Memorial Day 2025: Shocking Store Closures in NH—Is Your Favorite Affected?

Memorial Day in 2025 lands on Monday, May 26, and folks in New Hampshire are gearing up to honor fallen heroes while enjoying a long weekend with family BBQs, road trips, and patriotic parades. But hold up—before you hit the road or run errands, you’ll want to know what’s open and what’s not in New Hampshire on this federal holiday.

Whether you’re planning to grab groceries, send mail, visit a park, or check in at the bank, we’ve got a full rundown of who’s closed, who’s open, and what you can still get done on this national day of remembrance.

Memorial Day 2025: Shocking Store Closures in NH

Memorial Day on May 26, 2025, is more than a day off in New Hampshire—it’s a time to reflect, celebrate freedom, and enjoy the arrival of summer. With government offices, banks, and post offices closed, and parks, stores, and restaurants open, you’ve got the perfect mix of rest, remembrance, and recreation.

What Is Memorial Day All About?

Let’s back up a second. Memorial Day isn’t just another long weekend—it’s a federal holiday dedicated to honoring U.S. military personnel who died in service. It started after the Civil War as “Decoration Day” and now is observed on the last Monday of May each year.

In New Hampshire, the day comes with a blend of patriotic parades, quiet ceremonies, flags flying high, and yes—family get-togethers and beach trips. While it’s a time to relax, it’s also a day of deep respect.

Government Offices and Services in NH

What’s Closed:

• State & Local Government Buildings: These include city halls, DMVs, tax offices, and court buildings. If you need to renew a license or handle paperwork, hold off till Tuesday.
• Courts: All federal and state courts across New Hampshire will be closed.
• Post Offices: No regular USPS delivery. If you’re expecting something, it’ll arrive after the holiday, unless it’s Priority Mail Express.

What’s Open:

• Public safety services like police, fire, and EMS will continue to operate 24/7, as always.

Banks and Financial Services

Don’t plan on visiting your local bank branch. On Memorial Day, all major banks like:

• Wells Fargo
• Bank of America
• Chase
• TD Bank
• Citibank

…are closed for the day, though mobile banking apps, ATMs, and online services are still working.

Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, and Retail Chains

Here’s where things get a bit easier.

Open for Business (Check Local Hours):

• Walmart
• Target
• Trader Joe’s
• Shaw’s
• Whole Foods
• Hannaford
• CVS and Walgreens

Most grocery stores and chain pharmacies are open, but may run holiday hours—typically shorter. Don’t get caught last-minute without hot dog buns—double check your store’s schedule online.

Retail Stores That Are Open:

Stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and T.J. Maxx usually stay open for Memorial Day sales, and they can be packed. But it’s best to hit them early—crowds build up fast.

Closed:

• Costco is always closed on Memorial Day. No exceptions. Plan ahead.

Shipping and Delivery

Closed:

• UPS and FedEx will be out of commission on Memorial Day.
• That means no home delivery, pickups, or drop-offs.

Open (Limited Services):

• FedEx Office might have limited printing and in-store hours, but check your location’s website before heading out.

Libraries in NH

Most public libraries will be closed, including Portsmouth Public Library, which posted their holiday closure notice online. If you’re planning to pick up that next beach read, better do it before Monday.

NH State Parks & Outdoor Fun

Here’s the fun part. Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer in New Hampshire.

Open Parks:

• Hampton Beach State Park
• Franconia Notch
• White Lake
• Pawtuckaway State Park

All these spots are open for swimming, hiking, and family fun. It’s the first big weekend for campgrounds, too—just know, they book out fast, so if you didn’t reserve, you might be out of luck.

Visit nhstateparks.org for info on hours, entrance fees, and availability.

Restaurants and Fast Food

Feeling hungry? Good news.

Open & Serving:

• Applebee’s
• Olive Garden
• Cracker Barrel
• McDonald’s
• Taco Bell
• Chick-fil-A (Check location)

These joints will mostly be open on Memorial Day, though hours may vary, especially in small towns. Call ahead if you’re planning to dine out.

Local Events and Parades

New Hampshire towns go all out to honor service members. Look out for local parades, flag ceremonies, and community BBQs.

Some Examples:

• Carroll, NH: Parade at 11 a.m., followed by a free community cookout at the fire station.
• Portsmouth & Nashua: Both cities plan formal ceremonies and wreath layings at veterans’ memorials.

Check your town website or Facebook page for the exact event lineup.

Practical Advice: How to Prepare

Here’s how you can make the most of the Memorial Day weekend in NH:

Plan Errands in Advance
If you need to go to the bank, post office, or DMV—get it done by Friday, May 23.

Grocery Shop Early
Stores will be open, but packed. Beat the rush and get your grillables ahead of time.

Gas Up
Prices usually jump before long weekends. Fill your tank by Friday evening if you’re road-tripping.

Respect the Day
Yes, it’s a holiday—but it’s also about honoring sacrifice. Take time to attend a local event or fly the flag.

FAQs About Memorial Day in NH

Is Memorial Day a paid holiday in New Hampshire?
Yes, for most federal and state employees. Many private employers also provide it as a paid holiday.

Is public transportation running in NH on Memorial Day?
In most areas, reduced or Sunday schedules apply. Check with COAST, MTA, or your local transit provider.

Are liquor stores open on Memorial Day in NH?
Most NH Liquor & Wine Outlets will be open. You can verify hours at liquorandwineoutlets.com.

Can I still go hiking or camping in NH?
Absolutely. Just book early and check trail and weather conditions.

Is Memorial Day the same as Veterans Day?
Nope. Memorial Day honors those who died in military service. Veterans Day (Nov. 11) honors all veterans, living or deceased.