Yes, today, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, is Veterans Day in the United States. The federal holiday is observed every year on November 11 to honor military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Veterans Day is a nationwide federal holiday, meaning many federal government offices are closed, regular mail delivery is suspended, and some financial institutions and businesses adjust their operating hours. However, not everything shuts down. Many grocery stores, restaurants, retail stores, gas stations, and private businesses remain open.
For people planning their day, the most important question is not just whether it is Veterans Day but also what is closed on Veterans Day and which essential services are still available?
Here is what Americans should know about today’s holiday, including federal office closures, USPS mail delivery, banks, schools, stock markets, public transportation, and shopping hours.
Is Today Veterans Day 2026?
Yes. Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Unlike holidays that are observed on a particular weekday, Veterans Day traditionally takes place on November 11 every year. When November 11 falls on a weekend, the federal government may observe the holiday on a nearby weekday for federal employees. In 2026, November 11 falls on Wednesday, so the holiday is observed on its actual calendar date.
Veterans Day recognizes everyone who has served in the United States military, including those who served during wartime and peacetime.
It is important to distinguish Veterans Day from Memorial Day. Veterans Day honors all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day specifically commemorates service members who died while serving their country.
The holiday also has historical significance. It originated as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of major hostilities in World War I on November 11, 1918. Congress later established Veterans Day as a federal holiday under its current name.
What Is Closed on Veterans Day 2026?
Several government services and public institutions close on Veterans Day because it is a federal holiday. However, closures vary depending on whether an organization is federally operated, state-operated, locally managed, or privately owned.
The following is a practical breakdown of what Americans can generally expect on November 11.
Are Federal Government Offices Closed on Veterans Day?
Yes. Most federal government offices are closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, because Veterans Day is a federal holiday.
Federal agencies generally suspend routine in-person services for the day. This can affect administrative offices, public-facing government departments, and federal employees who observe the holiday.
People planning to visit a federal office should expect regular services to resume on Thursday, November 12, unless the agency announces a different schedule.
Federal offices that provide essential or emergency services may operate under separate arrangements.
For the official federal holiday calendar, check the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s federal holiday schedule.
Is the Post Office Closed on Veterans Day?
Yes. All regular USPS Post Office locations are closed on Veterans Day 2026, and regular mail delivery is suspended for the holiday.
The U.S. Postal Service has confirmed that retail services and regular mail delivery will resume on Thursday, November 12.
Here is what customers should know:
- Post Office counters: Closed for the holiday.
- Regular letter delivery: Suspended.
- Regular package delivery by USPS: Suspended.
- Online postal services: Many remain available.
- Self-service kiosks: Available at select locations, depending on the facility.
Customers can still use online services to purchase postage, print shipping labels, manage a change of address, and access other postal tools. Some Post Office lobbies offer self-service kiosks outside regular counter hours.
If you are expecting a package, check its tracking information rather than assuming it will arrive on the holiday.
The USPS has announced that regular mail delivery and retail services will resume on November 12.
Are Banks Closed on Veterans Day?
Many major banks close their branches on Veterans Day, although individual institutions and locations may have different arrangements.
Veterans Day is a Federal Reserve holiday, so Federal Reserve Banks are closed. Many traditional banks follow the federal banking holiday calendar, meaning customers may not be able to complete certain in-person transactions.
However, banking services do not disappear entirely.
| Banking service | Expected availability |
|---|---|
| Traditional bank branches | Generally closed |
| ATMs | Generally available |
| Mobile banking apps | Generally available |
| Online account access | Generally available |
| Internal transfers | Often available |
| ACH transfers and settlements | May be delayed |
| Certain wire transfers | May be delayed until the next business day |
The most important distinction is between accessing an account and completing a transaction that requires banking-system processing.
You may be able to check your balance, deposit a check through a mobile app, pay a bill, or transfer money between eligible accounts. However, transactions that depend on Federal Reserve payment services may follow holiday processing schedules.
If a payment is due today, check its processing deadline and your bank’s holiday policy. Do not assume that submitting a payment on Veterans Day means it will settle that same day.
Credit unions may also close their branches, but their policies vary. Check your institution’s published hours before visiting.
Is the Stock Market Closed on Veterans Day 2026?
No. The U.S. stock market is open on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, even though it is a federal holiday.
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq do not normally close for Veterans Day. Their regular trading sessions are generally scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
This is an important difference between the stock market and the bond market.
- NYSE: Open for regular trading.
- Nasdaq: Open for regular trading.
- U.S. bond market: Closed in accordance with the standard Veterans Day holiday schedule.
- Federal Reserve Banks: Closed.
The difference can affect investors, financial professionals, and people waiting for transactions to settle.
Stock trading may continue even when certain banking and payment services are operating on a holiday schedule. Investors should also distinguish between placing an order, executing a trade, and completing settlement.
