Is today Veterans Day? Yes. Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, and it is a federal holiday. Banks, post offices and government offices are closed, but the stock market, most stores and most restaurants are open.
The date never moves. Veterans Day is always Nov. 11, so there is no observed-day shift this year. Here is what to know before you head out.
What Is Closed on Veterans Day 2026?
Several services shut down for the holiday. Federal offices are closed, and so are most post offices and the Federal Reserve Banks. Most bank branches are also closed.
The federal government is funded through Dec. 11, 2026, under a stopgap spending bill. The closures today come from the holiday, not from a shutdown.
The main closures include:
- Federal government offices and federal courts
- U.S. Postal Service locations
- Federal Reserve Banks and most bank branches
- The U.S. bond market
- Most state and local government offices
Essential services such as police, fire and emergency response keep operating as usual.
Is the Post Office Open on Veterans Day?
No. The U.S. Postal Service says it will observe the holiday on Nov. 11, and the USPS announcement confirms that all Post Office locations will be closed. Regular mail delivery and retail services resume Thursday, Nov. 12.
If you need to send something, you still have options:
- Use the self-service kiosks in some post office lobbies.
- Order stamps and print postage at usps.com.
- Track packages online.
Expect a one-day delay on anything that was due to arrive today.
Are Banks Open on Veterans Day?
Most banks are closed. The Federal Reserve holiday schedule lists Veterans Day as a day off for the Federal Reserve Banks. That affects check clearing and automatic transfers, which will not process until the next business day.
Individual banks set their own hours, so a few branches may stay open. Call ahead before you drive over.
Banking does not stop completely:
- Online and mobile banking work as usual.
- ATMs stay available.
- Phone support may be limited.
If you are expecting a direct deposit or a transfer, it may post a day later than normal. Plan around that for bills due this week.
Is the Stock Market Open on Veterans Day?
Yes. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq trade on their regular schedule today. Veterans Day is not a market holiday.
The bond market is closed. SIFMA recommends a full close for the day. Traders who work in fixed income will see thin activity, even though stock trading looks normal.
Do UPS and FedEx Deliver on Veterans Day?
Both companies keep running, but service varies.
- UPS stores, pickup and delivery remain available.
- FedEx operates with modified service, so check its website for local details.
Shipments can still take an extra day because the Postal Service is closed and many business offices are dark. If a package is time-sensitive, confirm the delivery window before you rely on it.
Are Stores and Restaurants Open on Veterans Day?
Most are. Major retailers such as Walmart, Home Depot and Target are open, and many run Veterans Day sales. Hours can differ by location, so check your local store.
Grocery stores and the large majority of restaurants also stay open. Some restaurants use the day to honor veterans with free meals and special menus.
Local rules can change the picture. In Massachusetts, for example, retail stores and liquor stores stay closed until 1 p.m. on the holiday, and public libraries and municipal offices are closed. The MBTA runs its normal schedule. Other states have their own rules, so check your city or county site.
Are Schools Open on Veterans Day?
It depends on the district. Schools do not follow one national rule, and many closures are set locally.
The Chicago area shows the range. Chicago Public Schools is closed to students for a professional development day, and Joliet District 86 and Waukegan District 60 are closed. Elgin’s District U-46 high schools have an early release, and Wilmette’s District 39 is open.
Check your district’s calendar or website for the final word. Illinois Secretary of State offices and state courts are closed today, which means most DMV services are unavailable there.
How Many Workers Get Veterans Day Off?
Fewer than you might expect. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures show that only about 19% of American workers get a paid day off for Veterans Day. For private-sector workers, the share is about 11%. That helps explain why so many stores and restaurants stay open.
Are National Parks Free on Veterans Day 2026?
Yes, with a condition. The National Park Service lists Nov. 11 as a fee-free day, and the National Park Service fee-free days page shows it as the last one on the 2026 calendar.
New rules apply this year. Fee-free days in 2026 cover U.S. citizens and residents only, so nonresidents pay the regular entrance fee. The waiver covers entrance fees only. Parking, camping, tours and timed-entry reservations can still cost money.
Veterans and Gold Star families already get free admission to national parks and other federal recreation areas all year.
Veterans Day Ceremonies and Events Today
The biggest event is the 73rd annual National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery. The program begins at 11 a.m. in the Memorial Amphitheater, with a musical prelude at 10:30 a.m. from the Coast Guard Band and the Air Force Singing Sergeants. Details are on the Arlington National Cemetery events page, and the ceremony is livestreamed for anyone who cannot attend.
Other events around the country include:
- Military Women’s Memorial program in Arlington, Virginia, at 3 p.m. Eastern.
- Texas Veterans Day Parade in Arlington, Texas, at 5:30 p.m., followed by a drone show.
- Local parades and wreath-laying ceremonies in cities and towns nationwide.
The National Veterans Parade in Washington, D.C., took place earlier, on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026.
Veterans Day Freebies and Deals
Many chains thank veterans and active-duty troops with free food and drinks today. Offers change by location and franchise, so confirm before you go. Several of the confirmed deals include:
- Chili’s: a free meal from select menu items, dine-in only.
- Golden Corral: a free “thank you” dinner from 4 p.m. until close at participating restaurants.
- Freddy’s: a free combo meal card, redeemable through Nov. 25, 2026.
- Applebee’s: a free select entrée at participating locations.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: a free coffee and a bagel with shmear all day.
- Circle K: a free medium hot or iced coffee with a military ID.
- Pilot Flying J: a free sandwich plus a coffee or fountain drink, claimed through the app after ID.me verification.
Bring proof of service. A military ID, a VA card, or a driver’s license with a veteran designation usually works. Some restaurants limit offers to dine-in, certain hours or one per customer, and busy locations may have long waits.
Why Veterans Day Is Observed on Nov. 11
The holiday began as Armistice Day. The armistice that ended fighting in World War I took effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. President Woodrow Wilson marked the first Armistice Day in 1919.
Congress made Nov. 11 a legal federal holiday in 1938. In 1954, the name changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans, whether they served in wartime or peacetime. The Department of Veterans Affairs notes that the name has no apostrophe, because the day honors veterans rather than belonging to them.
Many people confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day. Veterans Day honors all who have served, including the living. Memorial Day, in May, remembers those who died in service.
Quick Tips for Getting Through Veterans Day
A little planning avoids wasted trips:
- Skip the bank branch unless you have called ahead, and use online banking instead.
- Do not count on mail or post office services until Thursday, Nov. 12.
- Check your school district’s calendar if you have kids.
- Call ahead for free meals and bring your proof of service.
- Confirm your park’s hours and reservation rules before a fee-free visit.
Whether you spend the day at a ceremony, a park or the dinner table, it is a good moment to thank a veteran you know.
Are you honoring a veteran today or using one of the Veterans Day deals? Share your plans and traditions in the comments below.