment before printing final copies.
Recommended Paper and Print Settings
Standard copy paper works adequately for basic use. Heavier paper provides better durability. Choose 24-pound weight for year-long use. Cardstock offers superior results for wall calendars. The 32-pound weight resists curling throughout the year. Bright white paper makes colors pop. Office supply stores sell pre-cut cardstock in letter size.
Best Paper Types for Calendar Printing
Regular copy paper (20-pound) suits temporary calendars. Premium copy paper (24-pound) handles frequent handling better. Light cardstock (65-pound) works perfectly for desk calendars. Heavy cardstock (110-pound) creates professional wall calendars. Matte finish reduces glare under lighting. Glossy paper makes colors vibrant but shows fingerprints. Choose based on your display location and usage frequency.
Optimal Printer Settings
Set print quality to “Best” or “High” for sharp text. Standard quality makes dates harder to read. Select “Color” mode even for mostly black calendars. This preserves holiday markings in red. Choose “Plain Paper” for copy paper. Select “Heavy” or “Cardstock” for thicker materials. Borderless printing isn’t necessary for calendars. Standard margins work perfectly. Disable “Fast Draft” mode completely. Enable “High Resolution” if your printer offers it.
Common Printing Issues and Solutions
Calendar edges cut off? Select “Actual Size” instead of “Fit to Page” in print settings. Colors appear faded? Check ink levels and replace low cartridges. Use “Best” quality setting. Text looks blurry? Enable “High Quality” mode. Clean printer heads using maintenance menu. Paper jams frequently? Use fresh paper from unopened ream. Reduce paper stack size in tray. Calendar prints too small? Ensure scaling shows 100%. Deselect “Shrink to Fit” options. Verify paper size matches Letter setting.
Why Choose Wiki Calendar’s 2026 Templates
Our calendars combine professional design with practical functionality. Quality and accuracy define every template we create. Trusted by over 500,000 users since 2015.
Professional Design by Sharon Gore
Sharon Gore founded Wiki Calendar with a clear mission. She brings over a decade of graphic design experience. Her Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design comes from the University of Texas. Sharon earned certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP). Her calendar designs have won industry recognition. The American Graphic Design Association awarded her the Best Productivity Design Award in 2021. Fast Company, Design Week, and Inc. Magazine have featured her work. Sharon’s expertise combines aesthetics with practical time management principles. Each 2026 calendar reflects this professional approach.
Quality and Accuracy Guarantee
Every calendar undergoes careful verification before publication. We confirm all US federal holiday dates against official government sources. The Office of Personnel Management provides our primary reference. Layout precision ensures proper alignment across all formats. PDF files maintain exact specifications. PNG files preserve high resolution. Color accuracy remains consistent across different printers. The marked holidays appear clearly in red. Date grids follow standard calendar conventions. No design elements interfere with usability. Quality testing covers multiple printer types and paper weights.
Always Free, No Hidden Costs
Wiki Calendar provides all templates completely free. No registration creates barriers to access. No email signup required. No credit card requests ever appear. Download limits don’t exist here. You can download multiple formats freely. Share calendars with family and friends. Print unlimited copies for personal use. Educational institutions use our calendars without fees. Small businesses access templates at no cost. We believe effective planning tools should be universally accessible. No premium versions exist. No upsells interrupt your experience. What you see is what you get.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2026 Calendar
Common questions about downloading and using our 2026 calendar templates.
Is the 2026 calendar really free?
Yes, absolutely free. No payment required ever. No registration blocks your download. No email signup appears. No credit card requests exist. Download all formats freely. Print unlimited copies. Share with anyone. No hidden costs appear later. No premium upsells interrupt you. Wiki Calendar believes planning tools should be accessible to everyone.
What format should I download – PDF or PNG?
Choose PDF for immediate printing. This format maintains perfect quality across all printers. PDF preserves exact layout and colors. Choose PNG for digital use or customization. PNG works as desktop wallpaper. You can edit PNG in photo software before printing. Download both formats if unsure. No limits exist on downloads.
Does the calendar include US federal holidays?
Yes, all eleven US federal holidays appear clearly marked. Red text highlights these important dates. New Year’s Day, MLK Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day (observed July 3, actual July 4), Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all appear. We verify dates against official government sources annually. The Office of Personnel Management provides our reference.
Should I choose landscape or portrait orientation?
Choose landscape for desk placement. The horizontal format fits beside computer monitors. Choose portrait for wall hanging. The vertical format matches traditional calendar display. Portrait fits standard refrigerator mounting. Landscape provides better visibility from distance. Portrait prints perfectly on letter-size paper without adjustments. Download both to test which suits your space better.
What paper size should I use?
Use standard Letter size (8.5″ x 11″). Our calendars are designed specifically for this size. US printers handle Letter size automatically. No special paper orders necessary. Office supply stores stock Letter size universally. The calendar fits perfectly without trimming. International users can use A4 size with minimal margin differences.
Can I customize the calendar after downloading?
PNG format allows complete customization. Open it in any photo editing software. Add personal photos to date boxes. Change background colors freely. Insert custom text anywhere. Add stickers or decorative elements. PDF format prevents editing to maintain layout integrity. Download PNG if customization matters to you. Both formats print with equal quality.
When will 2027 calendars be available?
2027 calendars launch in October 2026. We publish new calendars each October for the following year. Sign up for notifications at Wiki Calendar’s homepage. Early access subscribers receive immediate download links. All calendars remain free forever. Previous year calendars stay available indefinitely. You can download 2026 calendars throughout the entire year.
