As Americans prepare to observe Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19, celebration to highlight the end of slavery in the United States, now officially recognized as a federal holiday. While it only became a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has long held cultural significance within the African American communities.

In 2025, the federal government will again close its offices in observance of Juneteenth, though participation and recognition vary across states. Some states still treat it as a day of observance without official time off, while others fully recognize it with closures.

Here’s what Americans can expect this year in terms of closures and openings for the holiday:

Retail and Grocery Stores:
Most large retailers will continue normal operations. Stores like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Kroger will be open, serving customers during regular hours. Pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS will also operate, though some locations may have reduced pharmacy services. It’s recommended to check local hours, especially for smaller businesses and independent shops.

Postal and Delivery Services:
The United States Postal Service will not operate on Juneteenth, halting all regular mail delivery. However, UPS and FedEx will run their normal delivery services, ensuring packages and freight continue to move across the country.

Financial Institutions:
The Federal Reserve and all major financial markets including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will be closed. Major banking institutions like JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and TD Bank will shut their doors for the day, though online banking and ATM services will remain accessible.

Schools and Government Services:
Many schools are out for summer break, but all federal offices will be closed. Whether state and local government offices will follow suit depends on state-level policies. In West Virginia, for instance, government workers will not receive the day off this year. The state has opted for symbolic observance rather than formal closure.