Veterans Day, observed on November 11, 2025, is a significant national holiday dedicated to honoring all U.S. military veterans. For many service members, the day also presents an opportunity to access a wide array of freebies, discounts, and special offers from businesses across the country. These promotions range from complimentary meals and retail discounts to free services and unique experiences. This guide provides a detailed overview of the types of offers available, based on verified information from authoritative sources, and outlines key eligibility requirements and redemption processes. The information is intended to help veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families plan for Veterans Day and maximize available benefits.
The scope of Veterans Day promotions is extensive, covering categories such as food and beverage, retail, automotive services, personal grooming, and entertainment. Offers are typically available on or around November 11, though some businesses extend their promotions over a longer period, such as a full weekend or the entire month of November. Eligibility generally requires proof of military service, with most businesses accepting a valid military ID, a Department of Defense (DD) Form 214, a state-issued veteran designation, or a VA card. It is crucial for individuals to verify the specific requirements and participating locations for each offer, as details can vary by franchise, region, or corporate policy.
Food and Beverage Offers
A significant portion of Veterans Day freebies focuses on complimentary meals and food items. Many national restaurant chains and local eateries offer free or discounted meals to veterans and active-duty military personnel. These offers are typically valid for dine-in service only on November 11, 2025, unless otherwise specified.
- Logan’s Roadhouse: The restaurant chain is honoring service members with a free meal for all active-duty and retired military members on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Veterans can choose from several entrées, including the All-American Cheeseburger, Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, or BBQ Grilled Pork Chop, served with classic roadhouse sides. A valid military ID or proof of service is required at participating locations.
- Lucille’s: Welcoming all active-duty military and veterans, Lucille's is offering an in-restaurant complimentary meal on November 11. Guests will have a choice of two entrées and will also receive a $10 bonus card for their next meal, valid between November 29 and December 8.
- Ford’s Garage: On November 11, Ford’s Garage is offering U.S. veterans and active-duty military a free American Standard Burger or up to $15 off an entrée of their choice. This dine-in offer is available at participating locations with a valid military ID.
- Friendly’s: From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 11, Friendly’s will be offering veterans a free meal. Veterans can receive a free All-American Cheeseburger and a drink of their choice with an active Military ID.
- Sheetz: Service members can enjoy a free half turkey sub with a regular fountain drink, including all extras and add-ons, at any of Sheetz’s 800+ locations on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. This offer is valid for dine-in only.
- Twin Peaks: The restaurant will be offering veterans a free lunch on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels and Bruegger’s Bagels: These bagel shops are continuing their annual tradition by offering a free hot or iced coffee of any size to all veterans and active-duty service members on Tuesday, November 11. The complimentary coffee can be claimed in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online with the code FREECOFFEE, with no purchase necessary.
- Starbucks: On November 11, Starbucks will be offering a free “tall” (12-oz) hot or iced brewed coffee to active military service members, veterans, and military spouses. Customers should mention their military affiliation when placing an order. The offer is valid on café and drive-thru orders only, with a limit of one per customer.
- Firehouse Subs: Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free sub of equal or lesser value when they purchase any size sub and show a valid military ID. This offer is valid in-store only, with a limit of one per customer.
- Buffet Restaurant: The restaurant buffet is showing its appreciation with its annual Military Appreciation Night on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 4 p.m. to close. Active members and veterans will receive a free “thank you” buffet and beverage. (Note: This source references the 2024 event; it is included as an example of a recurring promotion.)
- STK Steakhouse: Veterans will receive 50% off food all weekend long, from Saturday, November 9 through Tuesday, November 11.
Some offers are available beyond the day of Veterans Day. For instance, Krispy Kreme offers a free classic donut on Veterans Day to active military personnel in uniform or those presenting a valid Veteran’s ID at participating restaurants. Additionally, Baskin-Robbins typically offers a free scoop of ice cream on Veterans Day.
Retail Discounts and Free Products
Numerous retail brands provide exclusive discounts or free products to honor veterans. These offers can be available on Veterans Day, throughout November, or year-round.
- Kohl’s: The retailer offers a 30% discount for military and veterans on Veterans Day. Throughout the year, Kohl’s hosts Military Mondays, providing a 15% discount for military, veterans, and immediate family members (in-store only).
- Lowe’s: Offers a 10% discount for veterans.
- Academy Sports & Outdoors: Provides a 10% off discount on purchases.
- Food Lion: Offers a 10% discount on the entire grocery bill for veterans.
- Publix: Offers a 10% discount on the entire grocery bill for veterans.
- Born Primitive: In addition to a year-round 15% military discount, Born Primitive donates 100% of its Veterans Day profits to help pay off medical debt for veterans.
- MVP Visuals: Offers an exclusive 10% discount for active-duty, retired, and veteran service members.
- Various Retailers: Several retailers, including those selling apparel and home goods, offer a 10% discount for veterans, military, and families year-round. Some may increase this discount to 30% off around Veterans Day (in-store only). Another retailer offers a 50% discount on any plan for life, highlighted on Veterans Day. A seasonal 10% discount for veterans, military, and first responders is also available from some businesses.
