Columbus Day in 2025 falls exactly on October 13. This holiday holds a unique and developing role in the American sentiment.
This day is marked with festive events, and a growing number of these communities now simultaneously observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, reflecting a broader, more nuanced understanding of our nation’s history.
To better understand Columbus Day, this article will go over its history, meaning, and how people celebrate it today. If you’re also curious about what offices are open or closed on this day, we’ll cover that too.
As a bonus, we’ll also show how a form builder can help you with event planning, making it easier to handle sign-ups or event surveys.
When is Columbus Day in 2025?
Columbus Day is always celebrated every second Monday of October. This year, 2025, the marked date for this holiday is October 13. Mark your calendars now to plan how to honor this day.
Revisiting Columbus Day history
Columbus Day as a holiday started long after Christopher Columbus’s voyages. Years after 1492, the American Revolution, the young United States searched for heroes who weren’t connected to Britain. Naturally, Columbus stood out as a symbol of new beginnings, an Italian Catholic sailing for Spain whose explorations marked something different.
By the late 19th century, Italian-American communities, facing heavy discrimination, championed Columbus as a figure of dignity and belonging. From there, the holiday grew into a national tradition.
Key events and official recognitions are as follows in this timeline:
| Date | What happened |
| October 12, 1792 | The first large Columbus celebration took place in New York City, marking the 300th anniversary of his voyage. It was organized by the Columbian Order (Tammany Hall). |
| March 14, 1891 | Eleven Italian immigrants were lynched in New Orleans. The backlash led President Benjamin Harrison to call for a Columbus holiday to honor Italian-American pride. |
| October 12, 1892 | The first national observance of Columbus Day was held. Schools recited the new Pledge of Allegiance to mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival. |
| 1907 | Denver, Colorado, became the first city to recognize and hold an official Columbus Day parade. However, New York and San Francisco had earlier large celebrations. |
| April 30, 1934 | The joint resolution authorizing the President to designate October 12th as Columbus Day was approved |
| September 30, 1934 | President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a proclamation on September 30, establishing Columbus Day as a federal holiday after lobbying from Italian-American groups. |
| October 12, 1971 | The Uniform Monday Holiday Act, signed in 1968 and effective January 1, 1971, moved Columbus Day to the second Monday of October, giving Americans a three-day weekend. |
| Present Day | Many states and cities now recognize Indigenous or Native Peoples’ Day as being on the same date, shifting the focus to Native American history and heritage. |
Why do we celebrate Columbus Day?
For a long time, citizens have been discussing Columbus Day and its meaning.
This commemoration was created to honor Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Aside from paying tribute to its history, it also became an important way to recognize the contributions and heritage of Italian Americans.
But recently, our perspectives on all aspects, including history, have grown. People now also listen to the voices of Indigenous communities and historians who point out that Columbus’s voyages led to some painful consequences for the native people already living here, including disease, exploitation, and colonization.
This has started a meaningful debate. So, while some places still celebrate Columbus Day, many now also observe Native Peoples’ Day on the same date. This isn’t about replacing one holiday with another, but also adding to the story. It’s a day to honor the strength, history, and cultures of Native American peoples and to acknowledge the complete picture of our past.
What’s open and what’s closed on 2025 Columbus Day
To give you a clearer picture of the offices closed and open on Columbus Day, here’s a breakdown:
Likely CLOSED:
| Federal government offices | All non-essential offices (DMVs, federal courts, passport agencies). |
| State and local government offices | In areas that observe the holiday. |
| Public libraries | Most will be closed. |
Likely OPEN:
| Retail stores and malls | Major chains like Walmart and Target for Columbus Day sales |
| Grocery stores and restaurants | These businesses largely operate as usual |
| Most private businesses | Corporate offices, factories, and other private-sector employers remain open. |
| Public transportation | Service may be reduced; check with your provider for changes. |
| Museums and attractions | Many will be open and may be busier than usual. |
Note: For the stock market, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) are open on Columbus Day. However, the bond market is closed because it observes the Federal Reserve’s holiday schedule.
Are banks closed on Columbus Day?
Yes, most banks close on Columbus Day since the Federal Reserve observes it as a holiday. Wire transfers and ACH payments are delayed until the next business day when the Federal Reserve is closed, although online and mobile banking continue to function as usual. A few banks might stay in operation, but that’s indefinite, so it’s best to check with your branch.
Are schools closed on Columbus Day?
School schedules depend on the district. Some close for Columbus Day, while others stay open. Private schools set their own rules, too. To be sure, check your district’s official 2025 calendar.
Is mail delivery ongoing for Columbus Day?
No, the USPS does not deliver mail or operate post offices on Columbus Day, as it’s a federal holiday. That means no regular letters or packages will arrive on October 13, 2025.
