Columbus Day 2025: What’s Open, What’s Closed? Must-Know Guide!
Today is October 13, 2025. It marks Columbus Day. Or Indigenous Peoples’ Day in some places. This federal holiday stirs emotions. For many, it means a day off. But services vary. So, what stays open? What closes? Let’s break it down. First, know the basics. Columbus Day honors Christopher Columbus. Yet, controversy grows. More on that later. Meanwhile, plan your day. Banks might shut. Mail could delay. However, stores like Walmart buzz. And stock markets trade. Stay tuned for details. This guide helps you navigate Columbus Day 2025 easily.
Columbus Day 2025 History: Why the Controversy Over Indigenous Peoples Day?
Columbus Day started in 1892. It celebrates Columbus’s arrival in 1492. Then, it became federal in 1937. But views changed. Now, many highlight harms to Native Americans. For example, Columbus enslaved natives. He spread diseases too. So, backlash rose. In response, places renamed it Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This honors Native cultures. President Biden proclaimed it in 2021. However, Donald Trump pushes back. He calls Columbus the “original American hero.” In 2025, Trump vows to revive the name. This divides opinions. Meanwhile, 221 cities observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day. States like California lead. Others stick with Columbus Day. So, the debate rages. Yet, the holiday affects daily life. Let’s see how.
Post Offices and Mail Delivery on Columbus Day 2025: USPS Closed, UPS Open
Mail services face hits today. The US Postal Service closes. No mail delivery happens. Post offices shut doors. So, if you need stamps, wait. However, options exist. UPS stays open. They deliver packages. FedEx does too. Both run normal schedules. For urgent shipments, use them. Amazon deliveries continue. They don’t follow federal holidays strictly. But check tracking. Delays might occur. In short, plan ahead. Don’t count on USPS today.
Banks Closed on Columbus Day 2025: ATM Access and Online Banking Tips
Most banks close for Columbus Day. The Federal Reserve shuts. So, branches like Bank of America lock up. Wells Fargo follows suit. However, some vary. Chase Bank might open select spots. But no teller services. Online banking works fine. Transfer funds anytime. ATMs stay active nationwide. Withdraw cash easily. Credit unions often close too. Yet, apps handle needs. So, avoid in-person visits. Use digital tools instead. This keeps things smooth.
Stock Market Open on Columbus Day 2025: NYSE Trading, Bond Market Shut
Good news for investors. The stock market opens. NYSE and NASDAQ trade normally. Buy or sell shares. However, bonds pause. The bond market closes. This follows federal rules. So, focus on stocks. Markets run from 9:30 AM to 4 PM ET. Volatility might spike. Watch economic news. In contrast, last year was similar. No full shutdown. Thus, trading continues uninterrupted.
Walmart, Target, Costco Open on Columbus Day 2025: Shopping Hours and Deals
Shopping thrives today. Major stores welcome customers. Walmart opens regular hours. Target does too. Costco joins in. They operate fully. CVS and Walgreens stay busy. Need groceries? Head out. Sales might lure you. For instance, holiday deals on fall items. However, check local times. Some adjust slightly. Online shopping booms. Order from home. Amazon runs promotions. So, no worries. Retail hums along.

Garbage Pickup on Columbus Day 2025: Local Variations and Schedules
Garbage services differ by area. No nationwide rule applies. In Chicago, check providers. Waste Management often runs. Republic Services might too. But delays happen. In New York, city trucks skip. Private haulers vary. So, confirm locally. Use apps or sites. For example, call your provider. Don’t leave bins out wrongly. This avoids mess. Meanwhile, recycling follows suit. Plan smartly.
Schools Closed on Columbus Day 2025: Education Impacts and Activities
Many schools shut today. Public districts observe the holiday. Kids get a break. Private schools vary. Some open. In Indiana, most close. Michigan follows. However, colleges differ. Check calendars. Online classes might continue. So, parents, prepare. Use the day for fun. Visit parks. Or learn history. Indigenous events happen. This educates youth.
Libraries and Government Offices Closed on Columbus Day 2025: Services Affected
Government buildings close. Federal offices lock. State ones too in many places. Libraries often shut. No book checkouts. However, digital loans work. Apps like Libby help. City halls pause. No permits issued. Courts rest. So, delay errands. Plan for Tuesday. Meanwhile, emergencies respond. Police and fire stay active.
Public Transit on Columbus Day 2025: Holiday Schedules in Major Cities
Transit adjusts today. Buses and trains run. But on holiday timetables. In New York, MTA operates reduced. Chicago CTA does similarly. LA Metro follows. Check apps. Delays might occur. Rideshares like Uber surge. So, allow extra time. Walking or biking works. Enjoy the day.
Celebrations and Events for Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day 2025
Festivities vary. Parades happen in some cities. New York hosts big ones. Italian-American groups celebrate. However, protests rise. Indigenous groups rally. In Washington DC, events honor natives. Powwows occur. Museums offer free entry. Learn cultures. Online webinars too. So, join thoughtfully. Respect both sides.
FAQs on Columbus Day 2025: Quick Answers for Holiday Queries
What is Columbus Day? It honors Columbus’s voyages. When did it start?
As federal in 1937. Why Indigenous Peoples’ Day? To recognize natives’ suffering. Are all stores open? Most yes, like Walmart. Banks? Mostly no. Mail? USPS closed. Stock market? Open. Schools? Often closed. Garbage? Check local. Transit? Holiday schedule.
In 2025, a government shutdown overlaps. Federal workers furlough. This adds chaos. Essential services continue. But non-essential halt. Parks might close. Monuments too. Check NPS site. Meanwhile, weather plays in. Fall vibes invite outings. Yet, crowds grow. So, stay safe.
Overall, Columbus Day 2025 mixes rest and activity. Services split. Plan wisely. Enjoy the day. Whether shopping or reflecting. It brings history alive.
External links: For official USPS updates, visit USPS Holiday Schedule. Learn more about the history at Smithsonian Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Check stock market status on NYSE Calendar.
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