What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed to honor and mourn military personnel who died in the line of duty while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is celebrated on the last Monday in May. The day also unofficially marks the beginning of summer in the United States.
Most people spend the weekend traveling, shopping, or watching parades and family reunions. Nonetheless, it is essential to understand what is open and closed on this holiday to better plan your day.
Government Offices and Schools
Most government agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), courthouses, and city halls, will be closed during Memorial Day 2025. Schools and libraries will also be closed. Normal business will resume on Tuesday, May 27.
Banks and the Stock Market
If you want to go to the bank on Memorial Day, make sure you do so before the weekend. Big banks, including Bank of America and Citibank, may be closed for the holiday. Additionally, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will not open, nor will U.S. bond markets. Financial services will resume on the next enterprise day.
Mail and Delivery Services
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will not be making deliveries on Memorial Day. FedEx and UPS will also suspend their routine delivery service. However, FedEx Custom Critical and UPS Express Critical will continue to run for important shipments.
Retail Stores and Grocery Chains
Good news for shoppers! Many big-name stores will remain open on Memorial Day 2025. Here’s what to expect:
- Walmart – Open
- Target – Open
- CVS and Walgreens – Open (some may have limited hours)
- Whole Foods – Open
These retailers may also have Memorial Day sales and discounts, so it’s a good time to shop for summer deals.
However, one major retailer will not open:
- Costco – Closed on Memorial Day
Travel Expected to Break Records
Planning a road trip? You won’t be alone. According to AAA, more than 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles during Memorial Day weekend. This is the best number in many years. Of these, around 39.4 million people will travel, while about 3.61 million people are estimated to travel by air.
If you’re traveling, leave early to avoid delays and keep checking traffic updates.
Tips to Plan Your Memorial Day 2025
Here are some quick tips to help you enjoy your Memorial Day without any hassle:
- Finish important errands (like banking or mailing) before Friday.
- Check local store hours online, as some may have shortened schedules.
- Book your travel tickets early to avoid high prices and full flights.
- Stay safe on the road – expect traffic delays due to heavy travel.
Memorial Day 2025 is not only a day of remembrance, but it is also a time when many Americans will travel, shop, and relax with their loved ones. While most shopping stores remain open, government offices, banks, and publishing offices remain closed for the day. Understanding what is open and what is closed will help you plan your day without any hassle.
Stay safe, enjoy the long weekend, and take a moment to honor the heroes who serve our country.
Read more: World News
