You’ve probably been there. It’s a random Monday morning, you drive all the way to the post office with a box that needs shipping, and the doors are locked tight. Or maybe you try to log into your banking app to move some money, only to realize the transaction won't actually "settle" until Tuesday.
November 11. It’s a day for parades and honoring service, but for the average person just trying to run errands, Veterans Day closings 2024 can be kind of a headache if you don't know the "secret" rules of federal holidays.
The thing is, Veterans Day is a "federal" holiday. That sounds simple, but it creates this weird, patchy landscape where some things are ghost towns and others are business as usual. Honestly, it’s one of the most confusing days on the calendar because, unlike Christmas or Thanksgiving, the private sector basically ignores the "closed" sign.
The Big "No-Go" Zones: Banks and Post Offices
If it’s run by the government or regulated by the Federal Reserve, it’s probably closed. Period.
For Veterans Day closings 2024, the U.S. Postal Service is the big one. There is no regular mail delivery on Monday, November 11. None. If you're waiting on a birthday card or a bill, it's staying in the sorting facility until Tuesday. However, they do still deliver Priority Mail Express because that service runs 365 days a year, but for 99% of us, the mailbox is staying empty.
Banks are in the same boat. Since the Federal Reserve observes the holiday, big names like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo shut their doors.
- ATMs and Apps: These still work, obviously. You can deposit a check through your phone, but don't expect it to clear until the "next business day," which is Tuesday.
- The Exception: Some smaller bank branches inside grocery stores (like those little kiosks in Wegmans or Publix) might stay open, but it’s a gamble.
Why the Stock Market Doesn't Care
This is where it gets truly weird. If you're a day trader or just like checking your 401k, you might expect the markets to be dark. Nope.
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq stay wide open on Veterans Day. You can buy and sell stocks all day long from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.
But wait—there’s a catch. The Bond Market actually closes. Because bond trading is so closely tied to the federal government and the Fed, that side of the financial world takes the day off. So, stocks are a "go," but bonds are a "no." It’s a strange split-screen reality that trips up a lot of people every year.
Schools: The Great Toss-Up
Are schools closed? Honestly, it depends on where you live.
There is no federal law that says a school must close for Veterans Day. In states like Illinois or Iowa, many districts stay open but hold special assemblies to teach kids about military history. In other places, it’s a standard day off for students and staff.
If you have kids, you've gotta check that specific district calendar. Don't assume that just because the mail isn't running, your 3rd grader is staying home. Often, school boards use Veterans Day as a "swing day" to make up for snow days or to keep the schedule tight before the long Thanksgiving break.
The Retail "Open House"
While the government sleeps, retail is wide awake. Veterans Day is actually a massive shopping day.
Basically every major retailer—Walmart, Target, Costco, Home Depot, and Best Buy—operates on normal Monday hours. They don't just stay open; they usually have specific "Veterans Day Sales" aimed at the people who do have the day off.
What About Delivery?
If you're waiting on a package that isn't from the USPS, you're in luck. UPS and FedEx do not observe Veterans Day as a shipping holiday. Their trucks are on the road, their offices are open, and your Amazon Prime delivery is likely still showing up on your porch.
Where to Find the Freebies (The Real Perks)
If you are a veteran or active-duty military, "closings" aren't the story—the "openings" are. This is the day when the restaurant industry goes all out.
I’ve seen the lists, and they are huge. We’re talking:
- Applebee’s: Usually offers a full free meal from a limited menu.
- IHOP: Typically does the "Red, White, and Blueberry" pancakes for free.
- Chili’s & Olive Garden: Almost always have a "vets eat free" promotion.
- Starbucks & Dunkin’: Often give away a free hot coffee to those who served.
Just a heads-up: You almost always need a military ID or a DD214. And honestly, these places get packed. If you're planning on hitting up a Texas Roadhouse for a free steak, get there early or prepare to hang out in the parking lot for a bit.
The "Sorta" Open List: Trash and Courts
Local government is the final piece of the puzzle.
Garbage Pickup: This is a 50/50 shot. In many cities, trash collection stays on schedule. In others, it slides back one day (the "holiday slide"). Check your city's DPW website or—even easier—just look at what your neighbors are doing. If nobody has their bins out by 7:00 a.m., pull yours back in.
Courts and DMV: These are almost universally closed. If you have a ticket to pay or a license to renew, forget about it. State and local government offices follow the federal lead 99% of the time.
Summary Checklist for Veterans Day 2024
To make your life easier, here’s the quick-glance reality of what’s happening:
👉 See also: Exactly How Many Days Since July 5 2024? The Real Count and Why it Matters
- Closed: Post Offices, Federal Courts, Social Security offices, most Banks, the Bond Market, and the DMV.
- Open: Stock Market (NYSE/Nasdaq), Grocery Stores, Big Box Retailers, Restaurants, UPS, and FedEx.
- Variable: Public Schools, Trash Pickup, and local Libraries.
If you’re trying to get things done, treat Monday like a "Retail-Only" day. Handle your shopping and your dining, but save the paperwork and the banking for Tuesday.
Before you head out, the most actionable thing you can do is verify your local branch or school schedule online. Most businesses update their Google Maps hours for holidays, so a quick search for "Chase Bank near me" or "[District Name] calendar" will save you a wasted drive. If you're a veteran looking for those free meals, keep your ID handy and maybe call ahead to make sure that specific franchise is participating. It’s a day for gratitude, but a little bit of planning makes the "closed" signs a lot less annoying.