For official trading calendars, review the New York Stock Exchange’s holiday and trading-hours schedule.
Are Schools Closed on Veterans Day?
School closures on Veterans Day depend on the state, school district, and individual institution.
Unlike federal offices and USPS locations, schools do not all follow one nationwide closure policy. Some public school districts close for the holiday, while others remain open and organize assemblies, classroom activities, or special programs recognizing military veterans.
Private schools, colleges, and universities may also establish their own calendars.
Parents and students should check the following before making plans:
- The local public school district’s academic calendar.
- Notices from individual schools.
- College and university holiday schedules.
- School transportation announcements.
- Childcare and after-school program arrangements.
Even when a school is open, a district office or administrative department may have different operating hours.
There is no single nationwide answer for school closures on Veterans Day. Local school calendars are the most reliable way to confirm whether classes are taking place.
Are Government Services, Courthouses, and DMV Offices Closed?
Many government services operate on reduced schedules or close on Veterans Day, but the exact policy depends on the agency and level of government.
State and local government offices: Many close in observance of the holiday, although policies differ by jurisdiction.
Department of Motor Vehicles offices: DMV locations are often closed when their state government observes Veterans Day. Appointment availability and reopening dates vary by state.
Courthouses: Many federal and state courts suspend routine proceedings or close their public counters. Court-specific schedules and emergency procedures may differ.
Public libraries: Some libraries close for the holiday, while others remain open or offer limited hours.
City halls and municipal offices: Many suspend ordinary administrative services for the day.
If you need to renew a driver’s license, obtain a document, attend a scheduled hearing, or visit a public office, verify the specific location’s holiday schedule first.
Online portals may continue to accept applications and payments even when in-person offices are closed. However, processing may not begin until the next business day.
Are Social Security Offices Closed on Veterans Day?
Social Security field offices generally close on federal holidays, including Veterans Day.
People who need in-person assistance should plan around the holiday schedule. Routine appointments and office visits may need to take place on another business day.
However, many Social Security services remain accessible online.
Depending on the service, users can access their accounts, review benefits information, request certain documents, and complete eligible transactions through official online tools.
Benefit payments are a separate matter. A federal holiday does not automatically mean that every Social Security or Supplemental Security Income payment is delayed. Payment timing depends on the benefit program and the published payment calendar.
Anyone expecting a payment should check the official schedule rather than assume the holiday changes the deposit date.
Are Grocery Stores, Walmart, Target, and Other Retail Stores Open?
Yes, many grocery stores and major retailers remain open on Veterans Day.
Unlike Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day, Veterans Day does not generally result in widespread retail closures. Businesses usually decide their own operating schedules.
Most Americans can expect many of the following businesses to remain open, although local exceptions are possible:
- Grocery stores and supermarkets.
- Walmart and Target locations.
- Shopping malls and department stores.
- Pharmacies and convenience stores.
- Gas stations.
- Restaurants and coffee shops.
- Home improvement and hardware stores.
- Shopping centers and other retail businesses.
Some stores may operate with normal weekday hours, while others adjust opening or closing times.
Retailers may also offer Veterans Day discounts, special promotions, or complimentary items for eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers are determined by individual businesses and may require proof of service or other eligibility documentation.
Do not assume that a store is closed simply because Veterans Day is a federal holiday. Check the specific location’s hours before traveling.
Are Restaurants, Fast-Food Chains, and Coffee Shops Open?
Many restaurants, fast-food chains, and coffee shops remain open on Veterans Day.
Because most restaurant chains operate independently of the federal government, their holiday schedules depend on company policy, franchise decisions, and local business conditions.
Customers may find that many locations of popular fast-food chains, casual dining restaurants, and coffee shops serve customers as usual.
However, individual locations may open late, close early, or temporarily adjust their services.
Veterans Day is also a common occasion for restaurants to offer special meals, free food items, or discounts to veterans and active-duty service members.
These offers are not universal. They may be available only on November 11, require proof of military service, or apply to specific menu items.
Before visiting a restaurant for a Veterans Day offer, check its current terms and participating-location policy.
Are UPS and FedEx Delivering on Veterans Day?
Package delivery services do not necessarily follow the same holiday schedule as USPS.
Private carriers set their own operating calendars, so pickup, delivery, and customer-service availability can differ from postal service arrangements.
UPS and FedEx may operate under modified schedules, and the availability of specific services can vary by shipment type and location.
Before sending an urgent package, check the carrier’s holiday service announcements and tracking information.
Keep these points in mind:
- USPS regular mail delivery is suspended on Veterans Day.
- Private carriers may have different pickup and delivery arrangements.
- Express and time-sensitive services may follow separate conditions.
- Retail shipping counters can have different hours from delivery operations.
If a shipment must arrive by a particular deadline, confirm the carrier’s service commitment rather than relying on its usual weekday schedule.
