Columbus Day 2026 falls on Monday, October 12, bringing changes to bank branch hours, postal services and government offices across the United States. However, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are scheduled to remain open for regular trading.
Columbus Day is a U.S. federal holiday observed on the second Monday of October each year. In 2026, the holiday falls on October 12. Many Americans are searching for answers about whether banks are open today, if the stock market is closed, and whether schools, post offices and government offices are operating as usual.
The holiday is also observed as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in many states and communities, although the name and recognition vary by location.
Is Columbus Day a Federal Holiday in 2026?
Yes, Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States. Federal employees generally receive the day off, and most nonessential federal government offices are closed.
However, the holiday does not mean that every business, school or financial institution must close. Private employers, local governments and educational institutions can follow their own operating schedules.
Are Banks Open on Columbus Day 2026?
Many bank branches across the United States are closed on Monday, October 12, because Columbus Day is a Federal Reserve holiday.
Customers should check their bank’s holiday schedule before visiting a branch. Although physical locations may be closed, online banking, mobile banking applications and ATMs generally remain available.
Electronic payments, transfers and check processing may also be affected by the banking holiday, depending on the transaction and payment system involved.
Is the Stock Market Open on Columbus Day?
Yes. The U.S. stock market is scheduled to remain open on Columbus Day 2026.
Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq are expected to operate during their regular trading hours.
- NYSE: Open
- Nasdaq: Open
- Regular trading hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- U.S. bond market: Generally closed for the holiday
For investors, this means that eligible U.S.-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds can generally be traded during the regular session. However, bond-market holidays and bank closures can affect some financial transactions and settlement-related services.
Investors should consult the official exchange calendars and their brokers for any specific trading restrictions.
Is the U.S. Post Office Open on October 12?
Generally, no. The United States Postal Service (USPS) observes Columbus Day as a federal holiday.
Most post office locations are closed, and regular mail delivery is generally suspended for the day. Some services, including certain private shipping and delivery operations, may follow different schedules.
Customers who need to mail packages or collect items from a post office should check the local branch’s hours and service announcements.
Are Schools Open on Columbus Day 2026?
School schedules vary across the United States.
Some public schools and colleges close for Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while others remain open. Certain districts may also schedule teacher training days, professional development activities or fall breaks around this date.
Parents and students should check their school district’s official calendar rather than assuming that all schools are closed nationwide.
What Else Is Closed on Columbus Day?
In addition to many bank branches and post offices, the following services may have modified schedules:
- Federal offices: Most nonessential federal offices are closed.
- Courts: Many federal courts observe the holiday, although local arrangements may differ.
- Libraries: Public library hours depend on the local authority.
- Public transportation: Bus, rail and other services may operate on a holiday or modified timetable.
- Retail stores and restaurants: Most private businesses can remain open, with hours determined by individual operators.
Essential services, emergency departments and many private businesses continue operating as usual.
Why Is Columbus Day Celebrated?
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. It became a federal holiday in the United States and is observed annually on the second Monday of October.
The holiday is also the subject of public discussion because of the historical consequences of European colonization for Indigenous peoples. As a result, many states, cities and communities recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day as an alternative or additional observance.
The specific recognition and official holiday designation depend on the jurisdiction.
Columbus Day 2026: Quick Summary
| Service | Status on October 12, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Federal government offices | Mostly closed |
| Bank branches | Many closed |
| Online banking and ATMs | Generally available |
| NYSE | Open |
| Nasdaq | Open |
| U.S. bond market | Generally closed |
| USPS post offices | Generally closed |
| Regular USPS mail delivery | Generally suspended |
| Schools and colleges | Varies by district |
| Grocery stores and restaurants | Mostly open |
| Private businesses | Depends on the business |
Columbus Day 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
Find out when Columbus Day falls, whether banks and schools are open, and how the federal holiday affects mail delivery and stock market trading.
Showing 20 frequently asked questions
01 Is Columbus Day a federal holiday?
Yes. Columbus Day is a U.S. federal holiday observed on the second Monday of October. Most nonessential federal offices close, although private employers and local institutions set their own schedules.
02 When is Columbus Day?
Columbus Day falls on the second Monday of October each year. The exact calendar date changes annually.
03 When is Columbus Day 2025?
Columbus Day 2025 was Monday, October 13, 2025.
04 Is there mail on Columbus Day?
Regular USPS mail delivery is generally suspended on Columbus Day. Most post offices close, while private courier services may follow different holiday schedules.
05 Are banks closed on Columbus Day?
Many bank branches close because Columbus Day is a Federal Reserve holiday. Online banking and ATMs generally remain available. Check your bank for branch-specific hours.
06 Is the stock market open on Columbus Day?
Yes. The NYSE and Nasdaq generally remain open for regular stock trading on Columbus Day. The U.S. bond market generally observes the holiday.
07 Are banks open on Columbus Day?
Many physical branches are closed, but policies vary by institution. Mobile banking, online banking and ATMs are generally available.
08 Is the post office open on Columbus Day?
Most USPS post office locations are closed on Columbus Day. Check the official USPS website for local service information and holiday schedules.
09 Is Columbus Day a bank holiday?
Yes. Columbus Day is a Federal Reserve holiday, and many banks close their branches. The availability of individual services depends on the bank and transaction type.
10 What is Columbus Day?
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. Many states and communities also observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, either instead of or alongside Columbus Day.
11 When is Columbus Day 2026?
Columbus Day 2026 falls on Monday, October 12, 2026. It is a federal holiday in the United States.
12 Is there school on Columbus Day?
School schedules vary. Some schools close for Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while others hold regular classes. Check the local school district calendar.
13 Is today Columbus Day?
Columbus Day is Monday, October 12, in 2026. Whether it is today depends on the current date in your location.
14 Are schools closed on Columbus Day?
Some schools and colleges close, while others remain open. There is no single nationwide school closure rule for every district or institution.
15 What is closed on Columbus Day?
Many federal offices, bank branches and USPS post offices close. Schools, public libraries, public transportation and private businesses may follow different schedules.
16 Does mail run on Columbus Day?
Regular USPS mail delivery is generally suspended for the holiday and typically resumes on the next business day. Private delivery companies may continue selected services.
17 Is Columbus Day a national holiday?
Columbus Day is a federal holiday recognized on the U.S. federal holiday calendar. However, federal holiday status does not require every state, school or private business to close.
18 Is the stock market open on Columbus Day 2026?
Yes. The NYSE and Nasdaq are scheduled to operate during their regular trading sessions on Monday, October 12, 2026. Verify official exchange calendars for updates.
19 Does the mail run on Columbus Day?
Generally, USPS does not provide regular mail delivery on Columbus Day. Private courier services may have their own operating schedules.
20 Is the post office closed on Columbus Day?
Yes. Most USPS post offices are closed for Columbus Day, and regular mail delivery is generally suspended. Check USPS announcements for specific services.