is columbus day a federal holiday: trending now

Is Columbus Day a Federal Holiday? What’s Open, Closed, and Trending Now

Yes, Columbus Day is an official federal holiday in the United States. Designated by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), it is observed annually on the second Monday of October.

Why Is Columbus Day Trending Now?

Every October, search interest spikes around Columbus Day as millions of Americans check closures for banks, postal services, schools, and government offices. Additionally, national conversations trend around the growing dual observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, with multiple states, cities, and school districts choosing to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day in place of or alongside Columbus Day.

What Is Closed on Columbus Day?

Because Columbus Day is an official federal holiday, federal administrative agencies and select financial institutions observe service closures:

• United States Postal Service (USPS): All post offices are closed, and regular residential or commercial mail delivery is paused.

• Federal Government Offices: Non-essential federal offices, federal courthouses, and administrative agencies are closed.

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• Federal Reserve & Most Banks: The Federal Reserve observes the holiday, leading major financial institutions such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank to close branch locations (ATMs and online banking remain active).

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• U.S. Bond Markets: Bond trading is closed for the day.

What Remains Open on Columbus Day?

Unlike major holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, most commercial and private-sector services operate on normal schedules:

• Stock Markets: Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ remain open for regular trading hours.

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• Private Shipping Carriers: UPS and FedEx operate standard pickup and delivery services, though select transit times may vary slightly.

• Retail Stores & Supermarkets: Major retailers (Walmart, Target, Costco) and local grocery chains remain fully open.

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• National Parks: U.S. National Parks typically stay open to visitors.

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Are Schools and State Offices Closed?

School and state government closures vary significantly depending on local legislation. Because states determine their own official holiday schedules, some state agencies, DMVs, and municipal offices operate as usual, while others close. Similarly, public school districts follow local school board calendars, meaning attendance rules differ by county and district.