Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, which means post offices and most banks are closed while the stock market and most big retailers stay open. For veterans and active-duty service members, many restaurant chains are also offering free meals or discounts today, though nearly all of them come with conditions such as proof of service or dine-in only.

Key facts

  • USPS retail locations are closed and regular mail is not delivered. UPS and FedEx are open, but hours can vary.
  • Most banks are closed, and the bond market is closed. U.S. stock markets are open as usual.
  • Federal offices and most court buildings are closed. State and local offices often close too.
  • Large retailers such as Walmart, Home Depot and Target are expected to be open, with hours that vary by location.
  • Restaurant offers usually require a military ID, DD-214 or other proof of service, and many are limited to participating locations.

What changed from a normal Wednesday

Veterans Day is a federal holiday, so the usual weekday services tied to the federal government pause. According to a FOX 13 Tampa Bay guide published November 6, the Postal Service has no regular mail or package delivery today, most banks are closed, and the bond market is shut. Trading on U.S. stock exchanges continues as normal.

Local rules differ. A WBUR guide for Massachusetts says state offices, the RMV, municipal offices, public schools and libraries are closed there, supermarkets are open, and retail and liquor stores stay closed until 1 p.m. The same guide says the MBTA runs on a normal schedule. Those details apply to Massachusetts, so readers elsewhere should check their own city, county or transit agency.

Quick reference table

ServiceStatus on November 11
USPS post offices and mail deliveryClosed
UPS and FedExOpen; check hours
Most banksClosed; check your branch
Stock marketOpen
Bond marketClosed
Federal offices and courtsClosed
Big-box retailersExpected open; hours vary
SchoolsVaries by district

How it affects readers

Errands and deadlines

Anything that depends on a post office counter, a bank teller or a government window will have to wait until Thursday. Readers with time-sensitive payments can check their bank's holiday schedule to see when transfers and deposits will post. Package shipments that rely on USPS delivery will not move today.

Free meals and discounts

Several restaurant and retail promotions run today. The lists below come from published roundups, which note that the businesses supplied the details and that participation can vary by location. Examples reported by FOX 13 and MoneyTalksNews include:

  • Golden Corral: a free "Thank You" dinner from 4 p.m. until close, dine-in only.
  • Denny's: a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon local time, with a military ID or DD-214.
  • Starbucks: a free 12-ounce brewed coffee, hot or iced, for veterans, active-duty members and military spouses at participating U.S. locations.
  • Krispy Kreme: a free small coffee and doughnut, with no proof or purchase listed as required.
  • Chili's, Applebee's, Red Lobster and Red Robin: free meals from special menus, generally dine-in with proof of service.
  • Target: 20% off storewide from November 5 to 11 for verified military members through its Military Appreciation program.
  • Publix: 10% off groceries in store with a veteran or military ID, with several exclusions such as prescriptions and alcohol.

Freddy's Frozen Custard and Texas Roadhouse stand out because their offers last beyond today. Freddy's combo meal card is listed as redeemable through November 25, 2026, and Texas Roadhouse vouchers are listed as valid through May 31, 2027.

Tips for using offers

  1. Bring a military ID, a veteran-designated driver's license or a DD-214.
  2. Call the specific location, since many chains only honor deals at participating restaurants.
  3. Read the fine print on drinks, tax, tip and one-per-person limits.
  4. Check each offer's time window, since some, like Denny's, end at noon while others start at 4 p.m.

What to watch next

Post office and bank hours are expected to return to normal after the holiday, but local schedules are worth checking. Some promotions extend past today: the FOX 13 roundup lists BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse with a free appetizer with a regular entrée purchase from November 12 to December 14, and Outback's Hero's Meal reward is redeemable from November 16, 2026 through May 2, 2027 for those who qualify. Terms can change, so confirm them with the business. Next on the holiday calendar are Thanksgiving and Black Friday, when store hours change again.

FAQ

Is the stock market open on Veterans Day 2026?

Yes. U.S. stock markets trade as usual, while the bond market is closed.

Is there mail delivery today?

No. USPS retail locations are closed and regular mail is not delivered. UPS and FedEx are open, though readers should check their hours.

Do I need proof to get a free meal?

Usually yes. Most offers ask for a military ID, DD-214 or similar proof, and many are dine-in only. A few, such as the Krispy Kreme offer, are listed without a proof requirement.

Sources

This article is an independent summary based on the sources listed above.