As Americans gear up to ring in 2026 with parties, resolutions, and perhaps a little too much bubbly, a practical question looms for many: which grocery stores will be open on New Year’s Day? Whether you’re scrambling for a forgotten ingredient, restocking after a late-night celebration, or simply seeking a quiet moment to shop, knowing which supermarkets are open can make all the difference. Across the United States, the answer is a patchwork of regular hours, special closures, and a few surprises, depending on the chain and your location.
According to USA TODAY, New Year’s Day falls on Thursday, January 1, 2026. For most major grocery chains, the start of the new year means business as usual—though with a few notable exceptions and adjustments. The nation’s largest retailer, Walmart, will keep its doors open on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, operating regular hours everywhere from Mississippi to Michigan, Orlando to Tampa Bay. Target, another retail giant, will also welcome shoppers on January 1, maintaining its standard schedule.
Kroger, which operates under various banners such as Baker’s, City Market, and King Soopers, will be open for regular hours on New Year’s Day across the country. However, shoppers should note that Kroger pharmacies will be closed for the holiday, a detail confirmed on the company’s website and reported by USA TODAY. For those relying on Kroger for last-minute prescriptions, it’s best to plan ahead.
Whole Foods, a favorite for organic and specialty items, will open its doors from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on January 1, 2026, according to company spokespeople cited by USA TODAY and FOX 35 Orlando. This schedule holds true in cities like Orlando and throughout Michigan, though store hours may vary by location, so checking online is always a good idea.
Publix, a staple in the Southeast, will also be open on New Year’s Day. In Orlando, stores will close at 7 p.m., while in Atlanta and Charlotte, they’ll remain open until 8 p.m., as reported by USA TODAY and the Tampa Bay Times. Tampa Bay area Publix stores will operate, but closing times may differ from one location to another.
Winn-Dixie, another southern favorite, plans to keep regular hours on January 1 in both Mississippi and Florida. The same goes for Harveys Supermarkets, according to USA TODAY. Meijer, a Midwest mainstay, will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight on both December 31 and January 1, making it a reliable option for early risers and night owls alike.
But not every chain is ringing in the new year with open doors. Aldi, with its more than 2,100 stores across 38 states, will be completely closed on January 1, 2026. This policy is consistent nationwide and reflects the company’s approach to major holidays, as detailed in AL DÍA and echoed by USA TODAY. Aldi stores will, however, be open on New Year’s Eve—but only until 7 p.m., an hour earlier than usual, to allow employees to celebrate with their families.
Trader Joe’s, a quirky favorite for many, will also be closed on New Year’s Day. On December 31, its stores wrap up early, closing at 5 p.m. local time, as confirmed by company spokespeople in reports from USA TODAY and FOX 35 Orlando. Shoppers hoping for a last-minute run for cookie butter or frozen appetizers will need to plan accordingly.
Costco, known for its bulk bargains and bustling warehouses, will not open at all on January 1. The same goes for Sam’s Club, both in Mississippi and Michigan, as confirmed by their official websites and USA TODAY reporting. On New Year’s Eve, however, Costco will close at 6 p.m., and Sam’s Club will shutter at 8 p.m., giving employees time to enjoy the festivities.
BJ’s Wholesale Club stands out among warehouse retailers by opening its doors on New Year’s Day, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with gas stations and tire bays operating slightly different hours. This information, provided by USA TODAY, gives members an extra option when other big-box stores are closed.
Regional chains have their own holiday traditions. In Michigan, SpartanNash-operated stores—like VG’s, Family Fare, and D&W Fresh Market—will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Food Lion, a popular chain in the Southeast, will remain open for regular hours on January 1, though its pharmacies will be closed. Harris Teeter and Wegmans will also keep their doors open, with Harris Teeter’s pharmacies closed and Wegmans operating on its usual schedule.
Some locations have unique local laws and customs. In Mississippi, blue laws restrict alcohol sales on Sundays and Christmas Day, but not on New Year’s Day—except in Cleveland, where package stores must close on both Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, according to the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control. For those celebrating late into the night, there’s good news: places for on-site alcohol consumption in Mississippi can stay open until 1 a.m. on January 1, an hour later than the usual cutoff.
Other chains, like Sprouts Farmers Market, will be open for regular hours on January 1, as reported by FOX 35 Orlando. Giant Eagle stores will also be open, but they’ll close early at 5 p.m., and their pharmacies will shut at 3 p.m., according to spokespersons interviewed by USA TODAY. Lidl, the German discount grocer, will close all U.S. stores on New Year’s Day, except for those in New York, which will open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For those living in areas affected by winter weather, like Central Florida’s recent freeze warnings, these holiday hours can be especially important. As FOX 35 Orlando notes, planning ahead is crucial when cold snaps coincide with holiday closures.
In sum, while most Americans will find at least one major grocery store open on New Year’s Day 2026, the specifics vary widely by chain and region. The best advice? Check your local store’s website or call ahead, especially if you’re relying on pharmacy services or need a particular specialty item. And if you’re an Aldi or Trader Joe’s devotee, be sure to stock up before the clock strikes midnight—otherwise, you’ll have to wait until January 2 to satisfy those cravings.
Holiday shopping can be a hassle, but with a little foresight and a quick glance at store hours, you can keep the new year running smoothly—no matter what’s on your grocery list.
