As the calendar turns from 2025 to 2026, millions across the United States are preparing for New Year’s celebrations, family gatherings, and—let’s be honest—a few last-minute dashes to the grocery store. But as January 1, 2026, is a federal holiday, not every store will be open, and those that are may be running on reduced hours. So, if you’re planning to stock up on party snacks or forgot the Champagne, it’s worth knowing which national retailers and grocery chains will welcome you—and when.
According to USA TODAY, New Year’s Day falls on Thursday, January 1, 2026. As is tradition, many services and stores across the country will either be closed or operating with adjusted hours. Essential errands like banking, mailing a letter, or visiting the post office will have to wait—banks, post offices, and shipping services will be closed for the holiday. The stock market will also take a break. But what about your go-to grocery store?
Let’s start with some of the biggest names in grocery and retail. Walmart stands out for its consistency: all Walmart locations will maintain their regular hours, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. That’s a relief for anyone needing to grab last-minute supplies or restock after a big night. USA TODAY confirms this, noting, “Most Walmart stores will be open their regular operating hours on Dec. 31.”
Target shoppers will also have options: stores will be open on New Year’s Day, though they’ll close an hour early on New Year’s Eve—typically at 9 or 10 p.m., depending on location. So, if you’re planning a late-night run on December 31, keep an eye on the clock!
For those who prefer Kroger, good news: Kroger stores, along with their family of brands (Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, and more), will be open regular hours both days. Pharmacies inside Kroger, however, will close at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and remain closed on New Year’s Day, according to USA TODAY.
But not every major chain will be open to ring in the new year. Costco members, take note: warehouses will be closed on January 1, 2026, in honor of the holiday. As USA TODAY reports, “Costco warehouses will be closed on January 1, 2026, in honor of New Year's Day.” The big-box retailer will, however, reopen on January 2 with regular hours: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for Executive Members and 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for Gold Star and Business Members. Costco will not close again until Easter Sunday, so plan accordingly if you’re a bulk shopper.
Other warehouse clubs are following suit. Sam’s Club will also be closed on New Year’s Day, but open until 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. BJ’s Wholesale Club offers a bit more flexibility—open until 7 p.m. on both December 31 and January 1, giving members a window for those last-minute purchases.
What about regional favorites and specialty grocers? Publix, the Lakeland, Florida-based chain with over 1,430 stores in eight states, is a staple for many in the Southeast. According to USA TODAY, all Publix locations will be open on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, but with reduced hours. In Florida, stores will operate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on December 31 and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on January 1. Publix is known for only closing on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, so this is one of the few holidays with shortened hours. Publix Liquor stores in Florida will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, while Publix pharmacies generally run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.—but hours may vary by location.
Other grocers have their own policies. Aldi will be open until 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve but closed entirely on New Year’s Day, so plan ahead if you’re counting on their famously low prices. Trader Joe’s shares a similar approach: open until 5 p.m. on December 31, then closed January 1. Sprouts Farmers Market will operate until 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and open regular hours on New Year’s Day, according to their official holiday hours.
Whole Foods stores in Orlando and elsewhere generally close at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on New Year’s Day, though hours can vary by location. Winn-Dixie is another reliable option in the Southeast, open until 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and maintaining regular hours on January 1.
For those in Alabama and beyond, USA TODAY highlights that “many national retailers will have reduced or altered hours for the holiday, with some closing early on New Year’s Eve, opening late, or closing on New Year’s Day.” Lowe’s and Home Depot will both close at 6 p.m. on December 31, then reopen at 9 a.m. on January 1, with Lowe’s closing at 6 p.m. and Home Depot at 8 p.m. ACE Hardware’s hours vary by location, so it’s best to call ahead if you need tools or home improvement supplies.
Other notable chains include Meijer (open from 6 a.m. to midnight on New Year’s Eve), Food Lion (regular hours), Harris Teeter (regular hours), and Wegmans (closing at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve). For those who shop at Lidl, stores will close at 6 p.m. on December 31.
Of course, these are national and regional guidelines. Many stores, especially smaller chains and independently owned locations, may have their own hours or closures. It’s always smart to check your local store’s website or give them a quick call before heading out—no one wants to show up to a locked door with arms full of empty shopping bags.
For those wondering about membership deals, USA TODAY notes that Costco is offering promotions for new members through December 31, 2025, with digital shop cards available for those who sign up before the deadline.
All told, the landscape of open and closed stores on New Year’s Day 2026 is a patchwork—some retailers are open as usual, others are closing early, and a handful are shutting down entirely to give employees a well-deserved break. Whether you’re in Greater Cincinnati, Florida, Alabama, or anywhere else in the U.S., a little planning will help ensure your New Year’s celebrations go off without a hitch—and without a last-minute scramble.
With so many options, shoppers can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that even on a federal holiday, a quick grocery run is still within reach—provided you check those hours first.
