Columbus Day, a federal holiday observed on Monday, October 13, 2025, will result in the closure of many government services and banks. However, key financial markets, including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, will remain open for business, operating on their normal schedules.
This guide provides a detailed overview of what to expect for stock markets, mail delivery, banking, and local services, helping you plan your day around the holiday schedule.
Key Takeaways
- Date: Columbus Day is on Monday, October 13, 2025.
- Stock Markets: The NYSE, Nasdaq, and bond markets will be open and operate on a normal schedule.
- Federal Government: Federal offices and courts will be closed.
- Banks: Most banks will be closed, but ATMs and online services will be available.
- Mail Service: The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will not deliver regular mail. FedEx and UPS will operate, some with modified schedules.
Financial Markets Remain Operational
Investors and traders can expect a standard day of operations on Monday, October 13, 2025. Despite being a federal holiday, Columbus Day is not one of the designated market holidays for major U.S. financial exchanges.
Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq will conduct their regular trading sessions. The bond markets, which are managed by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), will also be open. This is consistent with the exchanges' established holiday schedules, which typically only include closures for holidays like New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Thanksgiving.
A Day of Trading
While federal employees have the day off, the financial sector largely continues its work. This ensures that trading and investment activities proceed without interruption, maintaining market liquidity and stability.
Government and Banking Services on Pause
Columbus Day is one of the 11 official federal holidays in the United States. As a result, non-essential federal government offices will be closed nationwide. This includes agencies like the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Bank Closures Are Standard
Most financial institutions follow the holiday calendar set by the Federal Reserve. Consequently, the vast majority of commercial banks and credit unions will be closed on October 13, 2025. In-person banking services will not be available.
However, essential banking functions will remain accessible. Customers can still use ATMs for cash withdrawals and deposits. Digital banking platforms, including mobile apps and websites, will be fully operational for transfers, bill payments, and account monitoring.
The Holiday's Dual Identity
Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. In recent years, a growing movement has led many states and cities to alternatively or exclusively recognize the day as Indigenous Peoples' Day. This day honors the history, culture, and contributions of Native American peoples. While Columbus Day is the official federal holiday, the recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day reflects a changing cultural perspective.
Mail and Package Delivery Schedules
The status of mail and package delivery varies significantly between public and private carriers on Columbus Day. Planning ahead is essential for time-sensitive shipments.
USPS Halts Regular Mail
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will not deliver regular mail or packages on Monday, October 13. Post office locations will also be closed for retail services. According to the USPS, this is in observance of the federal holiday.
The only exception is the Priority Mail Express service, which operates 365 days a year, including federal holidays, for urgent deliveries.
FedEx and UPS Continue Operations
Private shipping companies maintain different schedules. Both FedEx and UPS will be operational on Columbus Day, though some services may be modified.
- UPS: Pickup and delivery services will run as usual. UPS Store locations are also expected to be open, providing a reliable option for shipping needs.
- FedEx: Most FedEx services, including FedEx Freight, will be available. However, FedEx Office locations may operate on modified hours. It is recommended to check with your local store for its specific holiday schedule.
Local Services and School Schedules Vary
The impact of Columbus Day on local services like trash collection and public schools is not uniform and depends entirely on state and municipal policies. Residents should verify schedules with their local providers.
Trash and Recycling Pickup
Whether your trash is collected on Columbus Day depends on where you live. Many cities do not observe it as a holiday for sanitation services, while others do.
For example, in Ohio, schedules differ even between nearby cities. The city of Columbus observes the holiday, delaying waste collection. In contrast, cities like Cincinnati, Akron, and Canton follow a normal pickup schedule. Always check your local government or waste management company's website for the most accurate information.
Public School Closures
Many public school districts close in observance of Columbus Day, providing students and staff with a three-day weekend. However, this is not a universal rule. School holiday calendars are set by individual districts and states.
Some districts have opted to remain open, either because they do not observe the holiday or because they use the day as a makeup for emergency closures. Parents should consult their specific school district's official calendar to confirm whether classes will be in session.
