What’s Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2025? A Complete Guide/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Memorial Day is Monday, May 26; most federal and financial institutions are closed. Retailers remain mostly open with major sales; Costco is the major exception. Over 45 million Americans are expected to travel during the long weekend.
Memorial Day 2025 Quick Looks: What’s Open, What’s Closed
Government and Public Services:
- Closed: Federal, state, and local government offices
- Closed: Post offices and all mail delivery services
- Closed: Courts, public schools, and most libraries
Banks and Financial Markets:
- Closed: All major U.S. banks and the New York Stock Exchange
- Closed: Bond markets and credit unions
- Limited Service: Most FedEx and UPS deliveries halted (some express services available)
Retail and Shopping:
- Closed: Costco
- Open: Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Macy’s, and most national retailers
- Expect Sales: Major Memorial Day discounts across electronics, furniture, and apparel
- Note: Hours may vary by location
Travel Surge Expected:
- AAA Estimate: 45 million Americans will travel 50+ miles (a new record)
- Travel by Car: 39.4 million hitting the road
- Travel by Air: 3.61 million flying, up from 3.55 million in 2024
- Gas Prices: $3.18/gallon average, down from $3.60 in 2024
Deep Look: Memorial Day 2025 – What’s Open, Closed, and How Americans Are Traveling
Memorial Day 2025 lands on Monday, May 26, marking both a solemn tribute to America’s fallen service members and the unofficial kickoff to summer. While it’s a federal holiday steeped in tradition, the way Americans spend the day has changed — with more businesses remaining open and a growing trend toward travel and retail.
What’s Closed
- Government Services: City halls, DMVs, courthouses, and schools will be shuttered nationwide.
- Postal Services: The U.S. Postal Service will suspend all operations for the day.
- Banking and Markets: All banks and financial markets — including the NYSE and NASDAQ — are closed.
- Shipping Services: FedEx and UPS will mostly suspend delivery services, although some priority or critical shipping may still be available.
Retailers Mostly Open, Except Costco
The retail sector is largely unaffected by the holiday. Stores like Target, Walmart, Home Depot, and Best Buy will operate regular or extended hours, often with deep discounts across key categories like appliances, furniture, mattresses, and outdoor gear.
Costco, however, will remain closed, maintaining its long-standing Memorial Day closure policy. Expect localized differences in store hours and availability of services like pharmacies or in-store dining.
Travel Outlook: Record-Breaking Numbers Hit the Road
According to AAA, Americans are traveling in record numbers — with more than 45 million expected to travel over the long weekend. That’s the highest ever recorded for Memorial Day since tracking began in 2000.
- Driving remains king: 39.4 million Americans will drive to their destination.
- Gas prices are lower than last year: the national average sits at $3.18 per gallon, compared to $3.60 in 2024.
- Air travel is also up, despite concerns over safety and air traffic controller shortages.
Flight Concerns Remain
Travelers remain cautious amid recent high-profile air safety incidents, including a January midair collision over Washington, D.C., and ongoing concerns around air traffic controller shortages and equipment issues at major hubs like Newark Liberty International Airport.
Still, 3.61 million travelers are expected to fly, marking a 2% increase over last year’s numbers.
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