FLORIDA - As the United States prepares to observe Presidents Day on Monday, many Americans will have the day off and may be wondering what businesses and services will remain open during the federal holiday.
Presidents Day, originally established to honor the country’s first president, George Washington, has since evolved into a holiday recognizing all U.S. presidents.
While government offices, banks, and schools will be closed, many businesses will remain open, including major retailers and restaurants.
The origins of Presidents Day date back to the 1800s when February 22, the birthday of George Washington, was recognized as a national holiday.
\In 1885, it became the first federal holiday dedicated to an individual American.
In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved Washington’s Birthday to the third Monday of February to provide workers with more three-day weekends.
Over time, the holiday came to be known as Presidents Day, partially due to its placement between Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays (February 12).
Although Lincoln’s birthday was never a federal holiday, many states observe it alongside Washington’s.
Despite being a federal holiday, many businesses and services will remain open, including:
- Most major retailers, supermarkets, and pharmacies will operate as usual, including Walmart, Target, Publix, Whole Foods, CVS, Walgreens, and Kroger. Some locations may have reduced hours.
- Popular eateries such as McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Chipotle, and Olive Garden will be open.
- Public transit in major metro areas, including Broward and Miami-Dade counties, will operate on a regular weekday schedule. Airports and ride-sharing services will also be available.
- UPS locations will be open, and regular pickup and delivery services will continue. However, UPS SurePost and Mail Innovations deliveries may experience delays due to the closure of the U.S. Postal Service.
Several government and financial institutions will be closed in observance of the holiday, including:
- Agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and local courthouses will be closed.
- No regular mail delivery will take place on Monday.
- Most banks, including major institutions such as Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America, will be closed. ATMs and online banking services will remain available.
- The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will be closed for the holiday.
Many Americans take advantage of the long weekend to shop, as retailers typically hold major sales events.
Others visit historical sites, museums, or national landmarks dedicated to former presidents.
Schools and libraries often hold educational events highlighting the contributions of past U.S. leaders.