Columbus Day 2025: What's Open, What's Closed, and the Growing Debate Over Its Observance
Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday of October, has long been a federal holiday honoring Italian explorer Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492. But here's where it gets controversial: while it began in 1792 as a celebration by Italian-Americans, the holiday has increasingly come under scrutiny. Many communities now choose to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead, a shift that President Joe Biden officially recognized in 2021 by designating it a national holiday alongside Columbus Day. This dual observance highlights a growing acknowledgment of the complex history surrounding Columbus's arrival and its impact on Indigenous populations.
What’s Open and Closed on Columbus Day 2025?
As Columbus Day approaches on Monday, October 13, 2025, here’s what you need to know about what’s open and what’s closed:
Mail Delivery and Post Offices
The U.S. Postal Service will be closed, meaning no mail delivery. However, private carriers like FedEx, Amazon fulfillment, and UPS will continue to operate, though some may run on modified schedules. If you need to visit a post office, plan to do so on Saturday, October 11, or Tuesday, October 14.
Banks
Most banks will be closed, but TD Bank and Chase will remain open. Keep in mind that while Chase will offer in-person banking, some services may not be available until the following business day. And this is the part most people miss: even if your bank is closed, online and mobile banking services will still be accessible.
Grocery Stores
Good news for last-minute shoppers: most grocery stores will be open, though some may operate with reduced hours. Major chains like ACME, Aldi, Costco, and Walmart plan to open their doors, but it’s always a good idea to check with your local store for specific hours.
Retail Stores
Unlike major holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, most retail stores, shopping centers, and malls will be open on Columbus Day. Whether you’re heading to Target, Trader Joe’s, or Walmart, you’re likely to find them operating as usual. For specific store hours, click here for a detailed list.
Restaurants
Hungry? Most restaurants will be open for takeout, delivery, and dine-in services, with no changes to their regular schedules. Still, it’s wise to call ahead or check online to confirm.
Stock Market
Investors, take note: the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will be open, but bond markets will remain closed. This is a rare instance where the stock market operates on a federal holiday, so plan your trades accordingly.
Government Services
All Motor Vehicle Commission offices, New Jersey state offices, and courts will be closed. Public transportation, however, will largely continue as usual. NJ Transit will operate on a holiday or weekday schedule depending on the line, while PATH and SEPTA will run on their regular schedules.
Looking Ahead
After Columbus Day, the next federal holidays are Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving (November 28), and Christmas (December 25). Mark your calendars!
The Bigger Question: Should We Celebrate Columbus Day?
As we plan our errands and outings for Columbus Day 2025, it’s worth pausing to consider the holiday’s evolving significance. While some see it as a tribute to exploration and Italian-American heritage, others view it as a reminder of colonization and the suffering of Indigenous peoples. What do you think? Should Columbus Day remain a federal holiday, or is it time to fully embrace Indigenous Peoples’ Day? Let us know in the comments below—this is a conversation that deserves to be heard.
