Many individuals across the country are preparing to ring in the New Year on January 1, 2025. While many people will celebrate the holiday with friends, family, or perhaps during quiet reflection, it’s important to plan for any last-minute needs. Whether you’re stopping for groceries, running errands at the bank, or mailing cards, knowing what will be open and closed on New Year’s Day is key to planning your day.
New Year’s Day falls on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, and like many federal holidays, it affects various services and business operating hours across the nation. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced local offices will be closed, meaning regular mail delivery will not occur on this day. According to the USPS website, "Priority mail express,however, will still be delivered," ensuring some level of postal service continues.
When it concerns financial institutions, most banks will be closed as New Year’s Day is recognized as a federal holiday. Banks aren’t strictly required to close on federal holidays, but it is common practice for many institutions to do so. Therefore, if you're planning to visit the bank, it's wise to "double-check your local bank's hours of operation," advises various banking institutions.
Some notable closures include the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, which will not operate on this holiday. This annual practice is consistent with its treatment of other major federal holidays.
Turning to grocery stores and retail outlets, the picture is mixed. Major chains like Costco and Sam’s Club, as is their tradition for New Year’s Day, will be closed, according to the retailers' websites. If you need essentials, you can, fortunately, find many locations of Kroger, Walmart, Target, and Publix open, albeit many may have adjusted hours. Pharmacies are also likely to operate under modified schedules, so it’s prudent to check individual locations. Similarly, reports confirm Walgreens and CVS will be open, yet pharmacies might have different hours or may even close entirely.
Dining establishments also vary significantly. Starbucks, for example, aims to meet the needs of coffee lovers on New Year’s Day. Per the spokesperson for the beloved coffee chain, "Starbucks store hours vary by location on holidays." This means some Starbucks will be welcoming customers, and others might decide to close for the day. For specific details, customers should verify through the chain's app or their online store locator prior to heading out.
Other popular restaurant chains such as Dunkin’ and McDonald’s are expected to be open on New Year’s Day, with hours varying by location. Dunkin’ encourages customers to utilize their app to check local store hours. Likewise, most McDonald’s locations will be operational, but it's best practice to consult their store locator tool for any potential variations.
For those seeking something comforting to eat any time of the day, Waffle House and Scooter’s Coffee will remain open to greet customers on New Year’s Day. Notably, Waffle House is famous for its consistent operation pattern, providing meals every day, including holidays.
Knowing what will be open on New Year’s Day 2025 will help you create plans and avoid disappointment on the day. If you're unsure, always check local listings or the individual establishment's website to confirm hours, as many businesses opt for varied schedules around federal holidays, so you’re not left empty-handed after the celebrations.
With this comprehensive overview of business hours and what to expect, consumers can navigate the official start of 2025 with confidence and enjoyment. Whether it’s groceries, coffee, or simply taking care of errand running, knowing what's available makes for smoother transitions from holiday fun back to regular daily life.