President's Day, the next
federal holiday on the calendar, is rapidly approaching. The
holiday , which is celebrated annually on the third Monday of February, commemorates the births of two great United States presidents — George Washington (born on Feb. 22) and Abraham Lincoln (born on Feb. 12). Most schools, banks and government offices will be closed for the holiday, and mail will not be delivered. However, most retailers, like grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants will be open for business. Here's everything to know about President's Day 2025, including when it is, why it is celebrated and what is open or closed on the federal holiday.
When is Presidents Day 2025?
Presidents Day falls on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Although Washington's birthday is on Feb. 22, the holiday was changed to February's third Monday after the U.S. Congress standardized most federal holidays so they would fall either on Friday or Monday, resulting in longer weekends.
What is President's Day and why is it celebrated?
President's Day started in the 1880s when Americans first began celebrating the birth of President George Washington as a federal holiday,
according to Encyclopedia Britannica . Washington, who was born on Feb. 22, 1732, was not only the first president but a key figure in the American Revolution when he served as commander of the Continental Army. Many of the traditions and precedents of the presidency were established by Washington. In 1968, Congress changed the rules regarding many holidays — opting to move most to a Monday to guarantee three-day weekends, Britannica states. While discussing this Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, some proposed expanding the February holiday to President's Day, which would allow states to celebrate the birth of President Abraham Lincoln and Washington on the same day. Lincoln, who was born on Feb. 12, 1809, was another major influential president for his leadership during the Civil War and for ending slavery. His birthday was celebrated as a holiday in some states, though was never a federal holiday. Congress rejected the name change at that time. Ultimately though, the name President's Day became popular as retailers used it to advertise and promote their February sales, Britannica states.
What is closed on Presidents Day in Arizona? Are schools open or closed on Feb. 17, 2025?
Most government agencies were not expected to operate on Presidents Day. Here's a roundup of the offices expected to be closed.
What is open on Presidents Day in Arizona? What stores are open on Feb. 17, 2025?
People can expect most nongovernment establishments to remain open, but it's important to note that operating hours are likely to vary for the day. Most stores' adjusted hours of operation can be found on Google Maps, Apple Maps, Yelp or on stores' websites. Here's a roundup of retail, grocery and convenience stores that are expected to be open on Presidents Day.
Which US presidents visited Arizona?
