As the clock strikes midnight and New York’s famed Times Square erupts in confetti, millions across the city and the nation face a less glamorous but no less urgent question: what’s actually open on New Year’s Day 2026? For those hoping to nurse a hangover with a hot coffee, stock up on groceries for the week, or simply grab a burger on the go, the answer is complicated—but not hopeless.
According to the New York Post, New Year’s Day in New York can feel like a scene straight out of a zombie movie, with deserted streets and closed storefronts as far as the eye can see. Many retailers shut early on New Year’s Eve, bracing for the city’s annual Times Square stampede. Yet, despite this, several major retailers, pharmacies, and fast food chains will keep their doors open—albeit with altered hours—on January 1, 2026.
Let’s start with the big-box retailers and grocery stores. Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, will be operational on New Year’s Day, though shoppers should expect reduced hours and check with their local store for specifics. Albertsons Companies—which includes familiar names like ACME, Jewel-Osco, Safeway, and Vons—will also be open on both New Year’s Eve and Day, with some pharmacies within these stores following similar modified schedules. Kroger family stores buck the trend by keeping regular hours, offering a sense of normalcy for those needing last-minute supplies. Target will also be open regular hours on January 1, while Whole Foods plans to operate on holiday hours.
For those embarking on home improvement projects to kick off the year, Home Depot and Lowe’s are both open, with Home Depot operating from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Lowe’s from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. New York’s iconic Macy’s will keep its regular hours, allowing shoppers to take advantage of post-holiday sales.
Pharmacies, always a lifeline during the holidays, present a mixed bag. CVS will be open on January 1, but only some pharmacy locations will be operational, so it’s wise to check ahead. Walgreens is also open, though most of its pharmacies will be closed for the day. If you need to ship a package or pick up mail, you’re out of luck: the USPS will be closed, and FedEx will only offer its Custom Critical service. UPS will have limited retail outlets open, but its Express Critical service remains available.
But what about the essential caffeine fix or a quick bite to eat? Here’s where things get interesting. According to IBTimes, most Starbucks locations nationwide will be open on New Year’s Day, though hours typically range from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., depending on the store. Urban locations—especially in cities like New York—are more likely to keep closer to their usual schedules, while suburban and mall-based stores may open later or close earlier. The official advice from Starbucks is clear: “Check your local store.” Their mobile app or website store locator remains the most reliable way to confirm if your favorite branch is open.
Fast food giants like McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts are similarly dependable, but not without caveats. McDonald’s will open most locations on New Year’s Day—hours generally run from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., though some urban outlets (like those in Manchester or London Bridge, as reported by IBTimes) will open later and close earlier. In the U.S., hours will vary by location, and customers are encouraged to check the McDonald’s app or website before heading out.
Dunkin’ Donuts, meanwhile, prides itself on being open for business on both New Year’s Eve and Day. Most locations will serve customers, but hours are at the discretion of individual franchisees. Dunkin’ outlets inside airports or shopping centers may follow the venue’s holiday schedule, meaning they could open later or close earlier than standalone stores. And here’s a sweet bonus: Dunkin’ is offering free donuts with any beverage purchase on January 2, 2026, though you might want to brace for longer-than-usual queues as a result.
Other fast food favorites are also joining the New Year’s Day bandwagon. Chick-fil-A will open its doors, with most stores operating as usual, though some may have limited hours. Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Burger King, and Chipotle will all be open, but, as with the others, holiday hours will vary by location. Burger King could be operating from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., but again, state and franchise rules apply. Domino’s Pizza and In-N-Out will be open, with Domino’s warning that some stores may close earlier than usual and In-N-Out maintaining regular hours (10:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.), though some locations might close up to three hours early. KFC is offering a 2-for-1 deal on 8-piece fried chicken buckets on New Year’s Eve and will be open with modified hours on the holiday itself.
For sit-down dining, the options are surprisingly broad. Waffle House will be open 24 hours, as always, making it a reliable refuge for those seeking comfort food at any hour. Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, Texas Roadhouse, Applebee’s, Hooters, Red Lobster, Chili’s, and First Watch will have at least some locations open, though hours will differ by region and franchise. Subway will also be open, but again, hours are not uniform.
Not every chain is joining the festivities. Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants will be closed on January 1, 2026, a rare exception among major fast food brands.
Throughout all these openings, one theme rings true: don’t assume your favorite spot will be open or operating as usual. The franchise model, local regulations, and varying holiday schedules mean that hours can shift dramatically from one location to the next. As IBTimes succinctly put it, “Check your local store’s hours using mobile apps or website locators before you venture out.” Mobile ordering can also confirm your chosen location is actually open, saving you a wasted trip and a heap of frustration.
In a city that never sleeps, and a country that loves its convenience, New Year’s Day 2026 offers plenty of options for those willing to do a little homework. Whether you’re craving a cup of coffee, a quick meal, or a shopping spree, a bit of planning ensures you won’t be left out in the cold.
