Monday, October 14, is Columbus Day, a federal holiday also recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day and Italian Heritage Day in various cities and states, including New York City.
Here’s a summary of what will be open and closed in our region for the holiday:
Closures on Columbus Day:
Government Offices:
All federal, state, and local government offices will be closed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. This includes state and city courts, Social Security offices, and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations. If you planned to renew your license or take care of any government-related matters, you’ll need to wait until Tuesday.
U.S. Postal Service:
Post offices will not be open, and there will be no regular mail delivery on Monday. Packages will not arrive until the following business day.
Schools:
Public schools throughout New York City and many in the tri-state area will be closed. However, closures might differ by district, so it’s advisable to check your local district’s website for confirmation regarding school operations.
Banks:
Most major banks, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, will be closed. Some branches, such as Chase Bank and TD Bank, might be open. Make sure to check your bank’s hours before visiting.
Libraries and Sanitation:
Libraries in the tri-state region, including the New York Public Library, will be closed. Additionally, there will be no trash and recycling collection in New York City.
Open on Columbus Day:
Retailers and Grocery Stores:
Most major retail chains and grocery stores, such as Target, Walmart, and Starbucks, will remain open on Columbus Day, although hours can vary by location. For those in New Jersey, the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Bergen County will also be open, though its hours might not be the usual.
Amazon Services:
Amazon services, including shipping and deliveries, will continue to operate normally, as Columbus Day is not a recognized paid holiday for the company.
Transportation and Parking:
Public transportation will generally follow a regular weekday schedule in most areas, but some services may have slight adjustments, so it’s wise to check with your local transit authority. In New York City, parking rules in school zones will be suspended, but other parking regulations will still apply.
Whether you plan to relax, shop, or run errands, it’s a good idea to verify hours and closures before you head out.