What’s open and what’s closed for Presidents Day 2025
presidents day

Presidents Day 2025 is just around the corner, and as the federal holiday approaches, many Americans are looking forward to a long weekend of relaxation, shopping, and family time. Whether you plan to enjoy a quick getaway, catch up on some much-needed rest, or take advantage of major retail sales, it's important to know what services will be open and what will be closed on Presidents Day.
This holiday, officially celebrated on the third Monday of February, honors the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, two of the most influential presidents in U.S. history. While the day is a time for reflection, it's also a day when many businesses and government offices adjust their hours of operation. To help you plan your day, we’ve compiled a list of what’s open and what’s closed on Presidents Day 2025.
1. Government Offices and Services: What’s Closed?
As a federal holiday, many government offices and services will be closed for Presidents Day 2025. Here’s what you need to know:
Federal Offices: Closed
Most federal offices and agencies, including the Social Security Administration, will be closed on Presidents Day. If you were planning to visit a federal building or need to take care of government-related business, you’ll have to wait until the following day to get assistance.
Post Offices: Closed
In observance of Presidents Day, the U.S. Postal Service will be closed. No mail will be delivered on this day, and post office locations will be shuttered for the holiday. However, USPS will resume normal operations the following day, so if you need to send or receive mail, be prepared for a brief delay.
Courts: Closed
Federal, state, and local courts will be closed on Presidents Day. This includes the U.S. District Courts and many local court systems. If you had a scheduled court date, be sure to check if it’s been rescheduled.
Banks: Closed
Many banks, including major institutions like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase, will be closed for Presidents Day. However, online and mobile banking services will continue to function as usual. ATMs will also remain operational, so you can access cash if needed.
2. Retail and Shopping: What’s Open?
If you’re looking to take advantage of Presidents Day sales or simply do some shopping, you’re in luck! Many stores and retailers remain open for business on this holiday, and some even host major discounts in honor of the day. Here's what you can expect:
Malls and Department Stores: Open
Shopping malls and large department stores such as Macy’s, Kohl’s, Target, and Walmart will generally remain open on Presidents Day. Many will also host special sales events, offering discounts on a wide variety of products, from home goods to clothing. Expect to see deeper markdowns on winter merchandise as retailers make room for spring collections.
Grocery Stores: Open
Most major grocery stores, including chains like Safeway, Kroger, and Whole Foods, will remain open for Presidents Day. However, it's always a good idea to check with your local store for any adjusted hours, especially if you're planning to shop late in the day. Some grocery stores might close earlier than usual, so be sure to check your store’s hours before heading out.
Pharmacies: Open
Major pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid will generally be open on Presidents Day. However, some individual locations may have reduced hours or may be closed entirely. If you need to pick up a prescription or purchase over-the-counter medications, it’s a good idea to call ahead or check online to confirm hours for your nearest pharmacy.
Big Box Stores: Open
Retailers like Costco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s will usually be open for Presidents Day. These stores often host seasonal sales, so it can be a good time to score deals on home improvement tools, outdoor equipment, and more. As with grocery stores, individual store hours may vary, so check with your local branch for specific details.
3. Transportation: What’s Open and Running?
If you’re traveling on Presidents Day 2025, it’s important to know how transportation services will be affected. While public transportation generally operates as usual, some services and schedules may change due to the holiday.
Public Transportation: Open
Most public transportation services, including buses, subways, and light rail, will run on a regular schedule for Presidents Day. Major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles will likely operate as normal, but it’s always a good idea to check with local transit authorities for any special schedule changes or service disruptions.
Airlines: Open, but Check Your Flight
Airlines will be operating on Presidents Day, but flight schedules may be affected by weather or holiday-related delays. If you’re traveling by air, make sure to check with your airline for any potential changes to your flight time, and be prepared for longer-than-usual check-in lines as holiday travelers pack airports across the country. It’s a good idea to arrive early at the airport and monitor your flight status online.
Ride-Sharing Services: Open
Services like Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing companies will be available for Presidents Day. However, demand may increase as people take advantage of the long weekend to travel, so you may experience longer wait times or higher surge pricing, especially during peak hours.
4. Schools: What’s Closed?
For many students and families, Presidents Day means a day off from school. Most public and private schools will be closed for the holiday, allowing students to enjoy a long weekend. However, it’s important to check with your school district or individual schools, as some may have different policies, especially if they are located in regions where schools operate on alternate schedules.
5. Restaurants and Entertainment: What’s Open?
If you plan to dine out or catch a movie on Presidents Day, you’re in luck—many restaurants, cinemas, and entertainment venues will remain open for business.
Restaurants: Open
Most chain restaurants, fast food joints, and local dining establishments will remain open on Presidents Day, although some may close earlier than usual. Popular spots like Starbucks, McDonald's, and Applebee's are typically open on holidays, offering regular hours of operation. If you’re planning to go out for dinner or grab coffee, it’s a good idea to check in advance to avoid any unexpected closures.
Movie Theaters: Open
Movie theaters across the country will remain open on Presidents Day, and many will have special holiday screenings of popular films. If you’ve been meaning to catch a new release, this is a great time to do so. Be aware, though, that theaters may be busier than usual, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance to secure a seat.
Amusement Parks and Tourist Attractions: Open
Many popular tourist attractions, including amusement parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios, will be open for Presidents Day, though some might experience higher-than-usual crowds due to the holiday. It’s wise to check operating hours and make reservations where applicable.
6. What to Know About Presidents Day Sales
One of the major draws of Presidents Day is the retail sales. Many brands, both online and in-store, will offer substantial discounts. These sales can be a great time to buy winter clothing, electronics, furniture, or even plan for upcoming spring purchases. Expect to see sales at major online retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, as well as local brick-and-mortar stores.
It’s important to remember that while Presidents Day sales are often significant, they are not always the best deals of the year. Be sure to compare prices and take advantage of online price tracking tools to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
7. Final Thoughts
Presidents Day 2025 offers a mix of closures and open businesses, providing plenty of opportunities for rest, shopping, and entertainment. While most federal offices, banks, and schools will be closed, you can still take advantage of the many stores, restaurants, and transportation services that remain open. Whether you’re planning to relax at home, take a day trip, or indulge in some retail therapy, this Presidents Day offers something for everyone.
Just be sure to double-check specific hours of operation for the places you plan to visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday experience.


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