Are Schools Closed on Columbus Day? What to Know About Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2025

Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, is a federal holiday in the United States known as Columbus Day — but it’s also recognized by many as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The dual observance often leads to confusion about what’s open and closed, especially when it comes to schools, government offices, and essential services.

While Columbus Day has been a national holiday since 1937, growing awareness of Christopher Columbus’s legacy of violence against Indigenous peoples has led many states and cities to shift toward honoring Native American history and culture instead. This shift means closures and observances now vary widely depending on where you live.

School Schedules on Columbus Day Explained

Whether schools are closed on Columbus Day depends on local policies and how the holiday is recognized in your state or school district. In many parts of the United States, public schools remain open on Oct. 13. For example, Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky will operate on a normal schedule this year.

However, some school districts, especially in states that formally recognize Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day as official holidays, may close. South Dakota, for instance, was the first state to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 1989, and many districts there now close schools in observance.

Overall, there’s no single national rule. Roughly 30 states and Washington, D.C., do not officially observe Columbus Day, while more than 220 U.S. cities have renamed or replaced the holiday with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Families should check local district calendars to confirm if classes are in session.

Government Offices, Mail, and Banks on Columbus Day

Columbus Day remains one of 11 federal holidays recognized by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, so federal offices — including Social Security offices and federal courts — will be closed on Monday, Oct. 13. Most state government buildings will also close if the state observes the holiday.

The U.S. Postal Service will be closed, and no regular mail delivery will occur. UPS will offer normal delivery and pickup services, though some shipments like UPS Ground Saver may experience an extra day in transit. FedEx will operate with modified hours, but most of its locations will remain open.

Most banks will close in observance of Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Online banking and ATMs, however, will continue operating as usual.

Stores, Trash Pickup, and Stock Market Operations

Most major retailers and grocery stores — including Walmart, Target, Kroger, Aldi, and CVS — will remain open on Columbus Day. Customers are advised to verify hours with local branches, as some stores may operate on reduced schedules.

Public works departments in many cities do not treat Columbus Day as an official holiday, meaning trash pickup and recycling services typically continue as normal. Residents should still double-check municipal schedules for possible exceptions.

Financial markets will also have a mixed schedule. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will remain open for trading, but the bond market will be closed for the holiday.

The Broader Meaning of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is intended to honor and celebrate the history, culture, and resilience of Native American peoples. While first recognized in South Dakota over three decades ago, the movement has gained momentum nationwide as many Americans seek to shift focus from Columbus’s controversial legacy to Indigenous contributions.

President Joe Biden has issued proclamations recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day alongside Columbus Day, though political divisions around the holiday remain. In contrast, former President Donald Trump recently vowed to “bring Columbus Day back from the ashes,” calling the explorer “the original American hero.”

Whether you call it Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Oct. 13 remains a day for reflection on U.S. history and cultural heritage — and a reminder to double-check school schedules and service closures before making plans.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Are schools closed on Columbus Day 2025?

Many public schools will remain open on Oct. 13, 2025, though some in states observing the holiday may close. Check your local district calendar for details.

Q2: Is Columbus Day still a federal holiday?

Yes. Columbus Day remains one of 11 federal holidays in the U.S., so federal offices, courts, and postal services will be closed.

Q3: Will mail be delivered on Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

No. USPS offices will be closed and mail delivery suspended. UPS and FedEx will operate with modified schedules.

Q4: Are banks open on Columbus Day?

Most banks will close on Oct. 13, though online banking and ATMs remain available. Check with your bank for local branch hours.

Q5: Are grocery stores and retail shops open on Columbus Day?

Yes. Major supermarkets and retail chains like Walmart and Target will remain open, though hours may vary by location.

References

USA TODAY. (2025). What’s closed on Columbus Day? What is Indigenous Peoples’ Day? October 13, 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). Biden recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day alongside Columbus Day. October 12, 2025.

Reuters. (2025). Columbus Day closures and Indigenous Peoples’ Day observances across U.S. October 12, 2025.