About this 2026 holiday planning calendar template
This comprehensive template provides a full twelve-month view of 2026. It highlights major public holidays, seasonal events, and long weekends. Designed for clarity, it helps users visualize the entire year to optimize their personal and professional scheduling.
First Quarter: January to March
The year begins with several key observances to help you kickstart your productivity. Use these dates to plan winter breaks or early business goals during the first three months of the new year.
- January 1 (Thursday): New Year's Day
- January 19 (Monday): Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- February 14 (Saturday): Valentine's Day
- February 16 (Monday): Presidents Day
Second Quarter: April to June
Spring and early summer bring many traditional celebrations and opportunities for outdoor activities. This quarter is perfect for scheduling family gatherings and short trips as the weather begins to improve significantly across regions.
- April 5 (Sunday): Easter
- May 10 (Sunday): Mother's Day
- May 25 (Monday): Memorial Day
- June 19 (Friday): Juneteenth National Independence Day
- June 21 (Sunday): Father's Day
Third Quarter: July to September
Summer peaks and concludes during these three months, offering the best time for long vacations. Focus on national pride and Labor Day events to organize community gatherings or corporate summer retreats before autumn starts.
- July 4 (Saturday): Independence Day
- September 7 (Monday): Labor Day
Fourth Quarter: October to December
The final quarter is packed with major holidays and festive preparations. Carefully managing these dates is essential for retail planning, travel arrangements, and enjoying quality time with loved ones during the holiday season.
- October 12 (Monday): Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day
- October 31 (Saturday): Halloween
- November 11 (Wednesday): Veterans Day
- November 26 (Thursday): Thanksgiving Day
- November 27 (Friday): Black Friday
- December 25 (Friday): Christmas Day
FAQs about this Template
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How can I use the 2026 holiday calendar for business planning?
This calendar is a vital tool for business leaders to manage project timelines and staff leave requests. By identifying public holidays early, you can adjust production schedules and avoid critical deadlines falling on days off. It also helps marketing teams plan seasonal campaigns and sales events, like Black Friday, well in advance to maximize revenue opportunities.
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Which 2026 holidays create long weekends for travel?
In 2026, several holidays fall on Mondays or Fridays, providing perfect opportunities for three-day weekend trips. Notable examples include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. Planning your vacations around these dates allows you to enjoy longer breaks without using excessive annual leave, making it easier to recharge and explore new destinations.
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Why is it important to track non-federal holidays like Valentine's Day?
While not federal holidays, events like Valentine's Day and Halloween are culturally significant and impact various industries. For retailers and the hospitality sector, these dates represent peak demand periods. Tracking them ensures that you can prepare inventory, staff, and decorations in time. For individuals, it helps in making dinner reservations or planning social gatherings before venues get fully booked.