Live Countdown to October 13, 2025
Real-time countdown to the federal holiday!
When is Columbus Day 2025? Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 13, 2025. This federal holiday always occurs on the second Monday of October, as established by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968. Our live timer above shows exactly how many days remain until this date.
Planning around federal holidays requires knowing exact dates. The second Monday scheduling means the date shifts annually between October 8th and October 14th. In 2025, October 13th becomes the official observance date for federal purposes, affecting government operations, banking services, and postal delivery nationwide.
As a federal holiday, October 13th means closure for federal government offices, federal courts, and many federal services. However, the observance varies significantly across states and municipalities. Many states have replaced the holiday with Indigenous Peoples' Day, while others don't observe it at all. This creates a patchwork of observances across America.
Federal offices, federal courts, most banks, post offices (USPS), some state/local government offices, federal employee workplaces, and some schools depending on district policy.
Stock markets, most private businesses, retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and many state/local offices in states that don't observe the holiday.
Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, South Dakota, and Vermont don't observe Columbus Day. Many cities including Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead on this date.
The holiday commemorates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Italian-American communities first celebrated Columbus Day in the late 1800s, with Colorado becoming the first state to officially recognize it in 1906. President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed it a federal holiday in 1937, and Congress moved it to the second Monday of October in 1968.
In recent decades, many jurisdictions have reconsidered the holiday's celebration. Critics point to the negative impacts of colonization on indigenous populations, leading to growing adoption of Indigenous Peoples' Day as an alternative or replacement observance. This shift reflects evolving perspectives on American history and efforts to acknowledge diverse viewpoints.
Indigenous Peoples' Day honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. South Dakota first adopted it in 1989 as "Native Americans' Day." Berkeley, California, became the first city to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day in 1992. Since then, over 130 cities and numerous states have made similar changes.
Despite state and local variations, October 13th remains a federal holiday for federal purposes. Federal employees receive the day off (or holiday pay), federal offices close, and federal services pause. However, this federal designation doesn't require states, cities, or private employers to observe the holiday, creating the diverse landscape of observances seen today.
Whether your area observes Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, or neither, understanding the federal holiday status helps with practical planning. Banking transactions, mail deliveries, and government services all adjust for this date.
Federal Reserve banks close on October 13th, which typically means most commercial banks also close. However, policies vary by institution. Major national banks often close, while some regional and community banks remain open. Online banking and ATMs generally function normally, though processing times for transactions may be delayed.
If you need to conduct banking business, plan ahead. Complete transactions before October 10th (Friday) to ensure processing before the holiday. Check your specific bank's holiday schedule, as policies differ. Credit unions often follow different holiday schedules than commercial banks.
USPS suspends regular mail delivery on federal holidays, including October 13th. Post offices close, and no mail is delivered or collected. Mail service resumes Tuesday, October 14th. Priority Mail Express offers limited delivery on this day for an additional fee.
Private carriers handle the holiday differently. UPS and FedEx typically maintain operations, though with modified schedules. UPS observes Columbus Day with limited or no pickup/delivery depending on service level. FedEx Express and Ground services often continue with potential delays. Check specific carrier websites for exact schedules.
School observance varies dramatically by location. Some districts close for the federal holiday. Others remain open but incorporate educational programming about Columbus, exploration history, or indigenous cultures. Many districts in areas observing Indigenous Peoples' Day use the occasion for cultural education and community engagement.
Check your local school district's calendar well in advance. If schools close, plan for childcare arrangements. If schools remain open but you plan to observe the day differently, understand attendance policies for excused absences.
Columbus Day 2025 falls on Monday, October 13th. As a federal holiday occurring on the second Monday of October, this date was determined by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
Yes, October 13th is a federal holiday. Federal offices, federal courts, and the Federal Reserve close. However, being a federal holiday doesn't require states, cities, or private businesses to observe it. Many jurisdictions don't recognize it or observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead.
Most banks close because the Federal Reserve observes the holiday. However, some banks remain open depending on their policies and state observance. Check your specific bank's schedule. Online banking and ATMs typically function normally, though transaction processing may be delayed.
No, USPS does not deliver regular mail on federal holidays. Post offices close and resume service the next business day (October 14th). Priority Mail Express offers limited holiday delivery for an extra fee. Private carriers like UPS and FedEx maintain modified operations.
Columbus Day traditionally commemorates Christopher Columbus's 1492 arrival in the Americas. Indigenous Peoples' Day honors Native American peoples and their histories. Many states and cities have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day to acknowledge indigenous perspectives and colonization's impacts. Both may be observed on the same date (October 13, 2025) depending on location.
Yes, U.S. stock markets (NYSE, NASDAQ) remain open on Columbus Day. It's not one of the market's official holidays. Trading occurs on regular schedules on October 13th.
Whether you have the day off or work as usual depends on your location and employer. If you have a three-day weekend, October 13th offers opportunities for various activities. Many communities host parades, cultural festivals, or educational programs. Some areas feature Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrations with traditional music, dance, storytelling, and educational exhibits.
The holiday weekend (October 11-13) marks a popular travel period, with fall foliage reaching peak colors in many regions. National parks and state parks see increased visitation. Book accommodations early if planning getaways, as hotels in popular destinations fill quickly.
For those working, the day often brings lighter traffic and quieter work environments due to federal employee absences and school closures in some areas. This can be ideal for focusing on projects or catching up on tasks.
As October 13th approaches, remember that preparation ensures smooth navigation of any service interruptions. Complete necessary banking by Friday, October 10th. Expect mail delivery to resume October 14th. Check local observances to understand what's open or closed in your specific area. Whether your community observes Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, or simply treats it as another October Monday, understanding the federal holiday status helps you plan effectively.