Back
Lifestyle

New Year's Day 2026: Business Operating Hours and Closures

View source

New Year's Day 2026: Navigating Holiday Schedules

As January 1, 2026, approaches, various businesses and services will operate under modified schedules in observance of the New Year's Day federal holiday. While banks, post offices, and major stock exchanges will be closed, many retail establishments and restaurants will remain open, often with altered hours.

While many essential services will pause for the New Year's Day federal holiday, a wide array of retail and dining options will remain accessible, albeit with modified hours.

Government and Financial Services to Close for Holiday

New Year's Day is a federal holiday, leading to the closure of most government and financial institutions.

  • Banks: Major banking institutions will be closed for the federal holiday.
  • Post Offices: All U.S. Postal Service locations nationwide will be closed, and mail delivery will not occur on January 1. Operations are scheduled to resume on January 2.
  • Stock Market: The stock market will be closed on January 1. Regular trading is scheduled to resume on January 2.
  • UPS: UPS will not provide pickup or delivery services on New Year's Day, with the exception of its Express Critical service.

Retailers and Pharmacies: Mixed Schedules Expected

Many retailers and pharmacies will be open on New Year's Day, though some may operate with reduced hours. Customers are advised to verify local store hours directly.

Stores Expected to Be Open:

  • Albertsons: Open, with reduced hours.
  • Best Buy: Open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • CVS Pharmacy: Locations will be open; some stores and pharmacies may have reduced hours.
  • Dollar General: Open during regular business hours.
  • Home Depot: Open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • HomeGoods, HomeSense, Marshalls, Sierra Trading Post, T.J. Maxx: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • IKEA: Open during regular hours, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Food Lion: Stores will be open during regular business hours; however, all Food Lion pharmacies will be closed.
  • JCPenney: Stores will open at 11:00 a.m.; closing times may vary by location.
  • Kohl's: Open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Macy's: Open during regular business hours.
  • Petco: Most stores will open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m.; hours may vary by location.
  • Safeway: Locations will be open; reduced hours may apply.
  • Shaw's: Stores will be open with reduced hours.
  • Stop & Shop: Open during regular business hours.
  • Walgreens: Open; pharmacy hours may vary by location.
  • Wegmans: Most stores will open at 6:00 a.m., with the Brooklyn and Astor Place locations opening at 7:00 a.m.
  • Whole Foods: Open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Stores Expected to Be Closed:

  • Costco
  • Trader Joe's

Dining Options for New Year's Day

Several fast-food chains and restaurants are expected to be open on January 1, 2026. Customers are encouraged to confirm hours with individual locations.

  • Applebee's: Select restaurants will be open.
  • Burger King: Expected to be open.
  • Chick-fil-A: Locations will be open; some may have limited hours.
  • IHOP: Expected to be open.
  • McDonald's: Most locations are expected to be open.
  • Starbucks: Expected to be open.
  • Taco Bell: Will open at 10:00 a.m.

Due to potential variations, particularly for individual store or restaurant locations, it is highly recommended to check specific hours of operation directly before visiting any establishment on New Year's Day.