Federal offices, public services, and mail delivery services across the United States are affected on Monday, October 12, as the nation observes Columbus Day-also recognized by many communities as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. As an official federal holiday, the observance brings closures to government agencies, courts, and traditional banking institutions, while private commerce and equity markets largely continue on standard schedules.
Government Offices and Public Services
Because Columbus Day is an official statutory federal holiday, federal administrative agencies and public-sector operations are shuttered nationwide. According to federal guidelines, all non-essential government agencies, including Social Security Administration field offices and federal courthouses, remain closed for the day.
State and local government office closures vary by region. State capitals, city halls, and Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) follow state-specific policies. In states where Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day is officially recognized, government licensing centers are closed, while states that do not observe the holiday maintain regular operational hours.
Mail and Package Delivery Services
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) observes Columbus Day, resulting in closed post office retail lobbies and no regular residential or business mail delivery on October 12. However, Priority Mail Express deliveries continue operating, as they run 365 days a year.
Private courier and logistics networks treat the holiday as a standard business day. Both UPS and FedEx operate open retail storefronts, processing regular parcel pickups and deliveries. Amazon delivery logistics also proceed normally across all regions.
Financial Institutions and Stock Market Schedules
The financial sector operates on a split schedule due to differing calendars between the Federal Reserve and equity exchanges:
- U.S. Stock Exchanges: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq conduct regular trading sessions from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. Electronic equity trading and exchange-traded fund activity proceed as normal.
- Bond Markets: The U.S. bond market observes the holiday per Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) recommendations and remains closed for the day.
- Commercial Banking: Because Columbus Day is an official Federal Reserve holiday, physical lobbies at most major commercial banks-including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank-are closed. Customers can still access ATMs and online platforms, though wire transfers and deposit settlement dates may be delayed. Select institutions, such as JPMorgan Chase and TD Bank, maintain open retail doors in certain markets while operating on adjusted holiday transaction schedules.
Retail Stores, Supermarkets, and Public Schools
Private consumer businesses treat Columbus Day as a normal business day, with many major national retailers launching promotional sales events across the three-day weekend:
- Big-Box Retailers: Major department stores and discount chains, including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Kohl’s, remain open during standard business hours.
- Warehouse Clubs: Wholesale giants Costco and Sam’s Club operate under standard Monday schedules, as Columbus Day is not among the holiday closures observed by either warehouse chain.
- Supermarkets and Pharmacies: Regional grocery chains (such as Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Albertsons) and national pharmacies (including CVS and Walgreens) operate under regular business hours.
Public school closures vary widely across the country depending on local school board policies and state education standards. Many public school districts, community colleges, and universities observe the holiday by closing administrative offices and canceling classes. Others schedule teacher in-service professional days or remain open for standard instruction. Parents and students should review local academic calendars.
