Memorial Day 2025 will be observed on Monday, May 26, as Americans across the country take time to honor the brave men and women of the U.S. military who lost their lives in service. While the day carries a solemn significance, it also signals the unofficial start of summer, with many people participating in travel, recreation, and retail activities over the extended weekend.
What’s Open and Closed on Memorial Day?
Federal government offices, courts, and the majority of government-run agencies will be closed in observance of the holiday. Similarly, major banks including Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, Truist, Citibank, and JPMorgan Chase will not operate on Memorial Day.
Postal services will also pause for the day. The U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail, and FedEx and UPS will offer limited services, with most deliveries delayed until Tuesday.
The stock market will also observe the holiday. Both the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq will be closed on May 26, with trading scheduled to resume on Tuesday, May 27. The next market holiday will occur on June 19 in recognition of Juneteenth.
Retailers and Restaurants Remain Open
While many public services are on hold, most major retail stores will keep their doors open. Chains such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Macy’s, and Kohl’s will operate with modified hours, which may vary by location. Sam’s Club will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Plus members and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Club members. In contrast, Costco will remain closed for the day.
Restaurants are also expected to stay open, giving families and travelers a range of dining options. Fast food chains like Starbucks, McDonald’s, Dunkin’, Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, and Taco Bell will serve customers throughout the day. Sit-down establishments such as Olive Garden, Buffalo Wild Wings, IHOP, Applebee’s, and LongHorn Steakhouse will also welcome guests.
A Day of Remembrance
Although Memorial Day is now associated with summer activities and shopping, its roots lie in honoring those who paid the ultimate price for the nation’s freedom. The holiday traces back to the aftermath of the Civil War, when citizens began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers—a tradition that led to the observance originally known as Decoration Day. It became an official federal holiday in 1971 and has since been observed on the last Monday in May.
Travel and Consumer Activity on the Rise
Memorial Day weekend is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods in the United States, with millions of Americans hitting the road or flying to vacation destinations. At the same time, retailers roll out major sales, drawing crowds to stores and shopping centers in search of summer deals.
As people across the nation gather for barbecues, beach trips, and retail events, Memorial Day remains a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families—an essential part of America’s collective memory and identity.