If you’re wondering about Presidents Day 2025 and how the federal holiday might affect your daily plans, you’re not alone. Presidents Day 2025 falls on Monday, February 17, giving millions of Americans a long weekend to enjoy. Whether you’re hoping to hit the stores for holiday sales, mail a package, or simply need to know if the bank is open, this complete guide covers everything you need to know about what’s open and closed on Presidents Day 2025.
Understanding Presidents Day: A Brief History
Presidents Day, officially recognized by the federal government as Washington’s Birthday, has a fascinating history that many Americans may not fully realize. The holiday originally established to honor George Washington, the nation’s first president, has evolved over the decades into a broader celebration of presidential leadership.
While Washington was born on February 22, 1732, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971 shifted the observance to the third Monday of February. This means Presidents Day 2025 will be celebrated on February 17, though it technically remains Washington’s Birthday on the federal calendar.
Over time, the holiday has come to honor not only Washington but also Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday falls on February 12. Many historians and educators appreciate this expansion because it acknowledges the contributions of multiple presidents throughout American history. Today, Presidents Day serves as both a patriotic observance and, more practically, a welcome mid-winter break for American workers and families.
What’s Closed on Presidents Day 2025
Federal Government Offices
Because Presidents Day is a federal holiday, all nonessential federal government offices will be closed on Monday, February 17. This includes Social Security Administration offices, federal courts, and various federal agencies. If you had business planned with a federal entity, you’ll need to wait until Tuesday, February 18, when normal operations resume.
State and Local Government Services
The closures extend beyond the federal level. State and local government offices will also be dark on Presidents Day 2025. This typically means:
- DMVs will be closed at the state level
- City halls and municipal offices will not be open to the public
- Courthouses at state and local levels will suspend most operations
- Public libraries in many communities will close for the day
- DMV offices in most states will not process transactions
However, it’s worth noting that some essential services, including police, fire, and emergency medical services, will continue operating as usual regardless of the holiday.
U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
The United States Postal Service will not deliver regular mail on Presidents Day 2025. Post offices across the country will be closed, meaning you won’t be able to send out packages, buy stamps, or conduct other postal business in person. If you have time-sensitive mail, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and visit your local post office before the holiday weekend or wait until Tuesday to send it out.
Financial Markets
Both major American stock exchanges will observe the holiday. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq will not be trading on Presidents Day 2025. Trading will resume on Tuesday, February 18. Investors should keep this in mind if they’re planning to make moves in the market around the long weekend.
Most Banks
Banks have a complicated history with federal holidays, and Presidents Day is no exception. Most brick-and-mortar bank branches will be closed on Monday, February 17. However, there’s an important exception worth noting: TD Bank branches will be open and operating on Presidents Day 2025, which makes it a useful option if you need in-person banking services during the long weekend.
Even if your local branch is closed, you can still access your accounts through online banking platforms and ATMs. Most ATMs remain operational regardless of the holiday, though you may want to use ones affiliated with your bank to avoid potential fees.
What’s Open on Presidents Day 2025
Major Retailers and Big Box Stores
One of the most significant things to know about Presidents Day 2025 is that most retailers will be open and, in many cases, will be running special sales and promotions. The holiday has become one of the biggest retail events of the early year, with deals on everything from mattresses to electronics. Major retailers expected to be open include:
- Walmart – Regular hours, plus Presidents Day sales
- Target – Special promotions on home goods and electronics
- Costco – Warehouse clubs typically maintain normal hours
- Kroger – Grocery stores remain open for food shopping
While these major chains will operate during the holiday, it’s still wise to check with your local store before heading out, as individual locations may adjust their hours. Smaller retailers and local shops may also have varying schedules, so a quick phone call or website check can save you a wasted trip.
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores generally remain open on Presidents Day, recognizing that people still need to purchase food and household essentials. Whether you’re planning a big family meal or just need to restock the basics, major grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and others will likely be operating on their regular schedules.
UPS and FedEx
If you need to ship packages during the Presidents Day 2025 weekend, you have options:
- UPS will be operating as normal, with regular pickup and drop-off services available
- FedEx will be open but with modified service levels
For FedEx customers, it’s wise to check their specific service schedule, as some FedEx Express services may have adjusted pickup and delivery windows while FedEx Ground typically maintains regular operations.
Restaurants and Entertainment Venues
Restaurants are largely a category where you’ll find variety. National chain restaurants often stay open on Presidents Day, while locally-owned establishments may choose to close. The holiday weekend is often a busy time for family dining, so many restaurants actually welcome the business. Entertainment venues, including movie theaters, museums, and tourist attractions, often operate on holiday schedules that may differ from their regular hours.
Presidents Day 2025 Sales and Deals
Presidents Day has transformed into one of the major retail sales events of the year, offering consumers excellent opportunities to save on big-ticket items. If you’re planning to take advantage of Presidents Day 2025 sales, here are some categories that typically see the deepest discounts:
- Mattresses and bedding – Often the biggest sale event of the year for this category
- Appliances – Major appliances like refrigerators and washers see significant markdowns
- Electronics – TVs, laptops, and other gadgets often feature doorbuster prices
- Home furniture – Living room and bedroom furniture typically see substantial discounts
- Automotive sales – Car dealerships frequently run Presidents Day promotions
Many of these sales extend throughout the entire Presidents Day weekend and sometimes longer, giving you flexibility to shop at your convenience.
Planning Your Presidents Day Weekend
With Presidents Day 2025 creating a three-day weekend for many Americans, it’s worth considering a few planning tips:
Mail and Packages
If you have mail to send, plan to visit the post office before Friday, February 14, or wait until Tuesday, February 18. For urgent packages, UPS remains a reliable option throughout the weekend.
Banking Needs
Most banks will be closed, but TD Bank branches will be open. Otherwise, ATMs and online banking remain available 24/7. If you need to deposit checks or conduct other transactions that require a branch visit, consider doing so before the holiday.
Shopping Strategy
For the best Presidents Day deals, compare prices online before heading to stores. Many retailers offer price matching, and shopping during off-peak hours early in the morning or later in the evening can help you avoid crowds while still taking advantage of sales.
Government Business
If you need to visit the DMV or handle other government business, plan to do so on Tuesday, February 18, or earlier in the week. Some DMVs allow online transactions, which could save you from having to visit in person at all.
Conclusion
Presidents Day 2025 on Monday, February 17 offers Americans a welcomed long weekend to relax, reflect on presidential history, and potentially take advantage of significant retail savings. While federal and state government offices, most banks, the USPS, and financial markets will be closed, the holiday brings good news for shoppers, with major retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Kroger staying open and offering special promotions. UPS will maintain normal operations, FedEx will operate with modified services, and TD Bank branches will be open for those needing in-person banking services.
Whether you use Presidents Day 2025 as a chance to score deals on a new mattress, spend quality time with family, or simply enjoy a day off work, knowing what’s open and closed ahead of time can help you plan accordingly. Make sure to check local businesses for their specific hours, and enjoy the holiday weekend!