Private carriers like UPS and FedEx handle things differently and often continue with the usual delivery schedules. But a note with FedEx’s SmartPost, which relies on USPS, may not run on the holiday. Check with your carrier if you have an important delivery.
How do people celebrate Columbus Day?
How you observe Columbus Day really depends on where you live and your sentiments about why you celebrate the day. Here’s a look at the common ways the day is marked.
Later, after this section, since we have discussed the event taking place on the mentioned holiday, we will also guide event organizers on how to manage their events efficiently using tools like online form creator builders.
Community parades and festivals
The Columbus Day parade is a big, colorful event in many cities, especially those with strong Italian-American ties. Think marching bands, decorated floats, and a sense of community spirit.
It’s a festive celebration of Italian heritage. If you’re near a major city like New York, checking out the parade can be fun. Even without a parade, your town might have a street festival with delicious Italian food and music.
Learning in schools
The holiday has become a chance for a broader Columbus Day history lesson in schools. While some classrooms might still build the classic dioramas of Columbus’s ships (the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María), many teachers now use the day to explore different perspectives.
Students might learn about the rich cultures of the Native American people already here, like the Taino. The goal is to spark curiosity and encourage students to think critically about this history chapter.
Community talks and events
A growing number of towns and organizations use the day for reflection and learning. You might find a local museum hosting a special exhibit on ancient American civilizations, a library screening a film about Native American history, or a university holding a talk by a historian.
These events aim to paint a more complete picture of the past, honoring Indigenous peoples’ deep history and lasting contributions.
How to make Columbus Day event management easy for event organizers
If you’re tasked with planning a parade, a school fair, or a community educational program, you know that event management can be straining. Managing sign-ups, overseeing volunteers, and gathering feedback are required but time-consuming tasks.
Digital tools can be a lifesaver in this situation, allowing you to spend more time celebrating and less time on paperwork. One digital tool in this sense is QR forms, which enable online attendee registrations or community surveys in minutes without requiring coding skills.
So, instead of manually dealing with a stack of papers that can get lost, you have a single, simplified digital process. With a tool like Form QR Code Generator, you can:
• Collect RSVPs effortlessly
Create a simple event registration form for your gala dinner or VIP parade viewing section. Generate a QR code and place it on your invitations or promotional materials. Guests can scan and register in seconds, giving you an instant, organized headcount.
• Manage volunteer sign-ups
Do you need people to help with setup, marshaling, or cleanup? A dedicated volunteer application form accessible via QR code allows people to sign up for specific roles and time slots on their phones. This makes scheduling automatic and guarantees you get the help you need when needed.
• Check-in attendees with a simple scan
At the event entrance or volunteer check-in station, staff can scan QR codes on attendees’ phones (from their digital tickets or confirmation emails) to instantly mark them as present in the attendance form checklist. This eliminates long paper-based check-in lines and provides real-time attendance data.
• Gather event feedback instantly
The same tool can help you measure the event’s success afterward. Create a feedback form, generate a new QR code, and display it on screens or handouts as people leave. This allows you to capture immediate, honest impressions about what worked and what can be improved for next year.
Celebrate your Columbus Day 2025 with the digital QR forms
Columbus Day is more than just a day off for some; it’s a mirror held up to the American story. It’s a day that can contain pride in cultural heritage, a respectful acknowledgment of a complex history, and a simple appreciation for an October pause.
Whether you spend it attending a lively parade, reflecting on the past through an educational lens, or simply enjoying the fact that the mail isn’t arriving, we hope this guide has given you a clear and comprehensive understanding of the holiday’s ins and outs.
As you finalize your plans for the long weekend, remember that effective community events are built on seamless organization. If you’re inspired to bring your neighborhood together for a celebration, consider how modern tools like QR forms can create a more connected and smoothly run experience for all.
Have a meaningful Columbus Day from TIGER FORM!
FAQs
Who discovered America before Columbus?
Indigenous peoples lived in the Americas thousands of years before Columbus. Leif Erikson, a Norse explorer from Iceland, reached North America around 1000, almost 500 years before Columbus.
Is Columbus Day a federal holiday?
Yes. Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States, which means federal offices and many institutions close in observance. Some states and cities, though, observe Native Peoples’ Day instead.
When is Columbus Day in 2026?
Columbus Day will be on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Sources:
https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/columbus-day/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Columbus-Day/
https://www.history.com/articles/columbus-day/
https://www.federalreserve.gov/aboutthefed/k8.htm/
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/10/05/working-on-columbus-day-or-indigenous-peoples-day-it-depends-on-where-your-job-is/
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/events/
https://www.sifma.org/resources/general/holiday-schedule/
https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2025/09/26/when-is-columbus-day-2025-october-13-indigenous-peoples-day-is-it-federal-holiday-are-banks-open/86328804007/
https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/resources/Unlearning-Columbus-Day-Myths-Indigenous-Peoples-Day/