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Monday, Feb. 17 marks the federal holiday of Presidents Day, which means banks, schools, business and more in Illinois could be closed, though many retailers and grocery stores may remain open.
Presidents Day began as an unofficial holiday to celebrate George Washington after his death in 1799. Americans would celebrate their first president on his birthday, Feb. 22.
The tradition grew in stature in 1832, which would have been Washington's 100th birthday. The event was a major national celebration that included the reading of Washington's farewell address in the Senate. In 1879, congress officially made Washington's birthday a national holiday, but it was only observed in Washington D.C.
By 1885, the day was observed nationally.
Here's what's open and closed in Illinois on President's Day, from the USPS to the stock market and more.
USPS mail services
President's Day is one of 11 federal holidays the United States Postal Service observes in 2025, which means mail will not be delivered on Monday, and post officials in Illinois will not be open.
Local
Post offices will open for regularly scheduled hours on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
DMVs and other state offices
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Illinois Secretary of State's Offices and DMVs across the state will be closed Monday in observance of President's Day.
Other state offices will also be closed Monday in observance of the holiday, including courts in Illinois.
Schools
Schools in Illinois may be closed on President's Day, but it depends on your district. According to the Illinois Board of Education, some schools may have closed Wednesday, Feb. 12, on Lincoln's Birthday, in observance of the holiday.
According to Chicago Public Schools' 2024-25 calendar, CPS schools are closed for Presidents Day and class will not be in session.
Stock Market
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are closed for trading on Monday in observance of President's Day. Trading is set to resume Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Grocery stores
Most grocery stores, including Costco and Walmart, are open on President's Day, though some may have reduced or modified hours.
