Easter is about so much more than Sunday brunch! It's just as important to recognize the key Holy Days that lead up to this cherished spring celebration: Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, and, of course, Good Friday. A deeply sacred day in the Christian faith, Good Friday honors the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and ushers in the start of Easter weekend.
Good Friday traditions vary greatly from home to home. While some families gather for a meal of fish or other time-honored dishes tied to the day, others observe it with stillness and reflection, using the quiet to spiritually prepare for Easter Sunday. Despite its significance, Good Friday isn't a federal holiday, and yet, many Americans take the day off. That can lead to unexpected business closures and plenty of confusion about what's open and what's not.
Though Good Friday is not a federal holiday recognized by the United States Department of Commerce, 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 on earth 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 Easter decorations, plan Easter dinner, or simply run typical weekend errands. That's why you need this ultimate guide to what's open on Good Friday, which falls on April 18 in 2025. 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 USPS is open on both Good Friday and Easter. Along with the post office, UPS and FedEx are both open on Good Friday as well. However, it's important to note that unlike USPS, UPS and FedEx 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, most 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.
In the 12 states where Good Friday is recognized as a state holiday—Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas—government offices and courthouses will either be closed for the day or have a half day.
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 like Libby. 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.
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.
