United States Washingtons Birthday 2025

When Is It Celebrated?

Washingtons Birthday is observed on the third Monday of February.

Washingtons Birthday Historical Data (2023 - 2027)

20/02/2023MonWashington's Birthday
19/02/2024MonWashington's Birthday
17/02/2025MonWashington's Birthday
16/02/2026MonWashington's Birthday
15/02/2027MonWashington's Birthday

Know about the Complete List of Public Holidays in United States this year including National and regional holidays.

Purpose

The holiday celebrates the contributions of America's presidents and serves as a reminder of the nation's history and leadership.

How Is It Celebrated?

On Washingtons Birthday, many enjoy a long weekend with shopping sales, family outings or historical reenactments. Schools teach students about the founding fathers and communities host parades.

Washington's Birthday is celebrated with patriotic events, historical reenactments and educational programs about the Founding Fathers. Schools and museums host special exhibits while government buildings and institutions hold ceremonies to honor Washington's role in shaping the nation. Many retailers take advantage of the holiday with major sales, making it a popular shopping weekend. Some communities hold parades, featuring marching bands, military units and historical figures dressed as George Washington. Others visit Mount Vernon, Washington's historic estate, where wreath-laying ceremonies take place.

History

Washingtons Birthday: The holiday was established in 1885 to honor George Washington's birthday (February 22nd). In 1971, it became part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, creating a three-day weekend and expanding the celebration to include all U.S. presidents.

Originally established in 1879, Washington's Birthday was officially recognized as a federal holiday to honor his birth on February 22, 1732. In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the holiday to the third Monday in February, creating a long weekend for workers. Though still legally called Washington's Birthday, it gradually became known as Presidents' Day to honor all U.S. presidents.

Traditions

Traditional celebrations include reenactments of Washington's speeches, cherry pie baking (linked to the famous "cherry tree" myth) and military honors. Schools often teach students about Washington's leadership, his role in the American Revolution and his presidency. Some states, like Virginia, Washington's birthplace, host special commemorative events.

Fun Fact

Despite the popular belief, Washington never actually had wooden teeth! His dentures were made of a mix of materials, including ivory and human teeth.

Modern Celebrations

Today, Presidents' Day is widely seen as a time to reflect on leadership and national pride. Many Americans take advantage of the extended weekend for travel, leisure and shopping while others participate in civic events that highlight Washington's enduring legacy.