Free products are also part of the Veterans Day landscape. A notable offer is a free U.S. military ring available from November 8-11. Furthermore, some businesses offer unique freebies, such as a free sandwich, as part of their Veterans Day recognition.
Free Services: Haircuts and Car Washes
Service-based freebies are a popular category, with businesses offering complimentary haircuts and car washes to show their gratitude.
- Great Clips: Offers a free haircut on Veterans Day. Veterans can also receive a free haircut card on November 11 to redeem at a later date.
- Local Barber Shops & Salons: Many local establishments may also offer free or discounted haircuts or other services. It is recommended to check their websites, social media pages, or call ahead for details.
- Grace for Vets Car Wash Program: Provides free car washes at thousands of locations nationwide. A location finder is available to find a participating car wash near you.
- Mr. Wash Car Wash: Offers free exterior car washes for veterans, active-duty military, and military spouses on Monday, November 10, and Tuesday, November 11, at all 11 locations across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. No ID is required; customers simply need to inform an attendant.
- Sheetz: In addition to a free meal, Sheetz offers a free $9 car wash at participating stores with car wash facilities on Veterans Day, with a valid military ID or proof of service.
- Meineke, Jiffy Lube, and Valvoline Instant Oil Change: These automotive service centers typically offer Veterans Day promotions. Meineke offers a free oil change at select locations. Jiffy Lube usually offers a 50% discount on oil changes on Veterans Day, and Valvoline Instant Oil Change usually offers a free oil change on Veterans Day. Both Jiffy Lube and Valvoline offer a 15% military discount year-round (varies by location).
Entertainment, Travel, and Other Experiences
Beyond food and retail, various entertainment venues and service providers offer special access or discounts for veterans.
- Amusement Parks & Zoos:
- Cincinnati Zoo (Ohio): Offers free admission for veterans on the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day, with discounted tickets for family.
- Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia): Provides free admission during Veterans Day weekend (Friday, November 7 through Tuesday, November 11) to all active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen, and their immediate dependents.
- Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta): Offers free admission for active military and veterans, plus a 30% discount in the gift shop on November 10-11 and other “Military Mondays.”
- Knott’s Berry Farm (California): Offers discounted tickets for veterans, military members, and family during Military Tribute Days, Monday through Thursday, November 3–20 and December 1–18.
Eligibility and Redemption Guidelines
Successful redemption of Veterans Day offers depends on understanding and adhering to specific eligibility criteria and processes.
Proof of Service: The most common requirement is a valid form of military identification. The VA Claims Insider guide, a comprehensive resource, recommends bringing a valid military or veteran ID, such as a VA card, DD214, or state-issued veteran designation. Most businesses explicitly state this requirement. However, some offers, like the free car wash from Mr. Wash, do not require an ID, though service members should still be prepared to identify themselves.
Eligible Groups: Eligibility often extends beyond veterans to include active-duty military, National Guard, Reserve members, and sometimes military spouses and dependents. For example, the 11% discount from a specific retailer is available for veterans, active-duty military, members of the National Guard & Reserve, and their immediate family members. Colonial Williamsburg’s offer includes immediate dependents. It is essential to check the specific terms for each offer, as some are limited to veterans and active-duty personnel only.
Dine-In vs. Takeout: Many restaurant offers are for dine-in service only. For instance, Logan’s Roadhouse, Ford’s Garage, and Sheetz specify dine-in for their free meals. Some, like Firehouse Subs, require a purchase to receive a free item. Others, such as Einstein Bros. Bagels’ coffee offer, can be redeemed through multiple channels, including mobile app and online orders.
Participating Locations: Not all locations of a chain may participate in Veterans Day promotions. The VA Claims Insider source notes that all locations are independently owned and operated, and additional offers may be available at different locations. It is critical to call ahead or check the official website of a specific location to confirm participation and any unique requirements.
Timing: Most offers are valid only on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. However, some promotions span a longer period. For example, STK Steakhouse offers 50% off food from November 9 through November 11, and Colonial Williamsburg offers free admission from November 7 through November 11. The VA Claims Insider guide is being actively updated for 2025, with many deals confirmed and others pending verification from corporate partners and franchise locations. This underscores the importance of relying on the most current, official information.
Conclusion
Veterans Day 2025 offers a substantial array of freebies and discounts for U.S. veterans and active-duty military personnel. The promotions span a wide range of categories, including free meals from numerous restaurant chains, significant retail discounts, complimentary services like haircuts and car washes, and free or discounted access to entertainment venues. The key to successfully accessing these offers lies in preparation: verifying eligibility, understanding proof-of-service requirements, confirming offer details with specific locations, and planning for redemption on or around November 11. By leveraging this guide and the provided source information, service members and their families can effectively plan to honor and benefit from the recognition extended to them on this national holiday.