Easter Monday, celebrated on April 21, 2025, is a day of significance for many Christians around the world, marking the continuation of the Easter festivities. However, despite its religious importance, Easter Monday is not recognized as a federal holiday in the United States. This year, as in previous years, the day will see normal business operations across various sectors, including banks, stock markets, and postal services.
Known by various names such as Bright Monday, Renewal Monday, and Wet Monday in different traditions, Easter Monday holds a special place in the Christian calendar. It follows Easter Sunday, a day that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of Christian faith. In Catholic tradition, the day is referred to as the ‘Monday of the Angel,’ marking the moment when an angel announced Christ's resurrection to the women who discovered his empty tomb.
As Easter Monday approaches, many are curious about the operational status of banks and other institutions. According to the Federal Reserve, banks such as Chase Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank will remain open on Easter Monday. This is because the day does not fall under the federal holiday category, allowing standard banking operations to continue as usual.
In addition to banks, the U.S. stock markets will also be open. After being closed on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are scheduled to resume trading at 9:30 a.m. EST on Easter Monday. The bond market opened earlier at 8:00 a.m. EST, ensuring that all financial activities proceed without disruption.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will also operate on Easter Monday, with retail stores maintaining regular hours and mail delivery continuing as scheduled. This is in line with the general trend of non-federal holidays in the U.S., where essential services remain available.
While Easter Monday is not a state holiday in Connecticut, it coincides with other observances such as Patriots' Day, which is recognized in Massachusetts and Maine. Patriots' Day commemorates the first battles of the American Revolution and is celebrated annually on the third Monday of April. This year, it aligns with the Boston Marathon, which features nearly 400 participants from Connecticut.
As many communities carry on with their Easter celebrations, it is important for residents to plan their banking and shopping activities accordingly. Though most banks will be open, customers looking to handle complex transactions such as fraud resolution or new account setups are advised to do so either in advance or after the holiday to avoid potential delays.
For those wondering about the number of federal holidays in the U.S., there are 11 recognized holidays in 2025, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Easter Monday, however, is not included in this list.
In summary, while Easter Monday is a day of religious significance for many, its status as a non-federal holiday means that most businesses and services will operate as usual. With the stock market, banks, and postal services all open, individuals can carry on with their daily activities without interruption.
As we look ahead, Easter in 2026 will fall on Sunday, April 5, continuing the tradition of this important holiday. For now, Easter Monday serves as a reminder of the joy and renewal that comes with the Easter season, even as life returns to normal for many.
