What's Open, Closed On Presidents Day In New York City

NEW YORK, NY — Presidents Day, Washington's birthday, Lincoln and Washington's birthday — whatever you call it, there's a holiday honoring all the United States' great leaders on Monday, Feb. 19.

Holidays celebrating George Washington, the nation's first president, date back to 1879. Washington was actually born on Feb. 22, 1731, but the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the commemoration to the third Monday in February starting in 1971. This year's holiday comes a week to the day after Abraham Lincoln's birthday on Feb. 12.

President's Day usually falls during the midwinter recess for New York City public schools, which runs from Feb. 16 to 23 this year. It's also a federal, state and city holiday, meaning government employees get a break as well.

But for most people, it's just another Monday. Only about 39 percent of workers nationwide have Presidents Day off, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported last year, citing a Bloomberg BNA survey.

Regardless of whether you're working, Presidents Day closures are likely to change up your routine. Here's a look at holiday-related closings and service changes in New York City.

Government Buildings

• New York City public schools are closed for midwinter recess from Feb. 16 to 23.
• City, state and federal government buildings, including courts and post offices, are closed.
• Mail will not be delivered.
• Most banks will be closed, though some will be open. Check your company and local branch for specific hours.
• Libraries will be closed.

Transportation

• New York City subway trains and buses will run on a Saturday schedule, with several pre-planned subway service changes in place. 6 and 7 express service will not run. B trains will not run. Passengers can use the J or Z trains instead.
• The Long Island Rail Road will run on a holiday schedule with off-peak fares. One additional train will run on the Ronkonkoma line in the morning.
• The Metro-North Railroad will run on a Saturday schedule with off-peak fares. The Hudson Rail Link, Newburgh-Beacon Ferry and Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry will not be running. The north exits from Grand Central Terminal to 46th, 47th and 48th streets will be closed.

Parking

• Alternate-side parking rules will be suspended.

Trash pickup

• Garbage, recycling and organics will not be picked up. Put your trash, recycling or organics out after 4 p.m. Monday if Monday is your usual pickup day.

(Lead image: A statue of George Washington stands outside Federal Hall in Manhattan in 2002. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)