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Columbus Day 2026: When It Is and What It Commemorates

Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 12, 2026. The U.S. federal holiday commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. Some communities celebrate Italian-American heritage, while others observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of or alongside Columbus Day.

What Is Columbus Day?

Columbus Day is a federal U.S. holiday commemorating the voyage and landing of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus in the “New World” on October 12, 1492. 

The anniversary of his landing in what would eventually be known as the Americas was first formally celebrated 300 years later, in 1792, by the Columbian Order (Society of St. Tammany) in New York City.

When Is Columbus Day in 2026?

Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday in October each year. This means that the date changes from year to year.

In 2026, Columbus Day will be observed on Monday, October 12.

Columbus Day Dates
YearDate
2026Monday, October 12
2027Monday, October 11
2028Monday, October 9
2029Monday, October 8

History of Columbus Day

On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing for Spain, reached an island in the Bahamas while seeking a westward trade route to Asia. The Indigenous Lucayan people called the island Guanahani; Columbus renamed it San Salvador. Its exact modern location remains debated.

Contrary to a familiar myth, Columbus did not set out to prove that Earth was round. European scholars already understood its shape. The disagreement concerned the distance to Asia, which Columbus underestimated.

Indigenous peoples had inhabited the Americas for thousands of years, and Norse explorers had reached North America centuries before Columbus. His voyages nevertheless helped set in motion sustained European colonization of the Americas.

The first recorded U.S. celebration of Columbus Day took place in New York City in 1792, marking the voyage’s 300th anniversary. National recognition followed in 1934. A 1968 law added Columbus Day to the federal holiday calendar on the second Monday in October, with the change taking effect in 1971.

For some Italian-American communities, Columbus Day also became an occasion to celebrate their heritage and contributions to the United States.

Why Columbus Day Is Controversial

Columbus Day is controversial because honoring the explorer can overlook the harm inflicted on Indigenous peoples by Columbus and the colonization that followed. Columbus participated in the enslavement of Indigenous people, while European colonization brought devastating disease, warfare, forced displacement, and loss of ancestral lands.

Critics also challenge the idea that Columbus “discovered” the Americas, where diverse Indigenous societies already lived. They argue that commemorations should include Indigenous perspectives and acknowledge the continuing effects of colonization.

Some communities now observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of or alongside Columbus Day. This observance honors Indigenous histories, cultures, resilience, and ongoing contributions—including those of living Taíno communities whose ancestors encountered Columbus in the Caribbean.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Honoring Native Cultures

Some locations in the United States honor Native American culture on the second Monday in October with a holiday called Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Since the late 1980s, this day has been celebrated instead of or alongside Columbus Day. 

Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors Indigenous histories, cultures, resilience, and ongoing contributions. Some communities observe it instead of Columbus Day, while others recognize both observances.

Coincidentally, Columbus Day weekend is often when the fall foliage peaks in some regions of North America. Learn why fall leaves change color!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is Columbus Day in 2026?

    Columbus Day is Monday, October 12, 2026. The holiday is observed annually on the second Monday in October.

  • Is Columbus Day a federal holiday?

    Yes. Columbus Day remains a U.S. federal holiday and appears on the federal government’s 2026 holiday calendar. State and local observances may differ.

  • Why is Columbus Day on a Monday?

    Although Columbus reached the Bahamas on October 12, 1492, the U.S. holiday is observed on the second Monday in October. A 1968 law established this schedule, which took effect in 1971. As a result, the holiday does not always fall on October 12.

  • Are schools and businesses closed on Columbus Day?

    Closures vary by location and organization. Federal offices generally close for the holiday, but schools, private businesses, and state or local offices follow their own calendars. Check directly before making plans.

  • Is Columbus Day the same as Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

    No. They are distinct observances that often fall on the same date. Columbus Day commemorates Columbus’s 1492 voyage, while Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors Indigenous histories, cultures, resilience, and ongoing contributions. Some communities recognize both; others observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.

  • Did Columbus land in what is now the United States?

    Columbus did not land on the mainland of what is now the United States. His first landing in 1492 was in the Bahamas. On a later voyage, he reached Puerto Rico, which is now a U.S. territory.

Holidays

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann is the Executive Digital Editor of Almanac.com, the digital home of The Old Farmer’s Almanac. She leads digital editorial strategy and publishing across a wide range of Almanac sub...

