About Columbus Day 2026
Columbus Day is a U.S. federal holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. Observed on the second Monday of October, it became a federal holiday in 1937.
In recent years, many states and cities have chosen to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day instead, honoring Native American peoples and their cultures. This reflects a growing recognition of the complex history and impact of European colonization on indigenous populations.
Some areas celebrate both observances, while others have officially replaced Columbus Day. The day remains a federal holiday, meaning many government offices and banks are closed, though celebrations vary widely across the country.