Is Columbus Day a Federal Holiday? What’s Open, What’s Closed, and How the U.S. Observes It Today
Columbus Day remains a U.S. federal holiday
Yes—Columbus Day is an official federal holiday, observed on the second Monday in October. In 2025, that falls on Monday, October 13. As a federal holiday, it triggers closures across federal agencies and affects banking and mail services nationwide, while leaving many private-sector operations to local discretion.
Federal services, mail, banks, and markets: today’s operating status
The clearest impacts show up in government services and financial infrastructure. Federal offices and courts close for the day, and the U.S. Postal Service pauses regular mail delivery and retail counter service. The Federal Reserve observes the holiday, which means many banks—especially those tied to Fed operations—close their branches, though some may keep limited hours or ATMs only. Public schools and local government offices vary by district and state.
Here’s a quick reference:
| Service / Sector | Status on Columbus Day |
|---|---|
| Federal government offices & courts | Closed |
| USPS retail & regular mail | No regular service |
| Federal Reserve | Closed |
| Banks (retail branches) | Many closed; check local branch |
| Stock markets (NYSE/Nasdaq) | Open |
| U.S. bond market | Closed or limited hours, per holiday schedule |
| UPS/FedEx & private shipping | Generally operating (check local adjustments) |
| Schools & local government | Varies by state/district |
| National parks | Generally open; facilities may vary |
Indigenous Peoples’ Day and how states are shifting the observance
While the federal calendar labels the holiday “Columbus Day,” a growing number of states, cities, school districts, and institutions now mark the same date as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Some have formally replaced Columbus Day; others recognize both. The shift reflects a broader reevaluation of historical narratives and a push to center Native communities’ histories, cultures, and ongoing contributions. In practice, this means you may see parades and celebrations in one locality and educational programming or land acknowledgments in another—often on the very same day.
Why closures differ by location—and what to check before you go
Columbus Day is one of the more fragmented U.S. holidays when it comes to what’s open or closed locally. Federal agencies close uniformly, but state and municipal calendars vary. Transit systems might run on a modified schedule, libraries and DMVs may close even where the holiday isn’t renamed, and universities often keep regular hours. If you have business with a local office—or plan to visit a museum or park facility—checking the specific site’s holiday hours avoids surprises.
The evolving meaning for businesses, schools, and communities
For many private employers, Columbus Day is not a universal paid day off, which is why main-street commerce looks relatively normal: grocery stores, restaurants, and most retailers remain open. Schools and colleges increasingly use the day for programming around Indigenous history or schedule professional development while students stay home. Financial markets offer a split signal—equities trading continues, but fixed-income pauses—illustrating how the holiday straddles tradition and modern practice.
What to watch next
Debate over the holiday’s name and focus is likely to continue, with more localities considering resolutions that elevate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Expect continued growth in community events centered on Native voices, as well as classroom curricula that add nuance to early-contact history. For practical planning, the pattern is stable: federal offices and USPS close, many banks follow suit, stock trading stays open, and everything else depends on local calendars. If your plans hinge on today’s availability, a quick check with the specific institution remains the surest move.
