Veterans Day 2025: What’s open, what’s closed, and how the US will observe Tuesday’s federal holiday

Veterans Day 2025 will be observed on Tuesday, November 11, across the United States, honouring all who have served in the military –in both wartime and peace. Originally observed as Armistice Day in 1919, one year after the end of World War I, the day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to commemorate all American veterans.The federal holiday means most government offices will be closed, including post offices and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), while some services and businesses will continue to operate, often with modified schedules, according to an ET report.Federal offices, schools, and mail servicesBecause Veterans Day is a federal holiday, all non-essential government offices will close, and mail delivery will be suspended. Post offices across the country will remain shut, and USPS Priority Mail will be the only active postal service. Most schools will also be closed, though some private institutions and districts may choose to remain open.Financial servicesBanks and credit unions will largely be closed for the day, though customers can still access ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps for transactions. Stock traders, however, won’t face a pause — US stock markets will remain open, while the US bond market will be closed, according to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, as reported by USA Today.Retail, restaurants, and delivery servicesMost retail chains and grocery stores, including Walmart, Costco, and Target, will stay open. Many stores and eateries will also offer special discounts or free meals for veterans as part of nationwide appreciation efforts.For delivery services, UPS and FedEx will run modified schedules, ensuring that most parcels still reach customers on time. The companies have said essential routes will operate with slight adjustments to accommodate the holiday.Public services and librariesPublic libraries and DMV offices will remain closed for the day. Local government offices in various states may also operate on reduced schedules or close altogether.What’s next on the holiday calendarThe next federal holiday after Veterans Day is Thanksgiving, which falls on Thursday, November 27, followed by Christmas Day on Thursday, December 25. The first federal holiday of 2026 –New Year’s Day — will be observed the following week, on Thursday, January 1.Veterans Day remains one of 11 official US federal holidays recognised by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). For many Americans, it’s not only a day off work but also a day of remembrance — one that bridges solemn reflection with public gratitude for those who have served the country.