Is the Post Office Open on Columbus Day?
No.
Post offices are closed on Columbus Day.
Columbus Day is one of the eleven federal holidays when USPS retail counters close nationwide. In 2026 it is observed on Monday, October 12, 2026. After the observed holiday, retail service depends on the branch schedule; check the USPS location finder.
Columbus Day (also observed as Indigenous Peoples' Day) is a federal holiday, so post offices close - but it is a normal business day for UPS and FedEx, which run regular pickup and delivery.
Columbus Day - post office closure dates
Columbus Day falls on the second Monday of October. Weekend retail treatment can differ from the federal-employee observed day; check the USPS calendar for the year and your local branch.
| Year | Post offices closed (observed) | Status | After the observed holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday, October 12, 2026 | Closed | Check local branch hours |
| 2027 | Monday, October 11, 2027 | Closed | Check local branch hours |
Is mail delivered on Columbus Day?
No. USPS does not deliver regular mail on Columbus Day, and retail counters are closed. One exception: Priority Mail Express is delivered 365 days a year in many areas, including holidays. Regular service resumes according to local schedules; Saturday counter hours vary by location.
Are UPS and FedEx open on Columbus Day?
Private carriers set their own holiday schedules, which do not always match the post office:
UPS: UPS operates normal pickup and delivery.
FedEx: FedEx operates normal service on most services.
Carrier details from the published UPS and FedEx 2026 holiday schedules (ups.com, fedex.com); services and locations can differ, so check the carrier before a time-critical shipment.
Common questions
Is the post office open on Columbus Day 2026?
No. USPS generally closes retail counters on Monday, October 12, 2026 for Columbus Day. There is no counter service and no regular mail delivery.
When do post offices reopen after Columbus Day?
Branch counter hours vary, especially on Saturdays. Look up your location in the USPS location finder before visiting.
Can I still drop off a package on Columbus Day?
Collection boxes may still be accessible, but mail is not collected or processed until the next business day. Self-service kiosks in some lobbies remain available even when counters are closed.
Is Columbus Day a holiday for UPS and FedEx too?
UPS: UPS operates normal pickup and delivery. FedEx: FedEx operates normal service on most services.