Columbus Day, also known as Indigenous Peoples Day, is a federal holiday in the United States, but it remains one of the most inconsistently observed holidays across the nation. According to Pew Research, while it’s recognized at the federal level, how it is celebrated varies significantly depending on where you are in the country.
This holiday, which falls annually on the second Monday of October, is one of 11 official U.S. federal holidays. However, some businesses, states, and institutions opt not to observe it, especially as a growing movement seeks to shift the focus away from honoring the explorer Christopher Columbus and toward recognizing the original inhabitants of the land through Indigenous Peoples Day.
Due to this ongoing shift, Columbus Day is no longer as widely observed as it once was. Despite this, it remains a federal holiday, meaning some government services and businesses will still close their doors on October 14, 2024.
Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect to be open and closed this Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples Day.
Is October 14 a Federal Holiday?
Yes, October 14, 2024, is recognized as a federal holiday. As a result, all federal offices will be closed for the day, and federal employees will enjoy a day off. This includes agencies like the IRS, Social Security offices, and most federal courts.
Are Banks Open on Columbus Day?
Banks are split on whether to remain open or closed on Columbus Day. Since it is a holiday for the Federal Reserve system, several major banks, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo, will not open their branches on October 14.
However, not all banks will close their doors. For example, Chase and TD Bank have confirmed that their branches will operate as usual on Columbus Day. To avoid confusion, it’s always a good idea to check with your local bank branch ahead of time.
Is Mail Delivered on Columbus Day?
No, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will not deliver regular mail on Columbus Day. All residential and business mail services will be halted for the day, and USPS retail branches will also remain closed.
That being said, if you’re in need of a crucial delivery, the USPS does offer its Priority Mail Express service, which will still operate in select regions, though an additional fee will apply for this service.
Is the Stock Market Open on Columbus Day?
Yes, the stock market will remain open on October 14, 2024. Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq do not recognize Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day as market holidays. This means that regular trading hours will be in effect, and investors can continue with their trading activities as usual.
Are Retail Stores Open on Columbus Day?
If you’re planning to do some shopping on Columbus Day, you’re in luck. Most major retailers will remain open on this federal holiday, although hours may vary by location. Here’s what you can expect from some of the nation’s largest retail chains:
- Walmart: Walmart has confirmed that its stores will be open during their normal operating hours on October 14. Shoppers can head to their local Walmart for all their needs, as there will be no changes to store hours.
- Target: Like Walmart, Target will also keep its doors open on Columbus Day. While Target stores will operate during their regular business hours, these hours can differ by location. To find out the specific hours of your local Target, you can use the “Find a Store” feature on the retailer’s website.
- Costco: Unlike some other holidays when Costco is closed, the retailer will be open on Columbus Day. This means you can make your bulk purchases without any disruption on October 14.
- Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A restaurants will be open on Columbus Day as well. However, there may be variations in operating hours depending on the location. It’s recommended to check with your local Chick-fil-A restaurant to confirm their specific hours of operation for the day.
Public Transportation on Columbus Day
In most cities, public transportation services, including buses, subways, and trains, will operate on a modified schedule for Columbus Day. Many transit systems will run on a reduced or holiday schedule, so it’s best to plan ahead and check with your local transit authority for any changes.
Are Schools Open on Columbus Day?
Whether schools are open on Columbus Day can vary greatly depending on where you live. In many states, public schools will be closed, allowing students and teachers to enjoy a long weekend. However, there are some districts that opt to keep schools open and treat it as a regular school day.
If you have school-aged children, it’s important to check with your local school district to confirm whether classes will be in session on October 14.
Government Services
Since Columbus Day is a federal holiday, all federal government offices will be closed, including the following:
- Social Security offices
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Most federal courts
State and local government offices, on the other hand, may or may not be closed depending on the specific policies of your state or municipality. It’s a good idea to verify the operating hours of any local government services you might need in advance.
Trash Collection Services
Another service that may or may not be affected by Columbus Day is trash collection. In many areas, garbage and recycling pickup may be delayed or rescheduled due to the holiday. Local municipalities or waste management companies will usually provide information on any changes to the trash collection schedule for the week of Columbus Day.
Conclusion
Columbus Day, or Indigenous Peoples Day, is not celebrated uniformly across the United States. However, it’s still a federal holiday, meaning many businesses and services will close or adjust their schedules. Banks, mail services, schools, and retail stores may operate differently.
Always check ahead for changes that could affect your plans. Whether shopping at Walmart, visiting a bank, or mailing a package, knowing what’s open or closed on October 14, 2024, helps you plan better.
