You've probably been there. You drive all the way to the post office with a stack of packages, pull on the door handle, and... nothing. It’s locked. Then you remember. It’s November 11th. Veterans Day is one of those holidays that feels a bit inconsistent compared to Christmas or Thanksgiving. While those big hitters shut down basically everything besides gas stations and Chinese takeout spots, Veterans Day is a bit more nuanced. It’s a federal holiday, sure, but that doesn't mean your local coffee shop or even your bank is definitely taking the day off.
Knowing the specifics of Veterans Day closures is basically the only way to avoid wasting a trip across town.
The Federal Rule of Thumb
Since this is a federal holiday, the big stuff—government-run stuff—is going to be dark. That means no mail delivery. The United States Postal Service (USPS) follows the federal calendar strictly. If you’re expecting a birthday card or a tax document, it’s not coming today. However, private shippers like UPS and FedEx usually keep the wheels turning. They might have slightly modified hours for certain pickup points, but for the most part, their trucks are still on the road.
Social Security offices? Closed.
The DMV? Almost certainly closed, though state-level rules can vary slightly.
Courthouses? Locked up tight.
Public schools are the biggest wildcard in the whole deck. You’d think there would be a national standard, but there isn't. In some states, like Illinois or Massachusetts, many districts stay open but hold special assemblies to honor veterans. In other places, it’s a full-on day off for the kids. If you’re a parent, you’ve gotta check that specific district calendar because assuming it's a "day off" might leave you scrambling for childcare at 7:00 AM.
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Banks and the Wall Street Exception
Banking is where it gets kinda weird. Because the Federal Reserve observes the holiday, most major retail banks like Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America close their physical branches. You can’t walk in and talk to a teller. But—and this is a big "but"—online banking keeps humming along. You can transfer money, use the app, and hit the ATM.
Interestingly, the stock market doesn't always follow the banks. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq usually stay open on Veterans Day. Investors are still trading. This creates a strange situation where the people moving millions of dollars are working, but the person trying to deposit a $20 birthday check at a local branch is out of luck.
Why Retail Stores Stay Wide Open
Retailers love Veterans Day. Honestly, it’s become one of the bigger shopping weekends before the madness of Black Friday kicks off. You’ll find that Target, Walmart, Home Depot, and your local grocery stores like Kroger or Publix are not only open but are likely running massive sales.
In fact, instead of Veterans Day closures, you’re more likely to see extended hours at some places.
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- Grocery Stores: Almost 100% open. It’s business as usual for Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Safeway.
- Big Box Stores: Best Buy and Costco stay open.
- Pharmacies: CVS and Walgreens rarely close for this holiday, though the specific pharmacy counter might have shorter hours than the rest of the store.
National parks are a bright spot here. While administrative offices for the government are closed, the National Park Service usually designates Veterans Day as a "Free Entrance Day." So, instead of being closed, places like Yosemite or the Grand Canyon are more accessible than usual. It's a way to encourage people to get outside and reflect.
The Restaurant Scene and Freebies
Restaurants almost never close on November 11th. Why would they? It’s a huge day for them. Specifically, many national chains offer free meals or deep discounts to veterans and active-duty military members. Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Starbucks have historically led the charge on this.
If you're looking for a quiet dinner, just be aware that these spots might be significantly more crowded than a typical Monday or Tuesday night. People are out. They’re celebrating. The "closed" sign is the last thing you'll see on a restaurant door today.
Why the Date Never Changes (Usually)
Unlike Memorial Day or Labor Day, which are "Monday holidays" designed to give people a long weekend, Veterans Day is tied to a very specific moment in history: the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. That was the end of World War I.
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Because of that, the holiday falls on whatever day the calendar says. If November 11th is a Tuesday, the holiday is Tuesday. However, the "legal" observance for federal employees shifts if the 11th falls on a weekend. If it hits a Saturday, the feds usually take Friday off. If it hits a Sunday, they take Monday. This shift is what causes the most confusion regarding Veterans Day closures because the post office might be closed on a Monday even though "Veterans Day" was technically Sunday.
Real-World Checklist for Your Day
- Check the Mailbox: Don't bother. USPS is off. If you use a PO Box inside a post office lobby, the lobby might be open, but the service windows won't be.
- Call the Local Muni: If you need to pay a water bill or get a building permit at City Hall, call ahead. Most municipal offices mirror the federal schedule.
- Trash Pickup: This is a toss-up. In many cities, trash collection stays on schedule. In others, it shifts by one day. Check your city’s sanitation website or look at your neighbor's curb. If they don't have their bins out, you probably shouldn't either.
- Public Transit: Most buses and subways run on a "Saturday" or "Holiday" schedule. It means fewer trains and longer wait times. If you have a commute, leave fifteen minutes earlier than usual.
Navigating the Confusion
The biggest mistake people make is assuming that "Bank Holiday" means "Everything Holiday." We live in a 24/7 economy now. Most private-sector employers don't give their staff Veterans Day off. According to surveys by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and private HR firms, only about 20% to 25% of private businesses actually close.
So, your local gym? Open. The hair salon? Open. That boutique clothing store? Definitely open.
The nuance of Veterans Day closures really boils down to who signs the paycheck. If the government signs it, they’re probably home. If a corporation signs it, they’re probably at their desk.
Actionable Steps to Take Right Now
- Confirm School Schedules: Look at your specific school district's "Academic Calendar" PDF online. Do not rely on general Google results for this, as districts just a few miles apart often have different policies.
- Verify Veteran Discounts: If you are a veteran, keep your military ID handy. Many businesses require it for the "thank you" discounts, and some require you to sign up for a loyalty program in advance.
- Handle Banking Early: If you need a cashier's check or a notary—things that require a human being inside a bank—do it on the 10th.
- Verify Trash Day: Check your local "Waste Management" social media page. They are surprisingly good at posting holiday schedule changes there first.
- Check Library Hours: Public libraries are almost always closed on Veterans Day. If you have a book due, most systems won't count the holiday as a "late day," but check their digital drop-box policy just in case.
Ultimately, the day is about honoring those who served, but practically speaking, it’s a day of split schedules. A little bit of planning prevents that frustrating moment of staring at a "Closed for the Holiday" sign.