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- Banks
- The U.S. Post Office
- Stock Market
- Government Offices
- Public Schools
- Public Libraries
- Stores and Restaurants
All eyes might be on Easter, but it's just as important to recognize a few other holy days that precede the much-anticipated holiday. There's Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, and finally, Good Friday.
Good Friday is a sacred day for Christians to remember and honor the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, marking the start of Easter weekend. And as with any holy day, every community observes differently. One family may break their fast by cooking fish or enjoying other typical foods on Good Friday (like Ree Drummond's mouthwatering hot cross buns!). Many others will ready themselves for Sunday's Easter mass by using Friday as a time to reflect. Whether you have plans or not, 21% of Americans take the day off from work, which means quite a few stores end up being closed. But since it's not a federal holiday, there are often misunderstandings about what is open and closed on Good Friday.
Though Good Friday is not a federal holiday, it is a holiday in 12 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas. So, what the heck does that mean? A state holiday means that, in those particular states, courts and state offices are closed, as well as many banks, government buildings, public libraries, and schools.
Whether you're religious or not, many people will use Good Friday as a time to prep your Easter decorations, start planning your Easter dinner, or simply run your usual weekend errands. That's why we've created this ultimate guide to what's open on Good Friday 2024. Here's what is likely open and closed in your local community:
Banks
You're in luck if you decide to head to the bank on Good Friday! Since it's not a federal holiday, it's also not a bank holiday. Still, some institutions' hours may vary (especially if it's a regional bank), and not every bank will be open. We suggest giving your local branch a call to make sure.
The U.S. Post Office
There's also good news if you're late on sending your cute Easter baskets! You can add sending mail to your list of errands because the post office is open on both Good Friday and Easter. However, it's important to note that while UPS and FedEx are open on Good Friday, they close their doors on Easter.
Stock Market
Surprisingly, the U.S. stock markets close on Good Friday, including the New York Stock Exchange Market and Nasdaq. The markets close for very few holidays, yet this is one of them! So, all trading activity must wrap up on Thursday or be moved to the following Monday.
Government Offices
Since Good Friday is not a federal holiday, city, state, and federal government buildings remain open—including courthouses and the DMV. However, many states allow employees to observe it as an optional holiday. This is all to say that some government offices may have reduced hours.
Public Schools
Wondering if you get to spend a little extra time with your kiddos during Easter weekend? Well, it depends on the school! For many districts, spring break actually falls over Good Friday and the kids will already be off. Catholic schools and other private schools or religious institutions are also frequently closed for the day. Generally, though, most public schools will be open to continue lessons on Good Friday.
Public Libraries
If you're looking for a good book to read to the kids on Easter, you're probably good to head over to your local library. Though, select libraries across the U.S. may close for the day, so your best bet is to call ahead of time to confirm that they'll remain open or if hours have changed. If your branch is closed, you can probably access their range of e-books, audiobooks, and more online or through an app. Just check your library's website for details!
Stores and Restaurants
As with the many stores open on Easter and restaurants open on Easter, major retailers, grocery stores, and pharmacies usually remain open on Good Friday, too. Some of these stores include Walmart, Kroger, and Trader Joe's while Amazon will (of course) continue to deliver. As for restaurants, you can enjoy Starbucks, McDonald's, Olive Garden, and so many more.
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Micaela Bahn
Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.
