What’s Open and Closed on Juneteenth 2025? A Complete Guide
WASHINGTON — Thursday, June 19 marks the fifth year Juneteenth will be observed as a federally recognized holiday in the United States.
Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the U.S.—specifically in Galveston, Texas—were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Though it became a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has been honored within Black communities for over 150 years as a symbol of liberation and resilience.
While many businesses will remain open on Thursday, several major institutions and services will observe the holiday with closures. Here’s what you need to know:
Banks
Most major banks, including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Truist, Citibank, and Capital One, will be closed on Juneteenth. However, ATMs and online/mobile banking services will remain operational.
U.S. Post Office
All U.S. Postal Service offices will be closed on Thursday, and there will be no regular mail delivery in observance of the holiday.
UPS and FedEx
Both UPS and FedEx will remain open and continue pickup and delivery services as usual. Customers can also visit retail locations.
Government Offices
Most federal government offices will be closed for the holiday. Local and city government office closures may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
Stock Market
Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will be closed on Juneteenth.
Retail Stores and Restaurants
Most retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants will remain open on Thursday. Some major chains operating normal business hours include:
- Walmart
- Target
- Costco
- Kroger
- CVS
- Walgreens
As always, check your local store’s website or call ahead, as hours may vary by location.
What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth—short for June Nineteenth—is also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, or Black Independence Day. It commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation—more than two years after it was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.
Although the proclamation had declared enslaved people free in 1863, enforcement depended on the presence of Union troops. In Texas, which was still under Confederate control, that news—and the reality of freedom—came late.
The holiday gained national momentum following the racial justice protests in 2020, and in 2021, President Biden signed legislation establishing Juneteenth as the 11th federal holiday.
Whether you’re honoring the day through education, reflection, or celebration, knowing what’s open or closed can help you plan accordingly.
