New Year’s Day is one of the most widely observed holidays in the United States. In 2026, it falls on Thursday, January 1, and because it is a federal holiday, many services shut down nationwide. Others remain open with reduced hours.

Below is a detailed, up-to-date, and practical breakdown to help Americans plan errands, travel, and financial transactions with confidence.

Read more: Which Stores Are Open on New Year’s Day 2026? Full U.S. Shopping Guide

What’s Open and What’s Closed in the U.S. on New Year’s Day 2026
What’s Open and What’s Closed in the U.S. on New Year’s Day 2026

Banks and Financial Institutions

All major U.S. banks will be closed on New Year’s Day 2026.

This includes national and regional institutions such as:

  • Bank of America

  • Chase

  • Wells Fargo

  • Citibank

  • Capital One

  • PNC Bank

  • U.S. Bank

What still works

  • ATMs remain available

  • Mobile and online banking function normally

  • Debit cards continue to work

What may be delayed

  • Direct deposits

  • ACH transfers

  • Wire transfers

  • Check processing

Normal branch operations resume on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Post Offices and Mail Delivery

The United States Postal Service fully observes New Year’s Day.

USPS status on January 1, 2026:

  • All post offices closed

  • No residential or business mail delivery

  • No Priority Mail Express pickup or delivery

  • PO Boxes accessible at most locations

Mail delivery resumes on January 2.

UPS, FedEx, and Other Shipping Services

UPS

UPS suspends most services.

  • UPS Ground, Air, and Freight: not operating

  • UPS SurePost: no delivery

  • UPS Store locations: may be open, hours vary by franchise

  • Some critical express services may operate in limited areas

FedEx

FedEx operates on a modified schedule.

  • FedEx Express: limited service

  • FedEx Ground & Home Delivery: generally closed

  • FedEx Freight: closed

  • FedEx Office: many locations open with reduced hours

Customers should check local locations for exact availability.

Retail Stores: What’s Open and What’s Closed

Many national retailers stay open, but hours often differ from regular schedules.

Typically Open (often with reduced hours)

  • Walmart

  • Target

  • Costco

  • Sam’s Club

  • Best Buy

  • Home Depot

  • Lowe’s

  • CVS

  • Walgreens

  • Rite Aid

  • Kroger

  • Safeway

  • Publix

  • Whole Foods

May Be Closed or Limited

  • Independent retailers

  • Small local shops

  • Some shopping malls

  • Banks inside grocery stores

Tip: Holiday hours vary by city and state. Always confirm online or by phone.

Restaurants and Food Services

  • Fast-food chains are mostly open

  • Casual dining chains often operate with shorter hours

  • Local restaurants may close or open later than usual

  • Coffee chains like Starbucks typically open, but hours vary

Delivery apps usually operate, depending on driver availability.

Stock Market and Financial Exchanges

U.S. financial markets are closed on New Year’s Day.

  • New York Stock Exchange: closed

  • NASDAQ: closed

Bond markets generally follow the same schedule. Trading resumes on January 2.

Government Offices and Public Services

Closed

  • Federal government offices

  • State and local government offices

  • Courts

  • DMV offices

  • Public libraries

Open

  • Police and fire departments

  • Hospitals and emergency care

  • Utilities and essential services

Public schools and universities are typically closed due to winter break.

Public Transportation

  • Many city transit systems operate on holiday or Sunday schedules

  • Reduced frequency for buses and trains

  • Airport operations continue normally, though staffing may be lighter

Check local transit authority schedules in advance.

FAQs: New Year’s Day 2026 in the U.S.

Is New Year’s Day a federal holiday every year?

Yes. January 1 is always a federal holiday in the United States.

Will my paycheck arrive late if payday is January 1?

Possibly. Many employers process payments on the prior business day.

Can I ship a package on New Year’s Day?

Most shipping services are paused. Some retail shipping centers may accept packages.

Are grocery stores open on New Year’s Day?

Yes, most major chains are open, often with shorter hours.

When do normal business hours resume?

Friday, January 2, 2026.

Key Takeaway

New Year’s Day 2026 brings widespread closures across banks, government offices, post offices, shipping companies, and financial markets. Retailers and restaurants are more flexible, but schedules vary. Planning ahead ensures a smoother start to the new year.