As the clock ticks down to the start of 2026, Americans are preparing for the usual mix of celebration, reflection, and, for many, a welcome day off. But with the holiday season’s blur of dates and traditions, it’s easy to lose track of which services are open, which are closed, and how the first days of the new year will affect routines across the country. For those relying on the United States Postal Service (USPS) and other major delivery companies, knowing the holiday schedule can mean the difference between a timely package and a frustrating delay.
According to the USPS, New Year’s Day—falling on Thursday, January 1, 2026—is one of the 11 federal holidays observed annually in the United States. This means public offices and most government services will be shuttered for the day, giving employees a chance to join in the festivities or simply take a breather after a busy holiday season. The closure applies nationwide, from bustling urban centers to quieter towns, and includes all USPS operations. As reported by USA TODAY, “On New Year’s Day, mail will not be delivered, picked up and post offices will be closed.” This pause in service is mirrored by many other sectors, including banks and the stock market, both of which will also be closed on January 1.
But what about the day before? New Year’s Eve, which falls on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, is not a federal holiday. As AL.com points out, “Dec. 31 is not, so that means some things will be open Wednesday but closed on Thursday. The U.S. Postal Service is one of those. USPS is open for business on Wednesday and mail will run on New Year’s Eve.” In practical terms, this means that local post office locations will maintain regular hours on December 31, and both regular mail and Priority Mail Express will be delivered as usual. Blue collection boxes will be serviced according to their normal schedules, so last-minute cards and packages still have a shot at making their way before the year ends.
For those who rely on expedited shipping, there’s a small but important exception: even on New Year’s Day, USPS will deliver Priority Mail Express—its premium, time-sensitive service. As noted in the USPS holiday schedule, “Only mail that falls into the category of Priority Mail Express, a service that comes at an extra cost, will be delivered.” For everyone else, the familiar hum of mail trucks and the ritual of checking the mailbox will pause for a day, resuming on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Of course, the USPS isn’t the only delivery game in town. Private carriers like UPS, FedEx, and Amazon have their own holiday routines, sometimes adding to the confusion. On December 31, 2025, most UPS locations will be closed, with no ground service pickup or delivery available, though air and international air services will continue to operate. UPS Express Critical, now provided by MNX, remains available around the clock, every day of the year—a lifeline for truly urgent shipments. FedEx, on the other hand, will operate with limited hours on New Year’s Eve, with some locations closing early and only certain expedited parcel and air freight services running. FedEx LTL freight services, however, will be unavailable. Amazon, the e-commerce giant that has become a staple in many households, will maintain regular hours on December 31, ensuring that last-minute gifts and essentials can still arrive before the year is out, according to the Statesman Journal.
When the calendar flips to January 1, 2026, the picture changes dramatically for all major carriers. UPS stores and FedEx will both be closed for the holiday, and ground and home delivery services will not resume until Friday, January 2. This synchronized pause across the industry reflects the widespread recognition of New Year’s Day as a time for rest and celebration, not just for government employees but for many in the private sector as well.
It’s worth noting that while federal holidays like New Year’s Day mean closures for government offices and services, private businesses are not required to follow suit. Some retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses may choose to open with limited hours or special schedules, depending on local demand and tradition. Still, the closure of banks and the Federal Reserve on January 1 means that most financial transactions will be on hold, and the closed doors of the stock market will keep investors waiting until the following business day to make their moves.
For those who like to plan ahead, the USPS has already published its list of 2026 postal holidays, giving customers a clear roadmap for the year. In addition to New Year’s Day, the list includes Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19), Presidents Day (February 16), Memorial Day (May 25), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (September 7), Columbus Day (October 12), Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving Day (November 26), and Christmas Day (December 25). On each of these dates, post office locations will be closed and regular mail delivery will be suspended, with Priority Mail Express as the lone exception. As AL.com emphasizes, “Jan. 1, 2026, is a federal holiday. Dec. 31 is not, so that means some things will be open Wednesday but closed on Thursday.”
In Oregon and other states, local variations in business hours and service availability can add another layer of complexity. Some businesses may close early on New Year’s Eve or operate with reduced staff, while others may remain open for last-minute shoppers and revelers. The Statesman Journal advises, “People are encouraged to check their local post office for specific hours,” since some locations may adjust their schedules based on community needs and staffing considerations.
For many Americans, the rhythm of the holidays is as much about tradition as it is about logistics. The temporary pause in mail and package delivery serves as a reminder to slow down, reconnect with loved ones, and reflect on the year gone by. It’s a brief interruption in the relentless pace of commerce and communication—a moment to catch one’s breath before the new year’s routines kick in.
So, if you’re expecting an important letter, package, or delivery as 2025 gives way to 2026, keep these schedules in mind. Plan accordingly, check with your local branches when in doubt, and maybe—just maybe—take the opportunity to step away from the mailbox yourself and enjoy the holiday.
