WASHINGTON, D.C. — Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day fall on Monday, October 12, 2026, bringing a federal holiday across the United States. While federal government offices, post offices, and many banks are closed, most major retailers, restaurants, and private delivery services continue operating.
The holiday creates a long weekend for many federal employees, but not every business follows the same schedule. Americans planning to visit a bank, send a package, shop for groceries, or access government services should check operating hours before leaving home.
Here is a detailed guide to what is open and closed on Columbus Day 2026.
Is Columbus Day a Federal Holiday in 2026?
Yes. Columbus Day is one of the 11 federal holidays recognized by the United States government.
The holiday is observed annually on the second Monday in October. In 2026, that date is October 12.
According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Columbus Day appears on the official federal holiday calendar, meaning most federal employees receive the day off.
However, federal holiday recognition does not automatically require private businesses, state governments, or public schools to close.
Some states and cities also recognize October 12 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which honors Native American communities, their cultures, histories, and contributions.
Columbus Day 2026: What’s Open and Closed?
The following table provides an overview of services across the United States on Monday, October 12.
| Service | October 12 Status |
|---|---|
| Federal government offices | Closed |
| Federal courts | Generally closed |
| USPS post offices | Closed |
| Regular USPS mail delivery | Suspended |
| Most bank branches | Closed |
| Federal Reserve Banks | Closed |
| NYSE and Nasdaq | Open |
| U.S. bond market | Generally closed |
| UPS delivery services | Open |
| FedEx delivery services | Modified service |
| Walmart and Target | Generally open |
| Grocery stores | Generally open |
| Restaurants | Generally open |
| Public schools | Varies by district |
| State and local offices | Varies by location |
| Public transportation | Varies by agency |
Individual locations may follow different schedules.
Are Banks Open on Columbus Day 2026?
Most traditional bank branches are closed on Monday, October 12, because Columbus Day is a Federal Reserve holiday.
The Federal Reserve has confirmed that its banks will be closed for the observance.
Many commercial banks and credit unions follow this schedule, although some branches may remain open.
Customers should also expect potential delays in certain financial transactions.
Can You Still Use ATMs and Online Banking?
Yes. Most everyday digital banking services remain accessible.
Customers can generally:
- Withdraw cash from ATMs.
- Check balances through mobile banking.
- Transfer funds between eligible accounts.
- Pay bills using banking apps.
- Make purchases with debit and credit cards.
However, transactions that depend on Federal Reserve processing, including some ACH transfers and direct deposits, may not settle until the next business day.
Normal processing is expected to resume on Tuesday, October 13, although individual bank timelines can vary.
Is the Post Office Open on Columbus Day?
No. The United States Postal Service has officially announced that all post office locations will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Regular mail delivery will also be suspended for the federal holiday.
USPS confirmed that regular retail operations and mail delivery will resume on Tuesday, October 13.
Customers expecting letters, bills, or standard packages should account for the interruption.
Can You Use USPS Services Online?
Yes. Several postal services remain available through the USPS website.
Customers can purchase postage, create shipping labels, track packages, and manage certain mailing requests online.
Some post office locations also provide self-service kiosks, allowing customers to weigh packages, purchase stamps, or print postage even when staffed counters are closed.
Access to kiosks and other self-service facilities depends on the location.
Are UPS and FedEx Open on Columbus Day 2026?
Unlike USPS, major private shipping companies are continuing operations on October 12.
UPS Holiday Schedule
UPS lists Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Columbus Day) as an operating day in its official 2026 holiday calendar.
Its scheduled services include domestic ground, air, international shipping, and freight operations.
UPS Store locations are also generally scheduled to operate, although customers should confirm their nearest store’s hours.
FedEx Holiday Schedule
FedEx is operating with some adjustments.
According to its official 2026 service calendar, the company’s primary shipping operations will follow a modified schedule on Columbus Day.
FedEx Freight, FedEx Office, FedEx Custom Critical, and FedEx Logistics are listed as open.
Customers should check their shipment tracking information and local pickup schedules because some services may experience changes.
Is the Stock Market Open on Columbus Day?
Yes. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq remain open on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Both exchanges are scheduled to follow their regular trading hours:
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
This means investors can continue buying and selling publicly traded stocks during the normal trading session.
