Columbus Day, also widely recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day, remains a federal holiday—but observance varies from state to state and employer to employer, according to the Pew Research Center.
Observed on the second Monday of October, the holiday provides a three-day weekend for employees whose workplaces recognize it. That includes federal workers and some state employees, Pew reported.
However, efforts to replace the focus on explorer Christopher Columbus with recognition of North America’s Indigenous peoples have made the holiday less uniformly observed than in the past.
Because Oct. 12 is a federal holiday, certain government services and businesses will close. Here’s a guide to what will be open and what will be closed on Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day.
Is today a federal holiday?
Yes. Monday, Oct. 12, is a federal holiday, so U.S. government offices will be closed and federal employees will have the day off.
Is the stock market open on Columbus Day?
Yes. The stock market will operate on Columbus Day. Neither the New York Stock Exchange nor Nasdaq lists the holiday among its market closures.
Trading will follow the normal schedule on Monday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time.
Is mail delivered on Columbus Day?
No. The U.S. Postal Service observes Columbus Day, so regular residential and business mail delivery will be suspended. USPS offices will also be closed.
Are banks open on Columbus Day?
Bank holiday schedules differ, so customers should check with their individual institution before visiting a branch or scheduling a transaction.
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JPMorgan Chase said its branches will be open on Oct. 12, although the bank will process online transactions as if the date were a holiday. Customers will not be able to schedule transactions for Columbus Day, and recurring transactions were handled on the previous business day.
Several major banks, including Wells Fargo and Bank of America, will be closed for the holiday.
Is Costco open on Columbus Day?
Yes. Costco stores will be open, since Columbus Day is not one of the seven holidays observed by the warehouse retailer.
Is Walmart open today?
Walmart will also remain open on Columbus Day, with stores operating during their regular hours, according to the company’s website.
