Is Veterans Day a Federal Holiday? (2026)
Yes — Veterans Day is a federal holiday, observed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. It is one of the 11 holidays named in federal law, so federal offices and the Federal Reserve are closed, and nearly all banks and post offices close with them. Check the live answer for your state on our US bank holiday checker.
The stock market is the notable exception: the NYSE and Nasdaq stay open on Veterans Day. Whether schools and private employers close depends on the district or the company.
Why Veterans Day is a federal holiday
Veterans Day is listed in 5 U.S.C. § 6103 with a fixed date of November 11, and the Federal Reserve observes the same day on its K.8 schedule. Banks follow the Fed, which is why branches close.
The holiday began as Armistice Day in 1919 to mark the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor veterans of all wars. From 1971 it was briefly moved to a Monday, then returned to November 11 in 1978, where it has stayed.
What happens when November 11 falls on a weekend
Because the date is fixed, it can land on a weekend. In 2026 it is a Wednesday, so there is no issue. In 2027 it is a Thursday. In 2028 it falls on a Saturday: federal employees get Friday, November 10 off, but the Federal Reserve Banks stay open that Friday, as they do for any Saturday holiday.
Federal holiday vs. what actually closes
A federal holiday closes federal offices, federal courts and the Fed, and the US Postal Service does not deliver regular mail. It does not force private businesses to close. Retailers, restaurants, UPS and FedEx are generally open, and many offer Veterans Day deals.
Many states also observe Veterans Day, but a few state offices and some school districts stay open, so check locally. See our full list on what is closed on Veterans Day.
Written correctly: Veterans Day, not Veteran’s Day
The official name has no apostrophe: it is a day for all veterans, not a day that belongs to one. Searching for it either way brings up the same holiday.
Quick answers
Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?
Yes. Veterans Day, November 11, is one of the 11 federal holidays. In 2026 it falls on Wednesday, November 11.
Are banks closed on Veterans Day?
Yes. The Federal Reserve is closed, and nearly all banks close their branches. ATMs, online banking and card payments still work.
Is the stock market open on Veterans Day?
Yes. The NYSE and Nasdaq are open on Veterans Day, while the bond market is closed.
Is there mail on Veterans Day?
No regular USPS mail delivery. Post offices are closed.
When is Veterans Day 2027?
Veterans Day 2027 is Thursday, November 11, 2027.
Is Veterans Day always on November 11?
Yes. Since 1978 it has been observed on November 11. When it falls on a Saturday, federal employees get the Friday off, but the Federal Reserve Banks stay open that Friday.