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Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 12, 2026, bringing changes to federal services, schools, mail delivery and local government operations. Many Americans have the day off, while major retailers, grocery stores and restaurants are expected to maintain their regular hours.
The holiday is also recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day and Italian Heritage Day in many states and cities, including New York City. However, the services affected by the holiday depend on where people live.
According to FOX 5 DC, federal offices and post offices are closed Monday. Most banks are also expected to close, although customers can still use ATMs, debit cards and digital banking services.
Are post offices and delivery services open?
The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver regular mail on Columbus Day. However, Priority Mail Express continues on its normal schedule, according to the report.
Meanwhile, UPS and FedEx locations remain open for pickup and delivery services. Customers should still check individual locations for any changes to operating hours.
The holiday can also affect direct deposits and automated clearing house payments. Some deposits and bill payments may be delayed by one business day because banks and other financial institutions observe the federal holiday.
Despite the closures, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are scheduled to operate normally on Monday.
What is open and closed in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia public schools and administrative offices are closed for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, according to the school district’s calendar.
The city is also adjusting its waste collection schedule. Trash and recycling services do not operate on city holidays, so collections move one day later for the remainder of the week.
Public transportation will operate differently depending on the service. Most SEPTA services are scheduled to follow regular weekday timetables, allowing commuters to plan their trips around the holiday.
Residents should check official city notices for additional changes affecting municipal services.
What New Yorkers should know
New York City Public Schools are closed Monday, giving students and staff a day off.
Drivers should also note that Alternate Side Parking rules are suspended for the holiday. However, anyone traveling through Manhattan should prepare for traffic disruptions around the annual Columbus Day Parade.
The 82nd annual Columbus Day Parade is scheduled to travel along Fifth Avenue between 42nd Street and 72nd Street. The event is expected to run from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with closures affecting nearby cross streets.
Drivers should allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes while parade-related restrictions remain in effect.
What is closed in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C., has several holiday-related service changes affecting residents and visitors.
Metro trains will follow a weekend schedule from 5 a.m. to midnight. Metro buses will operate on a Saturday supplemental schedule, so riders should check their routes before leaving home.
DC Public Schools are closed Monday and are scheduled to reopen for students on Wednesday, October 14, following Parent-Teacher Conference Day.
Parks and recreation centers will also be closed, along with all DC Department of Motor Vehicles facilities. Parking enforcement is suspended for the holiday, according to the report.
The Department of Public Works will not collect trash, recycling or food waste on Monday. Collections will shift by one day throughout the week, continuing through Saturday.
Are stores and restaurants open on Columbus Day?
Most major retailers, grocery stores and restaurants are expected to maintain regular business hours on Monday. However, hours may vary by location, so customers should confirm schedules before visiting a specific business.
Although many federal and local services pause for the holiday, private businesses can make their own operating decisions.
What the holiday means for everyday services
Columbus Day 2026 brings different changes depending on the service and location. Federal offices, post offices and many banks are closed, while major delivery companies, stock markets and many private businesses continue operating.
Residents in Philadelphia, New York City and Washington, D.C., should also account for school closures, public transportation schedules, parade traffic and delayed waste collection.
Checking official agency announcements before traveling or making payments can help people avoid unexpected disruptions.
Source: FOX 5 DC
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