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Columbus Day

Get ready to sail into a day of discovery and celebration for Columbus Day - explore new places, try new foods, and learn about history!

Monday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESecond Monday in October

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFederal

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to sail into a day filled with history and celebration on Columbus Day, which falls on the second Monday in October. This holiday honors the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. While it has been celebrated since the late 18th century, it wasn't until 1937 that it became a federal holiday in the United States. Today, we commemorate this explorer's journey and its impact on our world through parades, festivals, and educational activities. So put on your captain's hat and join in on the festivities!

TIMELINE

Columbus Day Timeline

Columbus' Discovery

Christopher Columbus arrives in the Americas on October 12, marking a significant milestone in world exploration.

First Columbus Day Celebration

The city of New York organizes the first significant celebration of the Columbus landing in the Americas.

Regular Observance Begins

The first regular Columbus Day observance is held in the United States after being proposed by Italian-American newspaper L'Eco dell'Emigrante.

Federal Holiday Establishment

President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaims Columbus Day a national holiday, to be observed on October 12 each year.

Uniform Monday Holiday Act

The observance of Columbus Day moves to the second Monday in October due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, signed into law in 1968.

Indigenous Peoples' Day Recognition

Several states and cities officially observe Indigenous Peoples' Day alongside or instead of Columbus Day, to honor Native American history and culture.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Columbus Day

Host a Spanish-themed dinner

Celebrate the influence of Spain on Columbus' journey by hosting a Spanish-themed dinner party. Serve traditional Spanish dishes and drinks, and decorate with Spanish flags and colors.

TAKE

Take a virtual tour of Columbus' voyage

Many museums and historical sites offer virtual tours of Columbus' journey to the New World. Gather your family or friends and learn about this important event in history together.

WATCH

Watch a film about Columbus

There are many films and documentaries about Columbus' journey and impact on history. Have a movie night with some popcorn and learn more about this famous explorer.

VISIT

Visit a replica of the Santa Maria

Some cities have replicas of the Santa Maria, one of the ships used in Columbus' voyage. Visit one of these replicas and imagine what it was like for Columbus and his crew to sail across the ocean.

CREATE

Create a Columbus Day craft

Get creative and make a Columbus Day themed craft. This could be a paper boat, a map of Columbus' journey, or even a costume to dress up as the famous explorer.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Columbus Day is Important

Honors Italian-American heritage

For many Italian-Americans, Columbus Day is an important holiday as it celebrates their nationality and heritage. It honors Christopher Columbus' Italian roots and recognizes the contributions of Italian Americans to American society.

Celebrates a significant historical event

Columbus Day commemorates the day that Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas on October 12, 1492. This was a pivotal moment in history that changed the course of world exploration and trade.

Recognizes cultural diversity

Columbus Day is also a time to celebrate the diverse cultures that make up America. It highlights different traditions and customs brought by immigrants from all corners of the world, contributing to the rich tapestry of American society.