The federal holiday will bring closures across retailers, banks and government services.
WASHINGTON — Memorial Day will be observed Monday, May 25, 2026.
The federal holiday honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. While it is a somber day for many who have lost loved ones, communities often mark the day with ceremonies or parades and it is considered the “unofficial start to summer.”
In observance of the holiday, schools, banks, government offices and other services nationwide will close. While many stores will remain open with modified hours, others will shut their doors entirely.
Here is what to expect before you head out.
What stores are open on Memorial Day?
Most major retailers will welcome shoppers on Memorial Day, though some may operate with modified hours. It’s always best to check with your local store before heading out.
- Aldi (limited hours)
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- CVS
- Dollar General
- Dollar Tree
- Family General
- Publix
- Sam’s Club
- Trader Joe’s
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
- Kroger stores (Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Jay C Food Store, King Soopers, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay-Less Super Markets, Pick’n Save, QFC, Ralphs, Ruler, Smith’s Food and Drug)
Most national restaurant chains including Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Taco Bell will also maintain regular hours, though individually owned franchise locations may choose to close.
What is closed on Memorial Day?
Several businesses and government services will be unavailable during the holiday:
Is there mail on Memorial Day? Is the post office closed?
As is usually the case for federal holidays, the U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.
Post offices across the U.S. will be closed for the holiday.
USPS will reopen post offices and resume normal delivery on Tuesday, May 26.
Are banks open on Memorial Day?
Most banks are closed on Memorial Day.
ATMs should remain accessible and limited online banking services may still be available.
What is Memorial Day?
Celebrated on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives while in service.
For decades, the holiday was celebrated on May 30. It wasn’t until 1968 when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which made it an official federal holiday and changed it to be celebrated on the last Monday of May.
The holiday originated years after the Civil War and was originally called Decoration Day.
How is Veterans Day different from Memorial Day?
In the United States, the purpose of Memorial Day is to honor military members who have died, while Veterans Day recognizes the service of the country’s veterans.
Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11.