What’s open and closed on Memorial Day 2025? Stock markets, banks, stores, pharmacies, more

The temperatures are heating up and school’s almost out for the summer. Before we fully dive into the warmer months and vacations, we get a mini-break in the form of Memorial Day weekend—a preview of coming attractions—but it requires some planning ahead because today (Monday May 26, 2025) is a federal holiday.

Let’s take a look at a brief history of the day and what business and services will be closed to observe it.

A brief history of Memorial Day

Memorial Day has its roots in the aftermath of the Civil War. On May 30, 1868, John A. Logan, commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared the first national observance of Declaration Day, Memorial Day’s predecessor, on which flowers were placed on Union soldiers’ graves.

Even before this declaration, there were many similar Confederate customs. Many cities on both sides claim to be the originators of the holiday.

As more battles were fought, the holiday evolved beyond a single conflict to honor and mourn all service members who lost their lives in the line of battle.

It became an official federal holiday in 1971 after a 1968 law, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, was enacted by Congress. This moved the holiday from May 30 to the last Monday in May, giving many traditional American workers a three-day weekend.

Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day

Many mix up or confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The former celebrates service members who have died in the line of battle. The latter takes place in November and celebrates all American veterans.

Are banks open on Memorial Day?

No. Major money transactions that require going inside a bank are going to have to wait as these institutions are closed on federal holidays.

Are ATMs open on Memorial Day?

Yes. Luckily, for simpler deposits and withdrawals, automated teller machines located outside of the branch are available.

Is the post office open on Memorial Day?

No. You won’t be able to run into a post office on Memorial Day as the United States Postal Service (USPS) is not open for business. Buy stamps and send big packages ahead of time.

Is mail delivered on Memorial Day?

No. Bills and postcards will be delayed a day, as postal mail is not delivered on Memorial Day.

Are FedEx and UPS operating on Memorial Day?

According to the 2025 FedEx holiday schedule, only FedEx Custom Critical services will be available. FedEx Office will have a modified schedule while FedEx, FedEx Freight, and FedEx Logistics are closed.

According to the 2025 UPS holiday schedule, only UPS Express Critical services are available. Limited UPS store locations will be open. UPS Forwarding, UPS Domestic Ground, Air, and International are all closed for the holiday.

Is the stock market open on Memorial Day?

No. You will have to buy and sell another day. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq exchange are closed.

Are schools open on Memorial Day?

No. Students and teachers typically get the day off for Memorial Day. That being said, it is a good practice to double check your own school’s calendar to verify this.

Are restaurants open on Memorial Day?

Yes. Most restaurants are open and hoping to take advantage of the three-day weekend revenue. This includes fast food chains such as McDonald’s and sit-down chains such as Applebee’s. For smaller mom-and-pop-type places, it’s best to double check that they didn’t take the day off.

Are pharmacies open on Memorial Day?

Typically, yes. Most Walgreens and CVS locations will be open, but they may have modified hours. Be sure to check your local location ahead of time, especially if you need your medication in a pinch. Moreover, independent pharmacies may be closed.

Are stores and groceries open on Memorial Day?

For the most part, yes. Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target are open on Memorial Day, according to a roundup from USA Today.

If you need a last-minute bottle of ketchup or mustard for your hamburgers and hot dogs, you are covered. Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and many more have your back. The majority of large supermarket chains will be open for all your family barbecue needs.

Costco, however, will be closed, so buy in bulk ahead of time.

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