Here's the Definitive List of What's Open on Good Friday This Year

Sure, Easter is the main event, but the celebration of this holy holiday wouldn’t be complete without first observing Good Friday, the day recognizing the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. For many, Good Friday is not only a time to recognize the religious holiday at a local service, but also to squeeze in quite a few last-minute Easter activities before the weekend hits.

If you have some extra things to square away — like crafting, hiding your candy-filled eggs, and baking up a delicious homemade dessert — you’re probably wondering how much you’ll actually be able to get done on Good Friday. The good news? There are still a few shops, restaurants, and municipal services open if you need to track down the essentials.

As a reminder, the White House recently advised people to avoid trips to the grocery store and pharmacy in the coming weeks as COVID-19 peaks in states across the country. While delivery and curbside pickup are recommended by officials, anyone going out to shop should practice social distancing and proper hygiene, and wear a face covering.

Although widely observed by Christians, Good Friday isn’t a federal holiday, and it is only considered a state holiday in 12 places:

  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • New Jersey
  • Tennessee
  • Texas

These states may experience closures for banks, government buildings, public libraries, and schools. If you live in one of these locations, call ahead to confirm hours.


Here’s what’s open on Good Friday in other states:

Banks

Banks will stay open on Good Friday, but several have modified hours due to the coronavirus outbreak. Call your local branch before you visit.

U.S. Post Office

The U.S. Post Office will stay open — it isn’t affected by this day or Easter. UPS and FedEx will also be open on Good Friday, but both will be closed on Easter Sunday.

Government Offices

City, state, and federal government buildings, including courthouses will remain open. Many, however, have reduced hours due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Public Schools

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, at least 124,000 public and private schools have closed throughout the country. That means roughly 55.1 million students aren’t physically in school at the moment. Some students will carry on with online learning on Good Friday, but others may have the day off due to spring recess, or spring break. It’s also common for Catholic schools and other religious institutions to be closed on Good Friday to observe it.

Stock Market

U.S. stock markets will close and traders will enjoy a three-day weekend. This includes the New York Stock Exchange Market and Nasdaq, which means trading activity should be finished by Thursday or moved to the following Monday.

Public Libraries

Following the American Library Association’s recommendation on March 17, many libraries closed their doors to the public. So, check your local library to see if they remain open or not. Regardless, you can access your library’s range of e-books, audiobooks, and more through apps like Libby.

Stores and Restaurants

With a few exceptions, most grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies are following their altered hours on Good Friday. (FYI, many stores have adjusted hours due to the coronavirus crisis to ensure that customers and associates remain safe.) Many restaurants and fast food chains are also open for curbside pickup or delivery, but dining rooms remain closed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *