Veterans Day, a federal holiday honoring U.S. military veterans, is observed annually on Nov. 11. In 2025, Veterans Day falls on a Tuesday.
Most stores in central Ohio will be open. Many local restaurants and retailers are expected to offer discounts to veterans and active-duty service members. However, some public services will be affected.
Here is what to expect in central Ohio for Veterans Day 2025.
Mail and Package Delivery
– United States Postal Service: All post offices will be closed and there will be no mail delivery, caller service, or Post Office Box service. Regular operations will resume Wednesday, Nov. 12.
– FedEx: FedEx will operate with modified service. FedEx Freight, FedEx Office, FedEx Custom Critical and FedEx Logistics will be open.
– UPS: UPS pickup and delivery services will be available. UPS Ground Saver and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries may require an additional business day due to the federal holiday. The UPS Store locations will be open.
Libraries
– All Columbus Metropolitan Library branches will be open Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Trash and Recycling Collection
– There will be no trash collection for City of Columbus residents on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Trash pickup will rotate forward by one day for the remainder of the week. The schedule will rotate forward again on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 27.
– For residents without assigned collection colors: If your collection day falls on or after the holiday, pickup will be delayed by one day that week.
– Recycling and yard waste collection will not be affected. Please set out recycling and yard waste as scheduled if your pickup falls on Nov. 11.
Public Transit
– The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) will operate on a Sunday schedule Tuesday, Nov. 11. For route details, visit ride.cota.com or use the Transit app.
– COTA//Plus will only serve the South Side zone. The Customer Experience Center will be closed, and the Customer Care Center will operate limited hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
– All veterans and active-duty service members may ride COTA vehicles at no cost on Veterans Day. Riders can show military ID, wear veteran-related clothing, or verbally identify as veterans or service members.
– Veterans can receive a 50% discount on all fares year-round by applying at the COTA Customer Experience Center, 33 N. High St. Proof of status is required. For more information, visit cota.com/riding-cota/discount-fares.
COTA observes Sunday schedules on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Parking
– Parking at city-owned meters and kiosks will be free on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Some restrictions remain in effect, including rush hour, valet, taxi, loading, handicapped-only and residential permit areas. Check signage for enforcement details.
Banks and Government Offices
– Most banks will be closed, but ATMs and online banking will remain available.
– The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ will be closed.
– Federal, state, county and city government offices, including courts, will be closed.
Schools
– Columbus City Schools will be open Tuesday, Nov. 11. Parents should check with their local district, as schedules may vary.