What Holiday Is October 13th? Everything to Know About Columbus Day 2025

Wondering what holiday falls on Monday, October 13th? It’s Columbus Day — a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates Christopher Columbus’ landing in the Americas in 1492. As the ninth federal holiday of 2025, Columbus Day will bring closures to government offices, banks, and postal services, while most retail businesses remain open.

Here’s a complete breakdown of what you need to know about Columbus Day 2025, including its date, history, what’s open and closed, and how it could impact your Monday plans.

Columbus Day 2025: Date, History, and Meaning

Columbus Day in 2025 is on Monday, October 13. The holiday is observed annually on the second Monday in October, thanks to the Uniform Holiday Bill signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. This legislation standardized the observance of several federal holidays, ensuring Columbus Day always lands on a Monday to create a three-day weekend for many workers and students.

The day honors the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492 — a voyage that marked the beginning of sustained European exploration and colonization of the Western Hemisphere. While long celebrated for this historic moment, the holiday has also become a point of debate due to Columbus’ treatment of Indigenous peoples. As a result, many U.S. states and cities now celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the same date to recognize the history and cultures of Native American communities.

Despite the ongoing debate, Columbus Day remains one of the 12 federal holidays in the United States. Federal workers typically receive the day off, and government offices and many institutions will close to mark the occasion.

Closures and What’s Open on Columbus Day 2025

Because Columbus Day is a federal holiday, many services and offices will either close or operate on modified schedules on Monday, October 13.

Government Offices and Schools: Federal, state, and local government offices will be closed. Most public schools, including those in New Jersey and across the U.S., will not hold classes, giving students and educators a long weekend.

Postal Services: The United States Postal Service (USPS) will suspend mail delivery and post office operations on Columbus Day. However, private carriers like UPS and FedEx will operate as usual, though deliveries could see slight delays due to the holiday.

Banks and Financial Institutions: Major banks — including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, Capital One, and PNC — will close their physical branches for the holiday. Online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs will still function normally.

Retail and Grocery Stores: Most major retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants will remain open on Columbus Day. If you work in retail, food service, or delivery, expect a normal workday.

Broader Impact and Observances Across the U.S.

While Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, how it is observed varies widely by state and city. Some states — such as Florida and New Jersey — officially recognize Columbus Day and close government offices, while others emphasize Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead or celebrate both holidays concurrently.

Schools, museums, and civic organizations often host events or discussions about both Columbus’ voyages and the history of Native peoples. Many parades and cultural celebrations are held nationwide, particularly in cities with strong Italian-American communities, where Columbus Day is also seen as a celebration of Italian heritage.

For many Americans, October’s three-day weekend offers a chance to travel, spend time with family, or participate in local events. It also serves as a reminder to reflect on the country’s complex history and the diverse stories that shape its identity today.

Columbus Day 2025 on October 13 is more than just a day off — it’s a moment to honor history, spark conversations about heritage, and understand how the holiday continues to evolve in modern America.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What holiday is October 13th in 2025?

October 13th is Columbus Day, a federal holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus’ 1492 landing in the Americas.

Q2: Is Columbus Day a federal holiday?

Yes, Columbus Day is one of 12 U.S. federal holidays. Federal offices, courts, and many banks close in observance.

Q3: Are banks open on Columbus Day 2025?

No, major banks will be closed on October 13. However, online banking and ATMs will remain available.

Q4: Is mail delivered on Columbus Day?

No, USPS will not deliver mail on Columbus Day, but UPS and FedEx will operate normally.

Q5: Do schools close on Columbus Day?

Yes, most public schools across the country, including those in New Jersey, will be closed on October 13.

References

Associated Press. (2025). What holiday is Monday? What you need to know about the next federal holiday. Oct. 12, 2025.

USA Today. (2025). Columbus Day 2025: Date, history, and what’s open or closed. Oct. 12, 2025.

BBC News. (2025). Columbus Day vs Indigenous Peoples’ Day: What to know in 2025. Oct. 11, 2025.