With the Christmas and New Year holidays over, going back to normal life can feel like going to a war zone. If you are already planning on your next leave, wait, let us help you.
Long weekends in the United States are like little Easter eggs scattered around the year as surprises. Whether you want to plan a small getaway, a staycation, or just spend a little extra time with your friends and family, we have got you covered with a guide for all the long weekends in 2026.
Long Weekends in 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19 | Monday |
| Presidents’ Day | February 16 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Monday |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Friday |
| The 4th of July falls on a Saturday and will be observed on July 3rd (making it a long summer weekend). | July 3rd | Friday |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Columbus Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Veterans 'Day | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Thursday |
| Christmas | December | Friday |
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Long Weekend
Saturday, January 17 to Monday, January 19
Starting with the first real break of the year, MLK Jr. Day matters way more than people think.
It also falls on what happens to be known as “Blue Monday,” which is apparently the most depressing day of the year.
Interesting fact: Blue Monday is said to be the most depressing day of the year because it falls when dull weather, post-holiday bills, fading New Year’s motivation, and the long gap since Christmas tend to collide. The idea was coined by a UK psychologist in 2005 for a travel company’s PR campaign. There’s no scientific proof that one day is truly the “most depressing,” but the feelings linked to it are familiar to many people.
So, the MLK Jr. Long Weekend means a lot to people because people are still recovering from burnout, and tackling normal life feels exhausting. You can even make it a longer weekend if you take Friday off.
The MLK Jr. Long Weekend is perfect to heal from the blues, plan low-effort lazy staycations, or do whatever you want to your heart's content.
Check out Everything You Need to Know About Martin Luther King Day next.
Presidents’ Day Long Weekend Meets Valentine's
Saturday, February 14, to Monday, February 16
President's Day often collides with winter breaks in schools, which makes it one of the busiest holiday weekends during the winter.
This long weekend is a break from the no-holiday spree that stretches between January and May and hence makes it popular for short escapades.
You can also make it a longer holiday by taking Friday and Tuesday off and starting to book your trips now so you avoid unnecessary spikes.
Since it also falls on Valentine's Day weekend, it is the perfect excuse to plan a super romantic getaway.
Read more on Presidents' Day History.
If you need more ideas for some romantic adventures, read 15 Romantic Adventures for Valentine's and President's Day Weekend
Memorial Day
Saturday, May 23, to Monday, May 25
Memorial Day weekend is the first long weekend as summer sets in, marking a significant shift in the daily routines.
This period matters because it signals the start of peak summer travel, with generally good weather across most of the country and a natural mental shift before busier months begin.
To maximize it, taking Tuesday, May 26, can help avoid peak return traffic, while booking stays slightly outside major tourist hubs can save money.
It’s also a useful time to reset, set summer priorities, and pace workloads more realistically.
You might also want to read Memorial Day.
Independence Day
Saturday, July 4; Monday, July 6
Because Independence Day falls on a Saturday, how much time off you get really depends on your workplace’s holiday policy.
Many employers observe it on Friday, July 3, while essential-service roles may offer an alternate day off.
To maximize the break, taking Monday, July 6, can turn it into a four-day weekend, though travel demand is usually high, so early planning is key.
Staying local often offers better value and less stress, making it ideal for family gatherings, nearby trips, and a relaxed extended summer weekend.
Check out Independence Day.
Labor Day
Saturday, September 5, to Monday, September 7
Labor Day weekend acts as a border between summer and fall when the workload is super demanding, and planning a getaway on this weekend is perfect because there are usually smaller crowds, low prices on flights and accommodations, and a much-needed rest from the hectic schedule.
It’s also a smart moment to reassess annual goals and reset timelines before the final push of the year.
Read more on Labor Day
Columbus Day
Saturday, October 10, to Monday, October 12
This holiday is not observed everywhere, but you can still use it to its full advantage by providing yourself with a much-needed break amidst the hectic schedule.
Falling during the absolutely pleasant fall weather makes it. an ideal holiday to plan something nice with your loved ones.
Know more about Columbus Day.
Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 26, to Monday, November 30
Thanksgiving is one of the most PTO-efficient holidays thanks to widespread workplace slowdowns.
Many organizations already expect limited availability, often include both Thursday and Friday off, and follow predictable travel patterns that make early planning easier.
By taking Monday and Tuesday off, you can stretch it into nearly six full days away from work, making it ideal for long-distance travel, proper mental shutdown, and uninterrupted family time.
You might find Thanksgiving interesting.
Christmas
Friday, December 25, to Sunday, January 3
Year-end holidays offer the highest return on PTO because most teams are already operating at reduced capacity. Meetings are scarce, decision-making slows down, and there’s a natural pause that makes it easier to step away and reflect.
By taking December 28–31 off and combining it with surrounding weekends, you can unlock up to nine consecutive days away from work with minimal disruption, maximum rest, minimal guilt, and a clean mental reset before the new year.
The long weekends in 2026 offer more than just time off; they create structure. Used intentionally, they help spread rest throughout the year, reduce burnout, and make your PTO work harder.
Don't forget to give Christmas Day a read.
