The U.S. is celebrating Presidents Day on Monday, and while many will be off work for the federal holiday, they’ll also be wondering where they can go and what they can do.
Here’s a look at what Presidents Day is, when it takes place and what will be open and closed.
When is Presidents Day?
Presidents Day falls on Monday, Feb. 16.
What is Presidents Day and why do we celebrate it?
The earliest iteration of Presidents Day dates back to the 1800s, when the life of first U.S. President George Washington was celebrated each Feb. 22, which was his birthday, according to History.com. In 1885, Washington’s birthday became the first to be designated as a federal holiday.
Then, in 1971, the holiday was moved to the third Monday in February as a result of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which was designed to give workers a number of three-day weekends throughout the year. According to the National Archives, the position of the holiday between Washington’s birthday and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, which was Feb. 12, “gave rise to the popular name of Presidents Day.”
Since Lincoln’s birthday wasn’t a federal holiday, Presidents Day has become a day to honor both presidents.
What’s open on Presidents Day?
Transportation
Public transportation in Broward and Miami-Dade counties will be operating on a regular weekday service. Airports will also remain open.
Grocery, big-box stores and pharmacies
ALDI
Albertsons
Best Buy
BJ’s Wholesale Club
CVS
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dollar General
Dollar Tree
DSW
Family Dollar
Hobby Lobby – Locations will operate on reduced hours from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Home Depot
HomeGoods
Kohl’s
Kroger
Lowe’s
Macy’s
Marshalls
Michael’s
Nordstrom
Office Depot/Office Max
Party City
Petco
Petsmart
Publix – Some locations may close early
Ross
Sam’s Club – Stores will close early at 6 p.m.
Sedano’s
Staples
Target
Trader Joe’s
Walgreens
Walmart
Whole Foods
Winn-Dixie
Amazon will also continue deliveries for its orders on the holidays.
Many restaurant chains will be open as well, including:
Applebee’s
Arby’s
Buffalo Wild Wings
Burger King
Cheesecake Factory
Chipotle
Chili’s
Chick-fil-A
Cinnabon
Dairy Queen
Denny’s
Dunkin’
Domino’s
Five Guys
IHOP
KFC
Krispy Kreme
McDonald’s
Olive Garden
Outback Steakhouse
Papa Johns
Panera Bread
Panda Express
Pizza Hut
Texas Roadhouse
TGI Fridays
Taco Bell
Shake Shack
Starbucks
Subway
Wendy’s
White Castle
Wingstop
UPS: Locations open
UPS says “pickup and delivery services are available,” on Presidents Day. The company notes that UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries “will require one additional business days’ time in transit due to the Federal (USPS) holiday.”
The UPS Store locations are open, however.
What’s closed on Presidents Day?
The U.S Postal Service, banks, public schools and libraries are all closed. Most private schools and universities are closed as well.
The stock market also closes for Presidents Day.