2025: Columbus Day is a Federal Holiday: Monday, October 13 (Plan Ahead: Expect Traffic, Higher Fares and Hotel Rates)NEW

Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the second Monday of October. It commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, a voyage that significantly shaped world history.

The holiday was first recognized in 1937 and became a federal holiday in 1971, following the Uniform Holiday Act, which moved it to a Monday to create a long weekend for workers.

Today, Columbus Day is marked in different ways across the country. Some communities celebrate Italian-American heritage with parades and cultural events, while others observe it as Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor the history and contributions of Native American communities.

As with many federal holidays, government offices, banks, and some businesses close, giving people the opportunity to reflect, celebrate heritage, or enjoy a day of rest.

Because holidays often bring crowds and higher travel costs, planning ahead can make your trip smoother and less expensive.


January
• January 1: New Year’s Day - Celebrates the first day of the year.
• Third Monday in January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Honors the civil rights leader’s life and legacy.

February
• Third Monday in February: Presidents’ Day - Honors all U.S. presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

May
• Last Monday in May: Memorial Day - Honors military personnel who died in service to the United States.

June
• June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day - Commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

July
• July 4: Independence Day - Celebrates the nation’s founding and the Declaration of Independence.

September
• First Monday in September: Labor Day - Honors American workers and the labor movement.

October
• Second Monday in October: Columbus Day - Marks Christopher Columbus’s 1492 landing; also recognized by many as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

November
• November 11: Veterans Day - Honors all U.S. military veterans.
• Fourth Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day - Day of gratitude, family gatherings, and feasting.

December
• December 25: Christmas Day - Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ; widely observed as a cultural holiday.