Columbus Day 2026: Is October 12 a federal holiday? Here's what's open and closed on October 12?

Columbus Day 2026 falls on Monday, October 12, giving many Americans a three-day holiday weekend. The federal holiday is observed on the second Monday of October each year. It is one of the 11 federal holidays recognized by the U.S. government. The holiday commemorates Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas in 1492. It became a federal observance in 1937 and was later moved to the second Monday in October under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.

In recent years, many communities have also adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the same date. Some states, cities and school districts recognize both holidays, while others have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, as per a report by Democrat & Chronicle.

What’s open and closed on Columbus Day?

Columbus Day is one of 11 federal holidays recognized by the U.S. government. Federal offices and federal courts generally close for the day, and the U.S. Postal Service suspends regular mail delivery. Many banks also close because Columbus Day is a Federal Reserve holiday. Some branches may still operate with limited hours, so schedules can vary.

For most shoppers, however, it will look like a normal Monday. Grocery stores, restaurants, retailers and many other private businesses generally remain open. Individual locations can still have different hours.

The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are also expected to operate on their normal schedules. Schools are a little less predictable. Some school districts and colleges observe Columbus Day and close, while others remain open. Families should check their local school schedule.

Why is Columbus Day still a federal holiday?

Columbus Day marks Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas in 1492. The holiday became a federal observance in 1937. It was later moved to the second Monday in October under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which created several three-day holiday weekends. The holiday is still federally recognized, but the way it is observed has changed in many parts of the country.

A growing number of states, cities and school districts recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day on the same date. Some jurisdictions observe both holidays, while others have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day. For federal purposes, however, Columbus Day remains on the calendar.

What federal holidays come after Columbus Day?

After October 12, only three federal holidays remain in 2026:

• Veterans Day: November 11
• Thanksgiving Day: November 26
• Christmas Day: December 25

For anyone trying to plan around the October federal holiday, the main thing to remember is that Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 12. Federal offices, courts and post offices will generally be closed, while most stores and restaurants will remain open.