However, the U.S. bond market follows a different schedule.
The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) has recommended a full-day closure for U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income trading on October 12.
The recommendation covers major categories of government, corporate, municipal, and mortgage-backed securities.
SIFMA’s schedule is a market recommendation rather than a legal requirement for every trading firm.
Are Walmart, Target, Costco and Grocery Stores Open?
Most major retailers are expected to remain open on Columbus Day.
Unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, Columbus Day is not typically associated with widespread retail closures.
Shoppers can generally expect stores such as Walmart, Target, Costco, and major supermarket chains to operate.
However, hours may vary by location, and some services inside stores could follow separate schedules.
Customers should use official store locators or contact their nearest branch before visiting.
Are Restaurants and Coffee Shops Open?
Most restaurants, fast-food chains, coffee shops, and food delivery businesses are expected to operate on Monday.
Some independently owned businesses may adjust their hours.
Online ordering and food delivery availability will depend on participating restaurants and local services.
Are Schools Closed on Columbus Day 2026?
School schedules differ across the United States.
Some public school districts observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a holiday, while others continue regular classes.
Private schools, colleges, and universities may follow their own academic calendars.
Parents and students should consult official school district calendars to confirm whether classes, transportation, and after-school programs are operating.
A federal holiday does not automatically mean schools nationwide are closed.
Are Government Offices and DMVs Closed?
Most federal government offices are closed on Columbus Day.
Federal courts and many federal administrative offices also observe the holiday.
However, state and local government services depend on individual jurisdictions.
Department of Motor Vehicles offices, county offices, city halls, and public libraries may be closed or operate on modified schedules.
People planning to renew licenses, submit applications, or attend government appointments should verify local availability.
Essential emergency services remain available.
Are Hospitals, Pharmacies and Public Transportation Open?
Hospitals and emergency departments continue providing essential medical care during federal holidays.
Many pharmacies also remain open, although pharmacy counters may have different hours from the stores in which they operate.
Public transportation systems, including buses, trains, and subways, may follow regular, weekend, or holiday schedules depending on the city.
Municipal services such as trash collection and recycling can also vary.
Residents should check their local transit authority and municipal service announcements for October 12.
Why Do Americans Observe Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s 1492 arrival in the Caribbean during his Atlantic voyage.
The holiday has long been associated with celebrations of Italian-American heritage and the historical role of Columbus’s expeditions.
However, Columbus’s legacy remains debated because European colonization brought displacement, exploitation, and severe consequences for Indigenous populations.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day offers another perspective by recognizing the histories, cultures, resilience, and contributions of Native American peoples who lived in the Americas long before Columbus arrived.
Several state and local governments observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of, or alongside, Columbus Day.
Despite these differences in local recognition, October 12 remains officially designated Columbus Day on the federal holiday calendar for 2026.
When Will Normal Services Resume?
Most services affected by Columbus Day are expected to return to their regular schedules on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
USPS has specifically confirmed that regular mail delivery and retail services will resume that day.
Banks and other financial institutions that close for the holiday are also generally expected to reopen on Tuesday, although processing backlogs or individual operating policies may affect some transactions.
Residents who need time-sensitive services should confirm their provider’s schedule rather than assuming every office will reopen at the same hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus Day a national holiday in 2026?
Columbus Day is a federal holiday observed on Monday, October 12, 2026. Private businesses and state governments are not universally required to close.
Will USPS deliver mail on October 12, 2026?
Regular USPS mail delivery is suspended, and post offices are closed. Normal service resumes Tuesday, October 13.
Are banks closed on Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Most banks observe the federal holiday schedule and close their branches, although some locations may remain open. Online banking and ATMs generally remain accessible.
Is Walmart open on Columbus Day?
Walmart stores are generally expected to operate, but customers should confirm local hours.
Is the stock market closed on October 12?
No. The NYSE and Nasdaq are open for regular trading, while most U.S. fixed-income markets follow the recommended holiday closure.
Is Columbus Day the same as Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Both are observed on October 12 in 2026, but they recognize different histories and traditions. Columbus Day is the official federal holiday, while Indigenous Peoples’ Day is recognized by various states and communities.
