Celebrate Columbus Day: What's Open, Closed, and on Sale

Columbus Day, a nationally recognized federal holiday, falls on Monday, Oct. 8 this year. While it is an opportunity for some to sleep in on a Monday, the holiday itself is also interesting, and a great time to celebrate and shop.

Columbus Day remembers Italian explorer Christopher Columbus’ long journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the “New World." The voyage was victorious when land was first spotted on Oct. 12, 1492.

The day is also considered a celebration of Italian heritage, as well as a huge shopping day in the U.S. 

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is responsible for making the holiday a federal one in 1937.

What is closed on Columbus Day?

Upper Saucon Township municipal offices are open. 

Coopersburg Borough municipal offices are open. 

Lower Milford Township municipal offices are open. 

Southern Lehigh School District: No school for students but teachers have in-service day. 

Lehigh County Courthouse is open. 

Lehigh County Government offices are open

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation driver's license and photo centers are closed. (Online services are available. www.dmv.state.pa.us)

Pennsylvania Liquor stores are open.

Federal offices are closed. 

State offices are closed

Post offices are closed, and there will be no regular mail pick up or delivery. 

Retail: Most retail and entertainment establishments are open today.

Banks: Many, but not all, are closed. 

Tell us: What are your plans for Columbus Day? Shopping? Relaxation? Celebration?