KEY TAKEAWAYS: Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Memorial Day create early long weekends in 2026 Juneteenth and Christmas fall on Fridays, extending time off opportunities Thanksgiving offers a potential four-day weekend with one vacation day Strategic planning around midweek holidays can maximiz e vacation time   The new year brings a fresh calendar and for travelers and planners, and 2026 offers several long weekends and strategic chances to turn a few days off into extended breaks. Here’s a look at major U.S. holidays in 2026 and how workers and families can plan vacations around them. When is MLK Day 2026? The year begins with Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19, giving many Americans their first three-day weekend of the year. With New Year’s Day falling on a Thursday, some workers may already start 2026 with extra time off by taking Friday, Jan. 2. When is Valentine’s Day 2026? Valentine’s Day lands on Saturday, Feb. 14, making it ideal for weekend getaways without taking time off work. When is St. Patrick’s Day 2026? In the spring, St. Patrick’s Day falls on Tuesday, March 17, followed by Easter on Sunday, April 5. While Easter does not create a long weekend for most workers, school spring breaks and mild weather make early April a popular travel window. When is Memorial Day 2026? Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, kicks off the traditional summer travel season with a three-day weekend. A few weeks later, Juneteenth is observed Friday, June 19, creating another built-in long weekend. When is Independence Day 2026? Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, meaning many workplaces may not offer an extra weekday off, though celebrations and travel are expected throughout the long weekend. When is Labor Day 2026? After a quieter late summer, Labor Day arrives Monday, Sept. 7, providing another three-day weekend and one of the last major chances for summer vacations. Fall holidays include Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31, followed by one of the most travel-heavy periods of the year. When is Thanksgiving 2026? Thanksgiving, which falls Thursday, Nov. 26. Workers who take off the following Friday can enjoy a four-day weekend. Black Friday is Nov. 27. When are the December holidays in 2026? In December, Hanukkah begins Saturday, Dec. 5, while Christmas falls on Friday, Dec. 25, offering a three-day weekend for many employees. New Year’s Eve lands on Thursday, Dec. 31, setting up another opportunity for extended time off heading into 2027. Travel experts recommend booking flights and accommodations early for holiday weekends, especially Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Using vacation days around midweek holidays such as Juneteenth or New Year’s Eve can help maximize time off while minimizing days taken from work. With thoughtful planning, the 2026 holiday calendar offers multiple chances to stretch vacations, manage travel costs and make the most of long weekends throughout the year. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 2026 holiday schedule presents some great vacation chances; key dates Reporting by Manahil Ahmad, NorthJersey.com / NorthJersey.com USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect ...read more read less