Columbus day 2025 what is closed

Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday of October each year, is both a federal holiday and a day of reflection in the United States. In 2025, Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 13, marking another year of honoring the voyages of Christopher Columbus and the complex legacy of European exploration. While the day continues to hold historical significance, it also serves as a moment to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples Day in many states and communities. One of the most common questions Americans ask leading up to the holiday is: “What is closed on Columbus Day 2025?”

This comprehensive guide explores what government offices, banks, schools, post offices, and businesses will be closed on Columbus Day 2025 — and which services will remain open. Understanding these closures can help you plan your errands, financial tasks, and travel without unnecessary inconvenience.

Columbus Day 2025 Overview

Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States, meaning that it is recognized by the federal government as an official day off for non-essential government employees. It commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Traditionally, the day has been associated with parades, Italian-American heritage celebrations, and patriotic displays.

However, in recent decades, many U.S. states and cities have shifted toward celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day instead, focusing on the cultures and histories of Native Americans who were already living in the Americas long before Columbus’s arrival. Because of these differing observances, closures may vary depending on where you live.

Federal Government Offices

As Columbus Day is a federal holiday, all non-essential federal government offices will be closed on Monday, October 13, 2025. This includes:

• U.S. District Courts and Federal Courthouses – No hearings or public services will be conducted on Columbus Day.

• Social Security Administration Offices – Closed for the day; online services remain available.

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Offices – Closed, though taxpayers can still access IRS.gov for online tools and information.

• Passport Offices (U.S. Department of State) – Federal-run passport agencies will be closed, though privately operated acceptance facilities (like some post offices or libraries) may have different schedules.

Essential services, such as federal law enforcement and border protection, will remain open as they operate year-round.

Post Offices and Mail Delivery

The United States Postal Service (USPS) observes all federal holidays, which means:

• All USPS post offices will be closed on Columbus Day 2025.

• Mail delivery and pickup services will be suspended for the day.

• Priority Express Mail is the only exception — it operates 365 days a year.

If you need to mail important documents or packages, it’s best to send them before Saturday, October 11, or plan to ship on Tuesday, October 14.

Private delivery companies, like UPS and FedEx, have slightly different policies:

• UPS: Stores and delivery services will generally remain open, though some franchise locations may close at the owner’s discretion.

• FedEx: Will operate normally on Columbus Day, including delivery and pickup.

Banks and Financial Institutions

Columbus Day is one of the ten federal bank holidays in the United States. Therefore, most major banks will be closed on October 13, 2025.

Expect closures from:

• Bank of America

• Chase Bank (JPMorgan Chase)

• Wells Fargo

• Citibank

• PNC Bank

• U.S. Bank

• Truist Bank

• Regions Bank

• TD Bank (some branches may open in grocery stores, depending on location)

Although physical bank branches will be closed, online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs will continue to function. You can still transfer money, deposit checks via mobile app, or withdraw cash from ATMs.

If you need to speak with customer support, automated phone systems will be available, but live representatives may be limited.

Credit unions generally follow the same closure schedule, though some smaller community credit unions might remain open, especially in states that do not recognize Columbus Day as a public holiday.

Schools and Universities

School closures vary widely depending on the state and local district.

• In states that officially recognize Columbus Day, many public schools will be closed.

• In states that observe Indigenous Peoples Day, schools may remain open but hold classroom activities or events to educate students about Native American history and culture.

Private schools and universities have their own policies — some take the day off, while others continue classes as usual. Colleges often treat Columbus Day as a regular class day but may close administrative offices.

To avoid confusion, check your district’s academic calendar or your college’s holiday schedule ahead of time.

State and Local Government Offices

While federal offices are closed nationwide, state and local government closures vary depending on the state’s official stance on the holiday.

• States that recognize Columbus Day (like New York, Connecticut, and Illinois) will likely close their state offices, DMVs, and courthouses.

• States that observe Indigenous Peoples Day (such as California, Oregon, and Minnesota) may keep government offices open but host cultural or educational events.

• In some states, Columbus Day is celebrated under a different name — such as Native American Day or Discovery Day — and closures follow local observance patterns.

In general, city halls and county offices follow the lead of their state or local government.

Stock Market and Financial Trading

Unlike banks, the U.S. stock market — including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ — remains open on Columbus Day. Trading hours are normal, and markets operate without interruption.

This sometimes causes confusion since banks are closed, but trading and investment services continue as usual.

Public Transportation

Most public transportation systems — including buses, subways, and commuter trains — operate on reduced or holiday schedules on Columbus Day.

For example:

• New York City’s MTA, Boston’s MBTA, and Chicago’s CTA often run on Saturday schedules.

• Amtrak operates normally, though ticketing and station services may be limited.

Always check your city’s transportation website in advance if you’re commuting or traveling on October 13, 2025.

Retail Stores, Restaurants, and Supermarkets

While Columbus Day is a federal holiday, it is not a mandatory retail holiday, meaning that most stores and restaurants remain open.

Expect to see:

• Major retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s open normal hours.

• Grocery chains such as Kroger, Safeway, and Publix will also remain open.

• Restaurants and fast-food chains typically operate as usual, and many offer Columbus Day sales or meal deals.

Some smaller local businesses may close in observance of the holiday, especially in communities that host parades or public events.

Libraries and Community Centers

Most public libraries and community centers will be closed on Columbus Day 2025, particularly those operated by city or county governments. However, digital library services and eBook borrowing systems remain accessible online.

Garbage Collection and Utility Services

In many cities, trash and recycling pickup is delayed by one day due to the holiday. Utility services — such as electricity, gas, and water — remain operational, though customer service lines may be closed.