The United States celebrates Presidents Day on Monday and while many will be off work for the federal holidays, they will also be wondering where they can go and what they can do.
Here is an overview of what Presidents Day is, when it is, and what will be open and closed:
What is Presidents Day and why do we celebrate it?
According to the government, the day began to celebrate George Washington’s birthday. It was declared a federal holiday which would occur on the third Monday in February.
Since then, the holiday has grown to also celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, known as Presidents Day.
In Illinois, however, Lincoln’s birthday is a holiday, but Presidents’ Day, or Washington’s birthday, is also celebrated.
When is Presidents Day?
In 2023, Presidents Day falls on Monday, February 20.
What is open and closed for Presidents Day?
As Presidents Day is a federal holiday, many facilities will be closed.
Offices of the Secretary of State: closed
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias issued an alert this week that all offices and facilities will be closed on Presidents Day.
- Driver Services offices and facilities operating Tuesday through Saturday will be closed on Saturday, February 18.
- Driver Services offices and facilities operating Monday through Friday will be closed on Monday, February 20.
Banks: Closed
According to the Federal Reserve Bank, “all non-essential federal offices and many financial institutions” will be closed on federal holidays like Presidents’ Day.
Post office: Closed
Since Presidents Day is a federal holiday, USPS offices are expected to be closed. Check with your local office for updates.
UPS: open locations
UPS says “pickup and delivery services are available” on Presidents Day. The company notes that UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries “will require an additional business day in transit due to federal (USPS) holidays.”
UPS Store locations are however open.
FedEx: modified service
While most routes are operating as normal, FedEx says it will use modified service for FedEx Express and Ground Economy for the holidays.
Schools: it depends
While the list of “legal school holidays” in Illinois includes Lincoln’s birthday, schools may choose to celebrate Presidents Day instead. Check with your local district for details.
In Chicago, schools and CPS offices will be closed for Presidents Day, for example.
Grocery stores: mostly open
Stores like Trader Joe’s, Jewel Osco, Costco and more have said they will be operating regular hours. Check your local store for hours.
Retailers and restaurants: mostly open
While most government functions will not operate on Monday, most big box stores and restaurants will remain open.
Many major chains will be offering a number of holiday sales to celebrate the day.
NBC Chicago
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