As the nation rang in 2026 with fireworks, festivities, and the promise of new beginnings, Americans found themselves facing the perennial question: what’s actually open on New Year’s Day? For many, January 1 is a time to sleep in, recover from celebrations, or perhaps tackle a few errands—only to discover that the usual routines are upended by the federal holiday. This year, the landscape of open and closed businesses offered a familiar, if sometimes confusing, patchwork, with some retailers and restaurants sticking to tradition while others made exceptions for the holiday crowd.
According to USA Today, major banks, post offices, and the nation’s stock exchanges all observed the federal holiday by closing their doors on January 1, 2026. Mail delivery was halted for the day, with the U.S. Postal Service confirming, "Post office locations nationwide will be closed and mail will not be delivered on Jan. 1." Regular postal operations resumed the following day, as did trading on the stock market. For anyone hoping to get a jump on financial matters or send out that last-minute package, it meant waiting until January 2.
UPS also took the day off—mostly. The shipping giant suspended all pickup and delivery services, with the lone exception being its critical, emergency service. So, unless it was a matter of life and death, that package just had to wait.
For those looking to restock the fridge or pantry, the news was a mixed bag. Many grocery stores remained open, but with caveats. Albertsons, Safeway, and Shaw’s all opened their doors, but with reduced hours. Food Lion kept normal hours, though its pharmacies were shuttered for the day. Stop & Shop and Wegmans, meanwhile, stuck to their regular schedules, with Wegmans opening bright and early at 6 a.m.—except for its Brooklyn and Astor Place locations, which opened an hour later. Whole Foods operated from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Dollar General kept to its regular business hours.
Some stores, however, opted out entirely. Both Costco and Trader Joe’s were closed for the holiday, meaning any plans for a bulk shopping spree or a Trader Joe’s snack run had to be put on hold.
Pharmacy needs could still be met, but with a bit of planning. CVS and Walgreens were both open, though hours varied by location and some pharmacies inside grocery stores stayed closed. As always, it was best to check ahead—no one wants to be stuck without a prescription refill or a box of cold medicine after a long night out.
Retail therapy was still possible, though hours were often abbreviated. Best Buy welcomed customers from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., while Home Depot opened at 9 a.m. and closed at 8 p.m. HomeGoods, HomeSense, Marshalls, Sierra Trading Post, and T.J. Maxx all operated from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. IKEA stuck to its normal 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. schedule. Macy’s kept regular hours, Kohl’s ran from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and JCPenney opened a bit later at 11 a.m., with closing times varying by location. Petco stores generally opened late at 10 a.m. and closed early at 8 p.m.—but as always, local variations applied.
With so many Americans looking for a bite to eat after a night of celebration, fast-food chains and restaurants became a crucial part of the New Year’s Day landscape. According to the San Antonio Express-News, Chick-fil-A was open on January 1, 2026, though some locations had limited hours. The company advised, "It’s best to check in advance before heading out." McDonald’s, Burger King, IHOP, Starbucks, and Taco Bell all kept their doors open, catering to early risers and late brunchers alike. Taco Bell opened at 10 a.m., while most McDonald’s and Burger King locations operated with hours that could differ from their normal schedules.
For those in the Southwest, Taco Palenque was a reliable 24-hour option, serving up its signature fare all day and night. Whataburger, another regional favorite, was open as well, according to its own website. Sonic Drive-In joined the list of open chains, though, as with others, it was smart to double-check local hours before heading out for a Chili Cheese Coney.
Chipotle fans could rejoice: the popular burrito chain appeared to be open for regular hours, based on multiple reports. In-N-Out Burger, a West Coast staple, also welcomed customers, though local hours were subject to change. Wingstop was open, with store hours available online, and KFC joined the party, keeping most of its stores open for the holiday.
For those who prefer to dine in, select Applebee’s restaurants were open on January 1, though not all locations participated. As with so many other businesses, the mantra for the day was: check before you go.
While some were disappointed by the closures of their favorite retailers or the inability to send a package, others saw the day as a rare opportunity to enjoy a quieter, slower pace. The closure of banks, post offices, and the stock market is a long-standing tradition, offering workers a much-needed respite at the start of the year. For families, it meant more time together—whether that was spent around the dinner table, out shopping, or simply taking a walk in the crisp January air.
Still, the patchwork of open and closed businesses can be confusing, especially for newcomers or those traveling for the holidays. The best advice, echoed by both USA Today and the San Antonio Express-News, was to check local hours and policies before venturing out. In an age of online directories and store locators, a quick search could save a lot of frustration.
One thing’s for certain: no matter how Americans chose to spend the first day of 2026, there were plenty of options for food, shopping, and last-minute errands—if they knew where to look. The ever-changing landscape of New Year’s Day openings and closures is a testament to the country’s diversity and adaptability, balancing tradition with the demands of a modern, always-on society. As the year gets underway, the rhythms of daily life resume, but for one day, at least, things move just a bit more slowly.
