Federal offices, courts, and post offices across the United States will close on Monday, October 12, 2026, as the nation observes Columbus Day. Recognized as one of 11 statutory federal holidays by the U.S. government, the annual observance commemorates Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492. It also runs parallel with Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations in various states and municipalities.
Government Offices and Public Services Closures
Because Columbus Day is an official federal holiday, federal administrative agencies and public-sector operations will shutter nationwide. Key public service closures include:
- Federal Offices and Courts: All non-essential federal government agencies, including Social Security Administration field offices and federal courthouses, will be closed.
- U.S. Postal Service (USPS): Post office retail lobbies will remain closed on Monday, October 12. Regular residential or business mail delivery will not take place, though Priority Mail Express deliveries will continue operating.
- State and Local Municipalities: State offices, city halls, and Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) follow state-specific regulations. In states where Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an official state holiday, government bureaus and licensing centers will be closed.
- Federal Student Aid: According to the Department of Education, Federal Student Aid (FSA) offices and most contact centers will be closed, though FSA websites remain operational. FAFSA processing and federal fund requests will resume on Tuesday, October 13.
Financial Institutions and Banking Schedules
The financial system operates on a split schedule on Monday due to differing operational calendars between the Federal Reserve, commercial banks, and equity exchanges:
- Commercial Banking: Most major commercial bank branches-including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank-will close physical lobbies because Columbus Day is a Federal Reserve holiday. Customers can still use ATMs, online platforms, and mobile apps, but wire transfers and deposit settlement dates may be delayed until Tuesday. Select institutions, such as TD Bank and JPMorgan Chase, may maintain open branches in certain markets.
- U.S. Stock Exchanges Open: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq will conduct regular trading sessions from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. Electronic equity trading and exchange-traded fund activity will proceed as normal.
- Bond Markets Closed: The U.S. bond market observes the holiday per Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) recommendations and will remain closed.
Retail Chains, Supermarkets, and Private Couriers
Private consumer businesses treat Columbus Day as a standard business day, with many retailers launching promotional sales events across the three-day weekend:
- Big-Box Retailers & Warehouse Clubs: Major department stores, discounters, and wholesale giants like Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, and Sam’s Club will operate under standard Monday schedules.
- Supermarkets and Pharmacies: Regional grocery chains (such as Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Albertsons) and national pharmacies (including CVS and Walgreens) will operate during standard business hours.
- Private Couriers: Private logistics carriers maintain delivery services. Both UPS and FedEx will operate open retail storefronts and process regular parcel deliveries and pickups, while Amazon delivery logistics proceed normally.
Public Schools and Academic Calendars
School closures vary widely across the country depending on local school board policies and state education standards. Many public school districts, community colleges, and four-year universities observe the holiday by closing administrative offices and canceling classes. Other institutions schedule teacher in-service professional days or remain open for standard instruction. Parents and students are advised to review specific local academic calendars.
