Which States Celebrate Columbus Day vs Indigenous Peoples Day
On October 13, 2025, Americans will once again mark a national holiday that carries more than one name.
At the federal level, it remains Columbus Day but, across the country, many states and cities are choosing to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead or alongside it.
Columbus Day 2025 States
Columbus Day has been recognized as a federal holiday since 1937 and is still observed by many states and U.S. territories. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, federal offices and most banks will be closed on October 13, 2025.
However, only some states treat it as a paid public holiday. Others acknowledge the date symbolically or combine it with other commemorations. The Columbus Day 2025 states list remains a patchwork of traditions that reflect local history and evolving perspectives.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2025
While the federal government still officially calls it Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2025 will also be recognized in many parts of the country.
These are the states that have replaced Columbus Day entirely with Indigenous Peoples’ Day:
Alaska
Hawaii (celebrates Discoverers’ Day instead of Columbus Day)
Maine
Minnesota
New Mexico
North Carolina
South Dakota (as Native Americans’ Day)
Vermont
District of Columbia
A growing number of cities and school districts have also followed suit, choosing to honor Native American heritage, resilience, and contributions. For others, the day serves as a moment to reflect on both histories, European exploration and Indigenous survival.
States That Observe Columbus Day
According to data from the Pew Research Center, about 30 states and three U.S. territories still recognize Columbus Day in some form. However, only 20 states and two territories list it as a paid state holiday in 2025 for government employees.
Some states hold dual observances, while others have renamed the day altogether. The result is a diverse national map where one holiday can take many different shapes, depending on where you live.
Offices Closed October 13, 2025
Because Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, post offices and federal courts will close on October 13. Most major banks will also be closed, though stock markets will remain open.
State and local closures depend on local laws. For example, New York’s Department of Financial Services lists “Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day” among its official 2025 bank holidays, meaning financial institutions will probably be closed.
A Day of Reflection and Change
Whether it is called Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the second Monday in October continues to evolve. Each year, more states and communities reassess what the holiday means to them and how best to observe it.
In 2025, the two celebrations stand side by side, offering Americans a chance to reflect on discovery, identity, and a shared history that continues to unfold.