Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, and as a federal holiday it changes the rhythm of the midweek for many households. Mail service pauses, some government offices lock their doors, and schools in many states close for the day. Other services, including most major retailers and package carriers, tend to keep running. Because rules vary widely by city, county and state, a few minutes of checking ahead can prevent a wasted trip.

The guidance below draws on reporting from prior Veterans Day holidays in 2023 and 2025. Local schedules for 2026 may differ, so residents are encouraged to confirm details with their own city, school district and employers.

Mail, banks and government offices

The U.S. Postal Service has been closed on Veterans Day in recent years, with no regular mail delivery and post offices shut. Residents who need to mail a package, pick up a held item or buy stamps at a counter should plan to do so before Wednesday or wait until Thursday, Nov. 12.

Many banks also close. In 2023, Bank of America, Citibank and Wells Fargo were among those that closed their branches on the holiday, according to Scripps News, while ATMs and online banking remained available. Customers with deposits, notary needs or safe-deposit box visits may want to handle them early in the week.

Government services are less uniform. In 2025, NBC Chicago reported that federal courts and non-essential government offices were closed, and that Illinois driver’s license facilities and Secretary of State offices were shut. Other states and counties handle the holiday differently, so anyone with a license renewal, permit appointment or court filing on the calendar should check the issuing office’s website or call ahead. Public libraries and other local institutions may also close, and posted hours on their sites are the most reliable guide.

Schools and child care

School schedules are set locally. In Illinois, state law treats Veterans Day as a legal school holiday, though schools are permitted to hold activities, and Chicago Public Schools has listed it as a day with no students or teachers in school. Families in other districts may find a full day off, a half day, or a regular class day with a veterans assembly or ceremony.

Parents who rely on school for child care can take a few steps:

  • Check the district calendar and any recent messages from the school.
  • Ask about holiday programs offered by local parks departments, recreation centers or community groups, which often fill up in advance.
  • Confirm with employers whether the day is a paid holiday, since private employers set their own policies.

Shipping and shopping

Package carriers do not all follow the postal calendar. In 2025, NBC Chicago reported that UPS and FedEx were open, though some services could be modified. In 2023, Scripps News reported that FedEx closed its ground and freight delivery services while UPS operated normally. Because carriers can change their holiday plans from year to year, shoppers expecting a delivery on Nov. 11 should consult the tracking page for the latest status.

Most large retailers have stayed open on the holiday. Scripps News noted that major chains such as Walmart and Target were open in 2023. Grocery stores and pharmacies often keep regular or slightly adjusted hours, but hours can vary by location.

Free meals and discounts for veterans

Veterans Day is also a popular day for businesses to thank military members. NBC Chicago reported that many restaurants offered free meals and discounts to veterans in 2025, that most required proof of military service, and that some online offers required verification through ID.me. Scripps News, citing the American Legion, listed a range of retail discounts in 2023, including offers at Office Depot and OfficeMax, Tractor Supply and Target, along with free car washes at several chains.

Offers change every year, and the 2023 and 2025 lists should not be treated as a guide to 2026. Veterans and active-duty service members who plan to use a deal can protect themselves from disappointment and scams with a few habits:

  • Check the business’s own website or app for current terms, since participation can vary by franchise location.
  • Bring a military ID, veteran ID card or other accepted proof of service.
  • Read the dates, since some promotions run for several days around Nov. 11 rather than on the holiday alone.
  • Be cautious with social media posts promising free offers, and go directly to the company’s official page instead.

Ceremonies and community events

Many towns hold parades, wreath-laying ceremonies and school programs on or near Nov. 11. Details such as times and locations are set by local governments, veterans organizations and schools, and they are usually announced on city websites, county calendars and local post pages in the weeks beforehand. Anyone hoping to attend should confirm the schedule, ask about parking and road closures near parade routes, and arrive early, since ceremonies often start on time and downtown streets can close briefly.

Quick checklist for Wednesday, Nov. 11

  • Mail any packages and letters before the holiday, or plan for Thursday.
  • Complete in-person bank and government errands earlier in the week.
  • Confirm school and child care plans with the district calendar.
  • Check delivery tracking for carrier updates.
  • Verify the terms of any veteran discount before heading out.

Sources: Scripps News; NBC Chicago.