Presidents Day is an annual celebration that honors the presidents of the United States, particularly George Washington, the nation’s first president. This holiday is observed on the third Monday of February, and in 2025, it will be celebrated on February 17.
History of Presidents Day
Originally known as Washington’s Birthday, Presidents Day was created in 1885 to honor George Washington’s birth on February 22. In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the celebration to the third Monday in February, positioning it between the birthdays of Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who was born on February 12. This shift popularized the name Presidents Day.
What’s Open and Closed
Post Offices and Mail Service: U.S. Postal Service post offices will be closed on February 17, and there will be no mail delivery. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, February 18.
Banks: Most banks, including Capital One, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, Chase, Truist, and CitiBank, will be closed on Presidents Day as it is a federal holiday.
Stock Market: The U.S. stock markets, including the Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange, will be closed on February 17. Trading will resume on Tuesday, February 18.
Delivery Services: UPS and FedEx will be operational on February 17, although services like UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations may experience delays due to the USPS closure. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations will also be open.
Schools and Government Offices: Most public schools and government offices will be closed in observance of Presidents Day. This includes the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and public libraries in many areas.
Public Transportation: In areas like Washington D.C., public transportation will operate on modified schedules. For example, Metrorail will run on a reduced schedule, and Metrobus will follow a Saturday schedule. Other transportation systems, such as Montgomery County’s Ride On buses, will operate on a holiday schedule.
Shopping Opportunities
While many services will be closed, most retail stores and restaurants will remain open. Additionally, the long Presidents Day weekend is known for its sales and special offers at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
Conclusion
Presidents Day 2025 is an opportunity to reflect on the history and legacy of U.S. presidents. However, it’s also important to be aware of changes in service and store hours during this holiday. Plan ahead to make the most of the day.
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