Columbus Day 2026 will be observed Monday, Oct. 12.
The holiday is celebrated annually on the second Monday in October and is one of 11 federal holidays recognized by the U.S. government.
While Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, many states, cities and school districts also observe or recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day on the same date. Some jurisdictions celebrate both holidays, while others have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Why is Columbus Day celebrated?
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas in 1492.
The holiday became a federal observance in 1937 and was later moved to the second Monday in October under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which created several three-day holiday weekends throughout the year.
In recent
decades, communities across the country have increasingly adopted Indigenous Peoples' Day as a way to recognize Native American history, culture and contributions.
Is Columbus Day a federal holiday?
Yes. Columbus Day is one of the nation's 11 federal holidays.
Federal government offices, federal courts and many government services close in observance of the holiday. The U.S. Postal Service also suspends regular mail delivery.
Because it is a Federal Reserve holiday, many banks are closed as well, although some branches may maintain limited hours.
What's open and closed on Columbus Day 2026?
Federal offices, courts and post offices are generally closed on Columbus Day.
Most grocery stores, restaurants, retailers and other private businesses remain open, though hours may vary by location.
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are expected to operate during their normal trading hours.
School schedules vary by district, with some schools and colleges observing the holiday and others remaining open.
What federal holidays remain in 2026?
Following Columbus Day, three federal holidays remain on the calendar in 2026:
- Veterans Day, Nov. 11
- Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26
- Christmas Day, Dec. 25
For many Americans, Columbus Day marks the final federal holiday before the start of the busy holiday season.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: When is Columbus Day 2026? What to know about the October federal holiday
