What Places are Closed for Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is a federal holiday commemorating the end of World War I and honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. While many businesses and facilities remain open on Veterans Day, some places typically follow a closure schedule due to the federal holiday. Here are some common places that are closed for Veterans Day:
Contents
Government Offices
- Federal Courts: All federal court offices and courts will be closed on Veterans Day, including the Supreme Court
- Federal Agencies: Most federal agencies, such as departments of State, Defense, Justice, and Education, will be closed or will operate with reduced hours. However, some vital services, like those responsible for public health, education, and social welfare programs, may remain operational.
- Local and City Government Offices: While they may not be fully responsible for Veterans Day celebrations, some local and city governments may observe the holiday or operate with reduced staff levels.
Major Retail Stores and Businesses
- Stores: Many major retailers and department stores, like Best Buy, Walmart, Costco, and Target, generally remain open on Veterans Day, although some locations might have adjusted hours or run special promotions.
- Service Stations: Many car washes, gas stations, and convenience stores will continue regular operations
- Pharmacies: Some pharmacies, particularly those located within grocery store chains, may maintain open hours on Veterans Day but hours may vary depend on location.
- Restaurants and Bars: Independent restaurants, fast-food joints, and bars might adhere to regular schedules excluding those located within affected national parks or government-owned restaurants.
Newspaper and Delivery Service
- Newspapers: While printing and delivery processes for online news may continue unaffected printed editions of major newspaper chains like The New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal would likely be delayed or modified.
- Package Deliveries: Both local and national package delivery companies, like UPS and Federal Express, will generally work on Veterans Day without adjustments.
<h2/Library and Museum Services
- Libraries: Many public libraries offer extended hours or free extended hours on Veterans Day due to increased demand
- Museums: Federal-maintained museums and military museums like the Smithsonian Institution will close while some state-run and regional museums may maintain open doors although hours and closures may vary.
- National Parks: Ranger-led programs and visitation to national parks should be avoided as facilities tend to close or have limitations on November 11 due to Veterans Day celebrations, although scenic drives, walk-in visitor centers, or some open areas remain open.
Liquor Stores and Grocery Stores
- Liquor Stores: Liquor, wine, and spirits markets typically maintain regular business operations on Veterans Day
- Grocery Stores: Large grocery store chains often experience normal business hours, offering regular services and hours but special deals, services, or promotions related to Veterans Day might not happen.
<h2banks and Financial Institutions
- Banks: With some exceptions, banks are not directly related to Veterans Day celebrations, so most tend to operate as usualalthough individual bank holidays’ schedules might vary for banks that close on Mondays when Veterans Day falls on Thursday.
- Stock and Bond Markets: The global financial markets, including trading on major stock and bond exchanges, may partially or fully close, varying by exchange and local banking regulations.
Essential Services and Services Expected to be Open on Veterans Day:
• Hospital and healthcare services: Continuously open and staffed
• Emergency Services (911): Always operational 24/7
• Utility Providers (water, electricity, gas, telecom): Normal operations continue unless otherwise stated
• Road Maintenance and Transportation Services (public and private): Perform regular services, excluding possibly adjusted routes or timings to accommodate parades and veteran events
Not to Miss:
- Virtual Veterans Day celebrations, hosted by government agencies, Veterans organizations, and public celebrations
- Online stores for shopping deals and exclusive products
- Social media platform campaigns to honor Veterans through sharing, hashtags, or online donations
When in doubt about a specific place closing or opening on Veterans Day, it’s best to visit their website or make a phone call ahead to confirm hours and accessibility, especially if you rely heavily on those services.
References:
* Department of Veterans Affairs (2020). Are Federal Holidays Observed Nationwide?
* Best Buy. (n.d.). Veterans Day Hours.
* Smithsonian Institution. (n.d.). Veterans Day Operating Hours.
| Business & Services | Open | Explanation |
| — | — | — |
| Library | (Extended Hours/Special Deals) | Adjusted hours for Veteran focus |
| Museums (Federal/Military) | | Federal-maintained museums typically close; non-federal museums hours/may vary |
| Post Office | | Regular postal hours |
| Banks (Non-Federal) | | Vary by banks’ schedules; no consistent pattern |
| Major Stores (Walmart/ Target) | | Operates regular hours, sometimes w/adjusted hours/deals |
| Restaurants and Bars | (Regular Schedule Adjustments) | Open except at gov. institutions |
