Columbus Day: What's Open, What's Closed

Columbus Day, a nationally recognized federal holiday, falls on Monday, Oct. 8 this year. While it is an opportunity for some to sleep in on a Monday, the holiday itself is also interesting.

Columbus Day remembers Italian explorer Christopher Columbus’ long journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the “New World." The voyage was victorious when land was first spotted on Oct. 12, 1492.

The day is also considered a celebration of Italian heritage, as well as a huge shopping day in the U.S. 

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is responsible for making the holiday a federal one in 1937.

Columbus Day is not widely observed in King County and most local governments are still open. Here's the list of what is open and closed on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 8:

Open:

• Retail Stores
• Supermarkets
• U.S. stock markets
• King County Libraries
• Lake Washington School District
• Restaurants
• Convenience Stores
• Bars/Taverns
• Gyms/Health Clubs
• Most local government offices 
• Call ahead before heading to any of the above establishments to confirm they are open. Many retail stores or gyms/health clubs may be operating on a Sunday schedule or with limited hours.

Closed:

• Banks (some branches are open)
• No mail delivery—all U.S post offices are closed.
• Federal Offices

Tell us: What are your plans for Columbus Day? Shopping? Relaxation? Celebration?