What Is Closed on Presidents Day? (Banks, Mail, Schools, Government)

Find out what is closed on Presidents Day, including federal offices, banks, schools, postal services, and retail stores.

6 min read
Presidents DayFederal HolidayBank HolidaysSchool Closures

Presidents Day is a federal holiday, which means many government offices, banks, and schools are closed. However, retail stores typically remain open and often offer sales.

Presidents Day affects various services and institutions across the United States. This guide explains what's typically closed, what remains open, and what you can expect on this federal holiday.

Federal Government

Status: CLOSED

All federal government offices are closed on Presidents Day, including:

  • Federal Agencies: All federal departments and agencies
  • Post Offices: USPS offices are closed, and mail is not delivered
  • Federal Courts: Federal courts are closed
  • National Parks: Visitor centers and administrative offices are closed, but parks may remain accessible
  • Social Security Offices: Closed
  • IRS Offices: Closed (though online services remain available)
  • Passport Offices: Closed
  • Veterans Affairs (VA) Offices: Closed

Federal employees receive a paid day off, and most federal services are unavailable on Presidents Day.

Postal Services

Status: CLOSED

USPS (United States Postal Service)

  • Post Offices: All post offices are closed
  • Mail Delivery: No regular mail delivery
  • Package Delivery: No package delivery
  • PO Box Access: Varies by location; some automated systems may be accessible

Private Shipping Companies

UPS (United Parcel Service)

  • Regular Service: Operating on a limited schedule
  • Express Services: May operate with delays
  • Customer Service Centers: May have limited hours

FedEx

  • Regular Service: Operating on a limited schedule
  • Express Services: May operate with delays
  • Customer Service Centers: May have limited hours

DHL

  • Operating on a limited schedule

Note: Private shipping companies are not required to close on federal holidays, so services may vary.

Banks

Status: MOSTLY CLOSED

Most banks are closed on Presidents Day, including:

  • National Banks: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, etc.
  • Credit Unions: Most credit unions are closed
  • Regional Banks: Typically closed
  • Online Banking: Available 24/7
  • ATMs: Generally available
  • Mobile Banking: Available 24/7

Exceptions

Some smaller banks or credit unions may remain open, but this is rare. Always check with your specific bank.

What You Can Still Do

  • Use online banking
  • Access ATMs
  • Use mobile banking apps
  • Make deposits at ATMs (if available)
  • Check account balances online

Schools

Status: MOSTLY CLOSED

Most public schools are closed on Presidents Day, but policies vary by district:

  • Public Schools: Most are closed
  • Private Schools: Varies by school
  • Colleges and Universities: Varies by institution
  • Daycare Centers: Varies by provider

Why Schools Close

  • Presidents Day is a federal holiday
  • Many school districts align with federal holiday schedules
  • Provides a three-day weekend for students and staff

Check Your District

Always verify with your local school district, as some may have different policies or use Presidents Day as a make-up day for snow closures.

Stock Markets

Status: CLOSED

  • NYSE (New York Stock Exchange): Closed
  • NASDAQ: Closed
  • Bond Markets: Closed
  • Futures Markets: Closed

Stock markets are closed on all federal holidays, including Presidents Day. Trading resumes on the next business day.

State and Local Government

Status: MOSTLY CLOSED

Most state and local government offices are closed:

  • State Offices: Most are closed
  • DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles): Closed in most states
  • City Halls: Most are closed
  • County Offices: Most are closed
  • Public Libraries: Many are closed, but some may have limited hours

Check with your local government for specific closures.

Healthcare Services

Status: VARIES

Hospitals

  • Emergency Services: Open 24/7
  • Regular Services: May have limited hours
  • Urgent Care Centers: Many remain open

VA (Veterans Affairs) Facilities

  • Administrative Offices: Closed
  • Medical Facilities: May have limited services
  • Emergency Services: Available

Clinics

  • Private Clinics: Varies by provider
  • Community Health Centers: May have limited hours

Retail Stores

Status: MOSTLY OPEN

Most retail stores remain open on Presidents Day and often offer sales:

  • Department Stores: Open (often with sales)
  • Grocery Stores: Open
  • Shopping Malls: Open
  • Restaurants: Open
  • Gas Stations: Open
  • Convenience Stores: Open

Presidents Day Sales

Many retailers offer "Presidents Day sales," making it a popular shopping day. This is one reason why retail stores typically remain open.

Transportation

Status: VARIES

Public Transportation

  • Buses: May operate on holiday schedules
  • Trains: May operate on holiday schedules
  • Subways: May operate on holiday schedules

Check with your local transit authority for specific schedules.

Airlines

  • Commercial Flights: Operating normally
  • Airports: Open, but some services may have limited hours

Ride-Sharing Services

  • Uber/Lyft: Operating normally

What's Typically Open

  • Retail Stores: Most remain open
  • Restaurants: Most remain open
  • Gas Stations: Open
  • Grocery Stores: Open
  • Hospitals: Emergency services open
  • Hotels: Open
  • Entertainment Venues: Movies, theaters, etc.
  • Online Services: All online services remain available

Planning Ahead

To avoid inconvenience on Presidents Day:

  1. Banking: Complete transactions before the holiday
  2. Mail: Send important mail before the holiday
  3. Government Services: Schedule appointments for other days
  4. School Activities: Check if schools are closed
  5. Shipping: Expect delays with package delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Banks Open on Presidents Day?

Most banks are closed on Presidents Day. Online banking and ATMs remain available.

Is the Post Office Open on Presidents Day?

No, USPS post offices are closed, and mail is not delivered on Presidents Day.

Are Schools Closed on Presidents Day?

Most public schools are closed on Presidents Day, but policies vary by district.

Is the VA Closed on Presidents Day?

Yes, VA administrative offices are closed. Medical facilities may have limited services, but emergency services are available.

Are Retail Stores Open on Presidents Day?

Yes, most retail stores remain open and often offer Presidents Day sales.

Is the Stock Market Open on Presidents Day?

No, the stock market is closed on Presidents Day and all other federal holidays.

Can I Get Mail on Presidents Day?

No, USPS does not deliver mail on Presidents Day. Private shipping companies may operate on limited schedules.

Are Government Offices Open on Presidents Day?

No, federal government offices are closed. State and local offices are typically closed as well.

Conclusion

Presidents Day is a federal holiday that affects many services and institutions. While government offices, banks, and schools are typically closed, retail stores remain open and often offer sales. Plan ahead to avoid inconvenience, and always verify specific closures with your local institutions.

Whether you're planning a shopping trip, need to complete banking, or are scheduling government services, knowing what's closed on Presidents Day can help you plan accordingly.