Presidents' Day is a US federal holiday observed on the third Monday of February. Officially called Washington's Birthday, it honors George Washington's actual birthday (February 22, 1732) and informally other US presidents.
Washington's Birthday was first observed in 1879. Moved to the third Monday in February in 1971 (Uniform Monday Holiday Act). The unofficial name "Presidents' Day" emerged as a marketing term in the 1980s, since the date falls between the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln (Feb 12).
Major retail sales — particularly mattresses, appliances, and cars. School holiday. Some states honor specific presidents (e.g., Massachusetts honors Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln).
Federal holiday. Federal offices, banks, schools, and post offices closed. Most private businesses operate normally.