Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, this year, putting a federal holiday in the middle of the week. There's no regular mail, federal offices are closed and your bank may be too, but the stock market stays open. National parks also waive entrance fees that day, though only for U.S. citizens and residents.
The Postal Service lists Nov. 11 among its 2026 holidays, so Post Offices close and regular delivery pauses. Private carriers such as UPS and FedEx set their own schedules.
Money moves slower. Federal Reserve Banks are closed, according to the Fed's holiday schedule, and FedACH, the Fed network that carries direct deposits and many bank transfers, stops processing from 11:30 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 10 until 5:30 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 11, its holiday calendar shows. A transfer or bill payment set for that Wednesday may not land until Thursday. Banks set their own hours, so check with yours before planning an errand.
Stocks trade normally, because Veterans Day is not on the New York Stock Exchange's 2026 holiday list. For bonds, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends a full close of the U.S. market.
Federal offices close for the federal holiday. State and local governments, courts and public schools make their own calls, so look at your city or school district calendar.
Free park entry, with a new limit
Nov. 11 is one of the National Park Service's fee-free days, when parks that usually charge for entry let visitors in free. Starting in 2026, that free entrance is for U.S. citizens and residents only. Nonresidents pay the regular entrance fee plus any nonresident fees.
At Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, the Veterans Day National Ceremony starts at exactly 11 a.m. Eastern with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns. It continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans' organizations and remarks from officials.
