Every October, Americans ask the same set of questions: Is Columbus Day a federal holiday? Is school closed on Columbus Day? Is the stock market open tomorrow? While Columbus Day has been observed in the United States for more than 85 years, confusion still surrounds its official status — particularly as more states shift to celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.
This article breaks down what Columbus Day means in 2025, whether it’s officially recognized at the federal level, who gets the day off, and how public institutions and financial markets operate.
What Is Columbus Day?
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. The first official national observance was established in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, largely due to lobbying by Italian-American organizations. It became a way to honor both Columbus’s voyage and the contributions of Italian immigrants to American society.
In 1971, as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, the holiday was moved from October 12 to the second Monday in October to create a three-day weekend for federal employees — similar to Presidents Day and Memorial Day.
In 2025, Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 13.
Is Columbus Day a Federal Holiday?
Yes — Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States. That means it is one of the 11 official holidays recognized by the federal government, during which most federal offices, banks, and post offices are closed.
According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Columbus Day remains on the official list of federal holidays, alongside others such as Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Independence Day.
Federal employees generally receive the day off, and most federal agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), are closed. This means there is no regular mail delivery or postal retail service on Columbus Day.
So if you’re wondering, “Is Columbus Day a federal holiday?” — the answer is a clear yes, even though not every state chooses to observe it under the same name.
Is Columbus Day a National Holiday?
While the terms “federal holiday” and “national holiday” are often used interchangeably, there’s an important distinction:
- A federal holiday applies to federal government offices and employees.
- A national holiday implies that all sectors — including private companies, schools, and states — are required to observe it.
The U.S. does not have national holidays that mandate closures across all states or businesses. So while Columbus Day is a federal holiday, it’s not a mandatory day off for everyone.
Private employers and state governments can decide whether or not to recognize it. This is why some states celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead — a holiday that honors Native American history and culture.
Which States Observe Columbus Day vs. Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
In 2025, the observance of Columbus Day versus Indigenous Peoples’ Day continues to vary across the country.
States That Officially Recognize Columbus Day:
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Kentucky
- New York
- Ohio
- West Virginia
- Rhode Island
- Maine (in limited contexts)
States That Recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day Instead:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii (as Discoverers’ Day)
- Minnesota
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Washington
- South Dakota (as Native American Day)
Many cities — including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston — now hold Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations even if their states still technically recognize Columbus Day.
Are Schools Closed on Columbus Day?
One of the most common questions each October is: “Is school closed on Columbus Day?”
The answer depends on your state and local school district. Because Columbus Day is a federal — not national — holiday, local governments decide whether schools remain open.
- In many states that still observe Columbus Day, public schools are closed on the second Monday in October.
- In states that celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day or do not recognize either, schools may remain open or hold cultural or educational events instead of a day off.
For example:
- New York and Massachusetts typically close public schools on Columbus Day.
- California and Oregon often keep schools open but dedicate classroom activities to Indigenous history and heritage.
So if you’re a parent or student wondering, “Is school closed on Columbus Day?” — check your local school district’s calendar for confirmation.
Is the Stock Market Open on Columbus Day?
Here’s where things get interesting. Although Columbus Day is a federal holiday, the U.S. stock market remains open.
- Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq continue regular trading hours on Columbus Day.
- The bond market, however, is closed in observance of the federal holiday.
So if you’re checking financial news and wondering, “Is the stock market open tomorrow?” — the answer is yes for stocks, no for bonds.
Banks are a mixed story:
- Most major banks (like Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America) are closed for in-person service.
- However, ATMs and online banking remain available, so you can still manage your money digitally.
What’s Open and Closed on Columbus Day?
Here’s a quick summary for 2025:
Closed:
- Federal government offices
- U.S. Postal Service (no mail delivery)
- Many banks and credit unions
- Some public schools and libraries
Open:
- Most grocery stores and major retailers
- Stock market (NYSE and Nasdaq)
- Restaurants and entertainment venues
- Essential services like hospitals and police departments
Why Columbus Day Is Still Debated
In recent years, the meaning of Columbus Day has been widely debated. Critics argue that the holiday glorifies colonization and overlooks the suffering of Indigenous peoples, while supporters emphasize its cultural importance to Italian-American heritage.
This national discussion has led to increased adoption of Indigenous Peoples’ Day — either alongside or in place of Columbus Day — across many states and cities.
President Biden became the first U.S. president to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day in a 2021 proclamation, urging Americans to reflect on the country’s full history. Yet, Columbus Day remains on the federal holiday calendar.
Final Thoughts: The Modern Meaning of Columbus Day
So, is Columbus Day a federal holiday? Absolutely — it’s one of the 11 official holidays recognized by the U.S. government. But whether you get the day off, have school, or trade stocks depends largely on where you live and what you do.
In 2025, the holiday continues to evolve. For some, it’s a celebration of exploration and cultural pride. For others, it’s a moment to honor Indigenous resilience and history. Either way, October’s second Monday remains a day for reflection — and for recognizing the complex layers of American identity.
Key Takeaways for U.S. Readers:
- Columbus Day (October 13, 2025) is a federal holiday — federal offices and USPS are closed.
- It is not a national holiday — private businesses and schools can choose whether to close.
- Schools and stock markets have varying schedules; check locally.
- The day’s meaning continues to evolve, with more states celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day alongside or instead of Columbus Day.
