Columbus Day, recognized on the second Monday of October, is celebrated this year on October 13, 2025. Initially established in 1792 to honor Christopher Columbus, the day has seen shifts in its observance, with many communities opting instead to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This evolving perspective was further endorsed in October 2021 when President Joe Biden declared Indigenous Peoples’ Day alongside Columbus Day as a national holiday.
Columbus Day Observance and Federal Holiday Status
Columbus Day is classified as a federal holiday, ranking eighth among the eleven federal holidays observed in 2025. However, Hawaii is the only state that does not recognize Columbus Day, choosing to celebrate Discoverers’ Day instead. The following federal holidays are Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Business Operations on Columbus Day
On October 13, several key services and businesses will close or adjust their operations:
- U.S. Postal Service: Offices will be closed with no mail delivery.
- Major Banks: Most banks will observe the holiday. Only TD Bank and Chase are expected to remain open, with limited services available at Chase.
- Grocery Stores: Many grocery stores will remain open but may have reduced hours. Specific hour details may vary by location.
Store Hours on Columbus Day
The following grocery stores in New Jersey are scheduled to operate on Columbus Day:
- ACME: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Aldi: 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Amazon Fresh: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- BJ’s Wholesale Club: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Costco: 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Foodtown: Varies by store.
- Lidl: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- ShopRite: Varies by store.
- Stop & Shop: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Target: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Trader Joe’s: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Walmart: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Wegmans: 6 a.m. – 12 a.m.
- Whole Foods: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Other Services and Schedules
Most retail stores and shopping centers are expected to open normally. Additionally, restaurants will operate with regular hours, catering to dine-in, takeout, and delivery services. Riders dependent on public transportation should note that NJ Transit will follow a holiday or weekday schedule, depending on the line.
Upcoming Federal Holidays
The next federal holiday after Columbus Day will be Veterans Day on November 11. This will be followed by Thanksgiving Day on November 28 and Christmas Day on December 25.
For detailed updates about store hours and services, please check the specific businesses or their websites. Stay informed on any changes to schedules as the holiday approaches.