Are Public Transportation and Airports Closed on Veterans Day?
Public transportation generally continues operating on Veterans Day, but schedules can change.
Local bus networks, subway systems, commuter rail services, and regional transportation agencies may operate on regular weekday schedules, holiday schedules, or reduced service.
The policy depends on the transportation authority and the city.
Airports also remain operational. Veterans Day does not generally require airports to close, and commercial flights continue to operate according to airline schedules.
However, federal holidays can affect some government administrative services, and individual airport facilities or transportation connections may follow different schedules.
Travelers should check their local transit authority’s announcements, confirm airline departure times, and allow sufficient time for airport security and ground transportation.
A federal holiday does not mean public transportation stops nationwide. Local service schedules determine what passengers can expect.
Are Hospitals, Pharmacies, and Emergency Services Open?
Hospitals and emergency services continue operating on Veterans Day.
Emergency departments, ambulance services, fire departments, and police services generally maintain coverage throughout the holiday. Their essential functions do not stop because government offices are closed.
Other healthcare services may have different schedules.
- Hospitals: Emergency departments remain available.
- Urgent care centers: Hours vary by location.
- Retail pharmacies: Many remain open, but some shorten their hours.
- Doctor’s offices: Routine appointments may be canceled or rescheduled.
- Medical laboratories: Hours and testing availability vary.
- Veterans’ healthcare facilities: Services depend on the facility and department.
Patients with prescriptions or scheduled appointments should confirm availability before leaving home. If a pharmacy is closed, its website or telephone recording may identify a nearby location with holiday hours.
For urgent or life-threatening medical emergencies, seek emergency assistance rather than waiting for routine services to reopen.
What Is Open on Veterans Day 2026?
Although several institutions close, many everyday services remain available.
The following table summarizes what Americans can generally expect on Wednesday, November 11.
| Service or business | Veterans Day status |
|---|---|
| Federal government offices | Generally closed |
| USPS Post Offices | Closed |
| Regular USPS mail delivery | Suspended |
| Traditional bank branches | Generally closed |
| ATMs and online banking | Generally available |
| NYSE and Nasdaq | Open |
| U.S. bond market | Closed |
| Public schools | Depends on district |
| DMV offices | Often closed; state-dependent |
| Social Security field offices | Generally closed |
| Grocery stores | Many remain open |
| Walmart and Target | Many locations open |
| Restaurants and coffee shops | Many remain open |
| Hospitals and emergency services | Operating |
| Public transportation | Usually operating; schedules vary |
| UPS and FedEx | Carrier-specific schedules |
These are general expectations, not a guarantee for every location. Businesses and local agencies may publish exceptions, so checking the specific provider is the safest option.
Why Is Veterans Day a Federal Holiday?
Veterans Day recognizes the service and sacrifices of people who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The observance began as Armistice Day, marking the end of major fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918. The date became associated with remembrance and recognition of military service.
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the holiday’s name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. The change broadened the observance to honor American veterans of all wars.
Today, Veterans Day recognizes veterans who served during wartime and peacetime, regardless of whether they remain in military service.
Communities across the country mark the occasion through parades, memorial events, school programs, ceremonies, and other activities.
The national Veterans Day ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The Department of Veterans Affairs identifies the ceremony’s traditional starting time as 11 a.m. on November 11, with a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
For information about the holiday’s meaning and national observance, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Day page.
What Should You Do Before Visiting an Office or Business Today?
If you need to complete an errand on Veterans Day, a few quick checks can help prevent unnecessary trips.
Check official operating hours. Confirm whether the office or business is open on Wednesday, November 11, rather than relying on its usual weekday schedule.
Handle banking deadlines early. If a payment or transfer is time-sensitive, check whether holiday processing affects it.
Track packages online. USPS regular delivery is suspended today, but tracking information and many online postal tools remain accessible.
Confirm school arrangements. Review your district’s calendar before assuming classes are canceled.
Check appointments. Contact your doctor’s office, courthouse, DMV, or other service provider to verify its holiday schedule.
Look for local Veterans Day events. Communities may organize ceremonies, parades, and public gatherings, but event times and road closures vary.
Check discounts before traveling. Restaurants and retailers may offer special Veterans Day promotions, but eligibility rules and participating locations differ.
These steps can help you plan around closures while still taking advantage of the services that remain available.
Final Takeaway
The main closures on Wednesday, November 11, include most federal government offices, USPS Post Office locations, regular mail delivery, many bank branches, and the U.S. bond market. School districts, state agencies, public transportation systems, and private businesses follow their own schedules.
The NYSE and Nasdaq remain open, while grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and major retailers generally continue operating at many locations.
Are you observing Veterans Day with a local ceremony, visiting a veteran, or planning errands around today’s closures? Share your experience in the comments and stay informed about important U.S. holiday updates.