Read more from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Cavilo</span> Mon, 10/13/2025 - 19:41
When I read or listen to discussions from both sides, I wonder how many people actually understand why and when the day became a national holiday, not once but twice in our history. I suggest everyone read the history before you appropriate the real meaning for a cause. I will give you a hint: March 14 , 1891 New Orleans lynching ( President Harrison) and WWII Italian alien registration (FDR). Those that forget the past will repeat it. Shall we call it Cabrini Day?
<span>Carolyn</span> Mon, 10/11/2021 - 14:53
I must say a huge THANK YOU to commentor, Samantha, who left her comment on October 12, 2020. Everything she said is so true! I wish we could all read her thoughts about the founding of the Americas. I would add that I think our imbecilic government did the wrong thing in renaming Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day. They should have contacted the leaders of the Native American Tribes (both here and in Canada), allowed them to pick a day that would mean something to them as a culture, and made that day Native American Day or Indigenous Peoples Day, whatever the natives would like it to be called. Now, we Americans have just another thing to gripe about and undoubtedly it will overflow into the Native American community. The government (and others) are no doubt trying to create division in all of us, even in something as a remembrance holiday. Shameful.
<span>Nadia Nichols</span> Mon, 10/12/2020 - 19:02
Since I'm Scottish and my ancestors were deported in prison ships after the battle of Dunbar (we lost, by the way), I can honestly say that I'm grateful to be an American and I'm grateful that there were Vikings and other intrepid explorers like Columbus that allowed my ancestors to settle here, even if it was against their will. There's a bit of MicMac in my Scottish ancestors so I suggest, since many of us came here from somewhere else, that rather than try to change history, we grant the real people of this country their own honorable and well deserved day. Humans are humans. We all came here from someplace else, even the indigenous people across the land bridge from Siberia.
<span>Samantha</span> Mon, 10/12/2020 - 11:46
Well, its like this. We know that when anyone, anywhere 'discovers' something, things change. Are they all good things? Not always. And although I agree with the fact that those coming to the Americas did some awful things, so did those that live here as well. If we are going to be honest here, lets be honest. Also, back then, understanding was different. Which is why things were done the way they were done. No, things were not always done well. But its like when you are new parents, you make your mistakes and as you learn and grow as a parent, you look back and see that you could have done some things differently, better... but you cannot go back and change them now, you can just go forward. As long as we look at one another as humans with feelings and cares and that all were made equally, then we can start to move forward. There is no reason for hostility when you explain why you feel things should change, there is no reason for anger or vengeance. That does not change anything, it just makes things worse. As much as some might try, we cannot change history, it is what it is and if we try to erase it, we will end up making the same mistakes over and over again. (its like doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results) But, if we move forward, being reminded that each person is an individual with great potential, and great cares, and we help one another out when needed, you will see a different world then the one we even currently have. It is sad to see that some think hate towards one another will change anything. It only makes it worse. We can all work together and find grace towards one another and kindness. But it starts with you, and it starts with me. Not sparing for a fight, or picking one, but actually working at getting along. There is no need for everyone to agree on everything, that won't always happen, but we can still get along even if we do not agree. But when we push and threaten and fight, it only causes things to stay the same. And then, aren't you doing what you say you hate most about what happened in past history? As I said, if you try to erase history, you are bound to repeat it. I see it happening today in what is going on in the states. It is a very sad commentary. Hate begets hate. That will never change.
<span>Margie</span> Tue, 10/11/2022 - 11:38
Very well said, Samantha... Unfortunately, people are sheep (as God has said, in Isaiah 53:6). The sheep have strayed (from Him), to follow the loudest & most divisive voices...(thinking that it's their own path). But the One prophesied of during the ancient days, has come and by His death & resurrection, has opened the path of return to God; He alone is the peace we all seek, but too often deny. All of humanity is distinct from one another; yet all made in the image of God...giving each dignity! But as (dumb) sheep, many use their free will, not only to defy the Creator of all; but to denigrate others. Young people, at great expense to their parents, have been brainwashed; thinking that they think for themselves, while being manipulated by the loudest & most manipulative voices...and the powers that be.
<span>Shannon Jorgensen</span> Sat, 10/01/2022 - 15:46
Very well said! Thank you for this comment.
<span>Fred</span> Sun, 10/11/2020 - 10:30
"The purpose of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not to erase Columbus Day from history..." Then why is it celebrated on the same day, and why have some governments just straight up changed the name? Seems like they're trying to replace it to me.
<span>Karen K</span> Mon, 10/14/2019 - 18:11
To celebrate Columbus Day is to celebrate Genocide Day.
<span>William Eubanks</span> Thu, 02/12/2026 - 10:29
I’m proudly a British Subject. We had just as much right to be here as the Indians did. After all, their DNA is from the Far East-not indigenous at all. I’m proudly imperialist. Thank you for writing your comment in English, the native language of my country.
<span>Yulya Sevelova</span> Sun, 10/09/2022 - 23:39
Ostensibly,the purpose of Columbus Day was to honor Italian-Americans. I just wish that instead of the monster and hypocrite Columbus, they would have chosen Galileo, an astronomer. He was no killer, nor a slaver, and his discoveries in space contributed to science in a major way. Now THAT person, Galileo would have been ideal to represent Italy. And look into ' The Doctrine of Discovery,' and the Papal Bulls instigating Columbus and his ilk. Have Galileo Day AND Indigenous Day.