Post offices, many government offices and most bank branches are closed today for Veterans Day, but shoppers will find most major retailers, supermarkets and restaurants open.
The Wednesday, Nov. 11, holiday also affects courts, schools and some municipal services across the Finger Lakes. Trash collection, recycling, library hours and public transportation schedules depend on the community or provider.
Here’s what to know before heading out.
Government offices and courts
Most nonessential federal offices are closed under the federal government’s 2026 holiday calendar. New York state administrative offices also observe the holiday, as noted in the state’s 2026 holiday restrictions schedule.
Many county, city, town and village offices are closed as well. Residents planning to visit a clerk, tax office, building department or other municipal counter should check that office’s posted holiday schedule.
Tompkins County’s 2026 holiday calendar, for example, lists county offices as closed today. The county’s Whole Health department also specifically lists a Veterans Day building closure.
New York courts observe Nov. 11 as a holiday under the Unified Court System’s calendar. Routine court business is affected, although emergency proceedings may follow separate arrangements.
Police, fire and emergency medical responses continue despite administrative office closures.
Post offices are closed, but UPS and FedEx are operating
The U.S. Postal Service says all post office locations are closed today. Regular mail delivery and retail services resume Thursday, Nov. 12.
Customers can still buy postage, print shipping labels and access other services online. Some post office lobbies have self-service kiosks available outside retail counter hours.
Private package carriers have different schedules:
- UPS pickup and delivery services are available, and UPS Store locations are open. The company’s holiday schedule says Ground Saver and Mail Innovations deliveries require an additional business day because of the postal holiday.
- FedEx is operating with modified service. Its holiday schedule lists FedEx Office locations as open. Customers with time-sensitive shipments should check their specific service and tracking information.
Most bank branches are closed
Most banks close their branches for Veterans Day. Nov. 11 is also a holiday for the Federal Reserve.
ATMs, banking apps and online account access generally remain available. Transactions requiring bank processing may take longer, so customers should check their institution’s rules for deposits, transfers and bill payments.
A federal holiday does not necessarily mean every financial business follows the same schedule. Check a particular branch before making a trip.
Major stores and supermarkets remain open
Veterans Day is generally a shopping day for national chains.
Walmart, Target and Home Depot are among the major retailers remaining open, according to national holiday schedule reporting. Other chains listed as open include Lowe’s, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Best Buy and Dick’s Sporting Goods, though hours vary by location.
Costco is also open. Veterans Day is not among the seven holidays on the company’s U.S. warehouse closure list.
Supermarket shoppers should check their usual store’s hours. Wegmans’ Auburn location, for example, lists regular hours of 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.
Pharmacy counters can have different hours from the stores containing them. That applies to supermarket pharmacies as well as CVS and Walgreens locations.
Most restaurants also remain open, although independently owned businesses set their own schedules.
Schools, libraries and trash pickup require a local check
Many schools are closed today. The Geneva City School District calendar, for example, lists Nov. 11 as Veterans Day with schools closed. College and university schedules should be checked separately.
Library hours vary by institution, as do municipal recreation programs and public transportation schedules.
Trash and recycling service should not be assumed canceled simply because a government office is closed.
In Tompkins County, the county’s holiday schedule lists the recycling center as open and curbside recycling collection as operating on schedule today, even though county offices are closed.
Elsewhere, residents should check their municipality or private hauler’s collection calendar before moving their usual pickup day.
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