Memorial Day 2025: What's open and shut in US? See which stores are operating today

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is observed on the last Monday of May. It is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the United States military. The tradition began after the Civil War, when people decorated the graves of fallen Union soldiers with flowers.

Over time, the day evolved to commemorate all US military personnel who lost their lives in service to the nation. This year, Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 26 across the United States.

The first official observance took place on May 30, 1868. Today, Memorial Day is marked by various ceremonies and traditions across the country. American flags are flown at half-staff until noon to pay tribute, and at 3:00 p.m. local time, Americans are encouraged to pause for the National Moment of Remembrance—a minute of silence to reflect on the sacrifices made.


Communities nationwide host parades, memorial services, and commemorative events. Among the most notable are the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., and the Memorial Day concert at the U.S. Capitol. These gatherings offer a chance for collective remembrance and appreciation of the nation’s fallen heroes.

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Is Memorial Day a holiday in the US?

Memorial Day 2025 is a federal holiday in the United States. Established as a federal holiday in 1971, Memorial Day serves as both a solemn day of remembrance and the unofficial start of the summer season.

What's open and closed on Memorial Day?

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025, many businesses and services in the United States have adjusted their operations. Here's an overview of what's open and closed on Memorial Day in US:

For many Americans, Memorial Day is a time to enjoy the outdoors—whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a relaxing day at the beach. For those hosting or attending gatherings, the holiday often includes a few last-minute errands, like picking up extra groceries or grabbing a gift on the way to a party. Fortunately, most major retailers and grocery stores will remain open on Memorial Day, though there are some exceptions.

Government buildings

Government offices, post offices, courts and schools are closed.

Banks and markets

U.S. stock markets and banks are closed Monday.

Most FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery services will also not be available on Memorial Day, though some special services will be accessible.

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Retailers

Warehouse membership club Costco will be closed on Memorial Day, but the vast majority of retailers will be open, with many trying to lure customers with big promotional sales. Hours may vary by location.

Travel

Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial opening of the summer travel season. Americans are expected to get away in record numbers over the long Memorial Day weekend even as economic and technical worries rattle the U.S. travel industry.

Auto club AAA projects that more than 45 million people — 1.4 million more than last year — will venture at least 50 miles from their homes between Thursday and Monday, with the vast majority going by car. The holiday’s previous domestic travel record of 44 million people was set 20 years ago.

AAA’s fuel tracker shows motorists can expect to pay less for gasoline this year. The U.S. average price on Wednesday was $3.18 for a gallon of regular gas compared to $3.60 a year ago.

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AAA projects 39.4 million people will travel by car over the weekend — the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking it in 2000 — and that another 3.61 million people will travel by air, a nearly 2% increase over last year’s 3.55 million.

Air safety has been on the minds of travelers after a midair collision in January of a passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter above Washington, D.C. killed 67 people. There have also been some close calls.

In recent weeks, flight delays and cancellations stemming from an air traffic controller shortage and equipment failures at a facility that directs aircraft in and out of the Newark, New Jersey, airport have also made some people reluctant to get on a plane.

What places are open on Memorial Day 2025?

Retailers

Best Buy
CVS
Dollar General
Home Depot
HomeGoods
Homesense
IKEA
Marshalls
Michaels
Target
TJ Maxx
Petco
Sierra
Walgreens (majority of pharmacies will be closed)
Walmart

Grocery stores and supermarkets open on Memorial Day

ALDI (operating limited hours)
Dillons
Food Lion
Harris Teeter
Kroger
Ralphs
Smith's
Stop & Shop (pharmacies will be closed)
Trader Joe's
Wegmans
Whole Foods Market

Restaurants, fast-food chains

Arby's
Baskin-Robbins
Buffalo Wild Wings
Burger King
Chipotle
Chick-fil-A
Domino's
Dunkin'
Jimmy John's
KFC
Sonic
Starbucks
Taco Bell

What places are closed on Memorial Day 2025?

Costco
United States Postal Service
UPS