Happy New Year, from all your friends at Fortune. As you know, New Year’s Day has fallen on a Thursday for 2026, which means banks, government offices, and postal services will be closed across North America while many retailers, restaurants, and attractions will either modify their schedules or open up completely.
The most direct impact is on federal services. Non-essential federal offices are closed, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. This includes Social Security Administration field offices, passport agencies, and most administrative government buildings. If you have business with the IRS or need to visit a federal building, you will need to wait until Friday.
Financial markets will also take the day off, with major U.S. exchanges including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq shuttering for the first day of the new year. Schools and public libraries will remain closed, and in most places, garbage collection will be postponed by one day.
Mail and delivery services
Private carriers are similarly pausing operations. FedEx will be closed for New Year’s Day, except for its Custom Critical service. UPS will not offer pickup or delivery on January 1, though UPS Express Critical service will remain available for urgent shipments.
Financial markets
Wall Street is closed for the holiday. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will not trade on New Year’s Day, and all U.S. bond markets will be shuttered. There will be no pre-market or after-hours sessions. Trading will resume on Friday, January 2, when U.S. exchanges reopen for the first session of 2026.
Banks
Most major banks will remain closed to observe the federal holiday. Bank of America and Wells Fargo locations will be closed on New Year’s Day. While some smaller community banks or credit unions might follow suit, mobile banking services and ATMs will remain available.
Retail and grocery
For the private sector, major retailers will largely remain open. Walmart stores will operate from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Target will maintain regular hours. Best Buy will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., while Kohl’s will operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Macy’s will be open during standard business hours.
Grocery stores show a mixed picture. Large chains including Kroger, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Safeway will be open, though some may operate with modified hours. Publix locations will close early at 7 p.m.. However, warehouse clubs diverge sharply: BJ’s Wholesale Club will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., while Costco and Sam’s Club will close entirely.
Discount grocers also split. Aldi and Trader Joe’s will remain closed on New Year’s Day. Convenience stores and pharmacies will generally stay open. CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens locations will be open, though some pharmacy hours may vary by location.
Home improvement stores will maintain reduced schedules. Home Depot will operate from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., while Lowe’s hours will vary by location but generally run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m..
Restaurants
Fast-food chains will largely remain operational. McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King will have many locations open, though franchisee-operated stores may maintain varying hours. Starbucks will be open, as will chains like Chick-fil-A, Subway, Olive Garden, and Chili’s.
