- Presidents Day is a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated on the third Monday of February.
- The holiday was originally established to honor President George Washington’s birthday.
- While federal and state offices are closed, many businesses, including retail stores and restaurants, remain open.
Presidents Day, a federal holiday, is Monday and while federal and state offices are closed today, many places of business will be open for regular hours.
George Washington’s birthday is the official name of the holiday, but it has long been known as Presidents Day since Congress passed a law to celebrate it on the same day each year.
Under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, the holiday changed from Feb. 22 to the third Monday in January starting in 1971, according to the American Presidency Project.
Here’s what’s open and closed on Presidents Day:
When is Presidents Day 2025?
This year, Presidents Day is on Monday, Feb. 17.
Is Presidents Day a federal holiday?
Yes, Presidents Day is a federal holiday.
Schools and universities
Most public and private schools close on Presidents Day, although some schools may opt to use the holiday to make up for a snow day. Colleges and universities also cancel classes for the holiday and are otherwise closed.
Government offices are closed Monday
Local, state and federal government offices are closed on Monday in observance of the holiday, including the Secretary of State, the county clerk’s office and courts.
Mail services and post offices are not open
The United States Postal Service won’t deliver mail on the holiday, but UPS and FedEx locations and shipping services will continue to operate — with modified service for FedEx Express and Ground Economy options.
Banks are closed on Presidents Day
All Federal Reserve banks and branches are closed on Monday. ATMs will be available for other monetary services.
Is the stock market open?
The New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ and bond markets are closed on Presidents Day.
Libraries and museums
Some libraries may be closed on Monday while others may remain open with modified hours. Check your local library’s website for more information.
On the other hand, most museums remain open on Presidents Day, although the Michigan History Museum in Lansing is closed.
Doctors’ offices
Most doctors’ offices are open on Monday, although they may observe modified hours of operation. Emergency clinics will be open.
Pharmacies will be open on Presidents Day
Pharmacies such as CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens are open on Presidents Day, although they may have modified hours of operation. Check your pharmacy’s website for more information.
Grocery stores and convenience stores
Most grocery stores and convenience stores are open on Monday.
Restaurants will be open Monday
Fast food and restaurants are open on Presidents Day.
Movie theaters are open on Presidents Day
Movie theaters are open on Presidents Day.
Retail stores and shopping malls are open
Shopping malls and most retail stores are open on Monday.
Some bigger retailers such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Walmart and Best Buy are having special Presidents Day sales. Amazon has an entire section on its home page dedicated to Presidents Day sales.
Detroit Free Press reporters Jenna Prestininzi, Kylie Martin contributed reporting.
