The federal holiday known as Presidents Day will close many government services on Monday, Feb. 17, including federal and state offices, courts and most schools, according to the Associated Press. The AP noted that the official designation is Washington’s Birthday, named for first President George Washington, though the holiday is widely known as Presidents Day. Arguments have also been made to honor President Abraham Lincoln because his birthday falls nearby, on Feb. 12.
The AP said banks and U.S. stock markets will be closed on Monday, with trading and banking services set to resume Tuesday. For shoppers, however, the AP said most big retailers and other businesses are expected to remain open, making it less likely that routine shopping plans will be disrupted—though the AP advised calling ahead or checking online schedules for specific locations.
National parks will also be available to visitors on Presidents Day. The Associated Press said parks are open and free to U.S. residents on the holiday.
The Associated Press also pointed to recent changes announced by the National Park Service, saying the agency ended free admission on Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth and instead set free admission on June 14, which it described as Flag Day and President Donald Trump’s birthday. Even with that change, the AP said Presidents Day remains one of the other holidays when admission is free, along with Memorial Day and Independence Day weekend.
When planning for the holiday, the Associated Press recommended that residents confirm local business and service schedules directly, because hours can vary by location even when a national holiday is observed.