Presidents Day in the U.S.: What’s open and what’s closed?

It is a federal holiday honoring George Washington, the nation’s first president, but not everyone gets the day off.

Presidents Day, officially known as Washington’s Birthday, is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the third Monday of February. In 2025, it falls on February 17. This day honors George Washington, the nation’s first president, and has come to recognize all U.S. presidents. As a federal holiday, certain nationwide closures are standard, but practices can vary by state.

Nationwide Closures:

Federal Government Offices: All non-essential federal agencies, including the Federal Reserve, will be closed.

Postal Services: The United States Postal Service (USPS) will not operate, and no regular mail deliveries will occur.

Financial Markets: Major stock exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, will be closed.

Banks: Most physical bank branches are expected to be closed; however, ATMs and online banking services will remain accessible.

Services That Remain Open:

Retail Stores and Supermarkets: Major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and grocery chains, typically remain open.

Delivery Services: Companies like FedEx and UPS often operate, though FedEx may offer modified services with limited pickups in some areas.

Public Transportation: Most public transit systems run on regular schedules, but it’s advisable to check local timetables.

State Variations:

While Presidents Day is a federal holiday, its observance can differ across states:

State Government Offices and Schools: Some state offices and public schools close in observance, while others remain open. For instance, in San Antonio, Texas, most school districts are closed, but East Central ISD and Southside ISD will hold classes.

Holiday Recognition: The holiday’s name and the presidents it honors can vary by state. Some states refer to it as “Washington’s Birthday,” others as “Presidents Day,” and some include figures like Abraham Lincoln or Thomas Jefferson. A few states do not officially observe the holiday at all.

Given these variations, it’s recommended to verify the operating hours of local institutions and businesses on Presidents Day, as practices can differ based on regional and organizational poli