Columbus Day 2026 Guide: Federal Offices and Post Offices Closed, Most Banks Shut; Stocks Open, Bonds Closed (First Report)
Monday, October 12 is Columbus Day, one of the 11 U.S. federal holidays and also observed as Indigenous Peoples' Day in a growing number of states and cities. Federal offices and federal courts are closed for the day, and federal employees get the day off. Anyone needing to visit a government office will have to wait until Tuesday.
On the postal front, the U.S. Postal Service will not deliver regular mail and post office counters are closed, while online services remain available; UPS and FedEx continue operating, with possible minor adjustments in some areas.
Banks: because the Federal Reserve observes the holiday, most bank branches — including Bank of America and Wells Fargo — are closed, though online banking, mobile banking and ATMs remain available. A few branches may be exceptions, so check local hours before heading out.
Wall Street is split: the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq trade on normal hours (9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET), but the U.S. bond market is closed for the day on SIFMA's recommendation, and Fed wire transfers and check settlements resume Tuesday.
Major retailers, grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants — including Walmart, Target and Costco — are mostly open. Public school schedules vary by district; parents should follow local district notices.
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492. It became a federal holiday in 1937 and was fixed to the second Monday of October under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. In recent years, more states and cities have observed Indigenous Peoples' Day on the same date to honor Native American history and culture. Only about 22 states currently list the day as a paid state holiday, so arrangements vary widely — confirm before making plans.
Sources: Barron's, NorthJersey.com.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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