How many days until Return Day?
There are 3 days until Return Day 2026 — Thursday, November 5, 2026.
About this countdown
This countdown targets Return Day on Thursday, November 5, 2026, set by the rule: 3 days after the first Monday in November (even-numbered years). It runs on your device's clock and counts to midnight at the start of the day.
Return Day is a state holiday, so the date matters for more than the celebration — government offices close and many employers follow suit. Return Day is a Delaware tradition held in Georgetown two days after a general elecsion, in even-numbered years. State employees who live or work in Sussex County get a legal half-holiday after noon; elsewhere it is a normal workday, and no federal offices close.
Milestones on the way
If you like counting in round numbers rather than watching every second, these are the dates the countdown passes on its way to Return Day:
- 1 day to go — Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Return Day dates by year
| Year | Date | Day | Days from today |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 5, 2026 | Thursday | 3 days |
Dates computed from the governing statutes and last verified October 3, 2026. Years beyond officially published schedules are projected from the rule that sets the date.
What closes on Return Day
| Service | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Post Office (USPS) | Open | Not a federal holiday; regular mail delivery and retail hours everywhere, including Delaware. |
| Banks | Open | Banks follow the Federal Reserve calendar, which does not include Return Day. |
| Stock market (NYSE, Nasdaq) | Open | Normal trading day. |
| Federal offices | Open | Federal agencies and courts keep normal hours. |
| State and local government | Varies | Delaware state offices staffed by Sussex County employees close after 12 noon; Georgetown-area county and town offices often close for the afternoon. Normal hours elsewhere. |
Coming up after Return Day
- Nov 11 Days until Veterans Day 9 days away
- Nov 26 Days until Thanksgiving Day 24 days away
- Dec 25 Days until Christmas Day 53 days away
- Jan 1 Days until New Year's Day 60 days away
Keep track
Add Return Day to your calendar · Put this countdown on your site · Read about Return Day · All countdowns
Frequently asked questions
How many days until Return Day?
There are 3 days until Return Day, which falls on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The countdown on this page updates every second.
How many weekends are left before Return Day?
There are 0 weekends between now and Return Day on November 5 — useful to know if you are planning shopping trips or preparations.
Is Return Day a day off?
Return Day is a state holiday, so government offices close. Private employers set their own policy.