Have you ever caught yourself glancing at the calendar and wondering, “Wait, when exactly is Columbus Day this year?” I’ve done that too. Columbus Day 2025 falls on Monday, October 13, 2025, and like many American holidays, it comes with interesting history, traditions, and a bit of debate.
What Is Columbus Day?
Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates Christopher Columbus’s landing in the Americas on October 12, 1492. While it’s been celebrated for over a century, its meaning and recognition vary across the country.
A few quick facts about its origins:
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President Benjamin Harrison first encouraged a Columbus Day celebration in 1892, marking the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage.
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It officially became a federal holiday in 1937 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
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The holiday is observed on the second Monday of October each year, thanks to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971.
When Is Columbus Day 2025?
If you’re planning ahead, you’ll want to know that Columbus Day 2025 lands on Monday, October 13. This means it creates a three-day weekend for many people across the United States.
Here’s a quick look at upcoming Columbus Day dates:
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2025: Monday, October 13
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2026: Monday, October 12
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2027: Monday, October 11
This pattern continues since it’s always tied to the second Monday in October.
How Americans Observe Columbus Day
Celebrations of Columbus Day differ depending on where you live. Some states and cities hold parades, while others use the day to honor Indigenous Peoples.
Here are some common ways it’s marked:
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Parades and Festivals: Cities like New York and San Francisco host large Italian-American parades.
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School Lessons: Many schools use the day to teach history, both about Columbus’s voyage and Native American cultures.
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Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Growing numbers of states, including Maine, New Mexico, and Vermont, recognize this instead of Columbus Day.
It’s also worth noting that not every state observes Columbus Day as a public holiday. For example, Texas and Florida do not consider it an official paid holiday.
Interesting Facts About Columbus Day
There’s more to this holiday than just a day off work. Here are a few fun tidbits you might not know:
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South Dakota was the first state to officially rename it Indigenous Peoples’ Day back in 1990.
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Columbus never actually set foot in what is now the mainland United States. He primarily explored islands in the Caribbean.
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The first Columbus Day celebration in the U.S. took place in 1792 in New York City, marking 300 years since the voyage.
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The holiday has been especially significant for Italian-American communities, celebrating heritage and cultural pride.
My Take on Columbus Day
Personally, I think Columbus Day is one of those holidays that really makes you pause and think. Growing up, I saw it as a simple day off school, but as I learned more, I realized how layered its meaning is. To me, it’s a reminder of how history is never one-sided, and why it’s important to honor all voices connected to the story.
Columbus Day 2025 will be observed on Monday, October 13, giving many Americans a long weekend and sparking discussions about history and culture. Whether you celebrate Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, or simply see it as a break, it’s a chance to reflect on the past and what it means today.
How do you feel about Columbus Day—do you see it as a holiday to celebrate, reflect, or both?