Are schools in Illinois open on Veterans Day? What's open and closed this week

Veterans Day Are schools in Illinois open on Veterans Day? What's open and closed this week The holiday, which honors living veterans who served in the military, is observed each year on Nov. 11, no matter what day of the week it falls on. By NBC Chicago Staff • Published November 9, 2026 • Updated on November 9, 2026 at 12:08 pm The federal holiday of Veterans Day for 2026 is this week, and many businesses, offices and even schools will be closed. The holiday, which honors living veterans who served in the military, is observed each year on Nov. 11, no matter what day of the week it falls on. This year, the day falls on Wednesday. Stream NBC 5 for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE The day will also see a number of observances and events in the Chicago area, including the Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony at Soldier Field . In Washington D.C., the famous Veterans Day National Ceremony, with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns, will take place at 10 a.m. CT. "Veterans Day honors and thanks all those who served honorably in the military – living and dead – whether in wartime or peace," the Department of Veterans Affairs stated in 2025. "In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living Veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who serve have sacrificed and done their duty." While not everything will be closed, the federal holiday designation does bring with it a number of changes for businesses. Here's what to know. Is mail delivered on Veterans Day? All retail United States Post Office locations will be closed in observance of Veterans Day Wednesday, and mail will not be delivered. Local Evanston 28 minutes ago Suburban 17-year-old killed in tragic Deerfield crash: Coroner NBC 5 Investigates 2 hours ago Chinese espionage scandal raises questions for Illinois universities and Nvidia UPS stores, along with pickup and delivery services will remain open and available. FedEx will remain open with modified service, the company said on its website . Are banks, the stock market open? Banks are expected to be closed on Wednesday as the Federal Reserve observes Veterans Day. The stock market will be open Wednesday. Veterans Day is not one of the holidays the Nasdaq or the NYSE are closed for. Courts, Illinois DMVs Illinois Secretary of State offices will be closed WEdnesday in honor of Veterans Day, which means most DMVs and other Secretary of State services will be closed. Courts in Illinois will also be closed. Is there school Wednesday? According to the Illinois State Board of Education , Veterans Day is considered a "legal school holiday," but it also notes "school activities are permitted," which means schools can choose to hold classes. Overall, it depends on your district. In Elgin, District U-46 high schools will be on early release. In Joliet, District 86 schools will be closed, as will schools in Waukegan District 60. Chicago Public Schools will be closed to students Wednesday and hold a professional development day. Other districts, including District 39 in Wilmette, will be open. This article tagged under: Veterans Day