New Year’s Eve is always a busy night for many people. Some spend it with their families, some people spend it at work, and for some it’s just a night of peace and solitude. The day after has always been a major holiday. Not only because of the hangover and the sleepless night before, but because we all deserve a well needed rest to face the rest of the year. There are many holidays in the United States, knowing what is and isn’t open can be a bit confusing. There is no actual guarantee that everything is going to close or open on New Year’s Day because each business or organization can choose to open or stay closed. One thing is for sure, if you don’t have work might as well stay at home relax and rejuvenate, and prepare for the year ahead. Here is a list of what’s open and closed on New Year’s Day in 2016.
Federal Government
Government offices are closed. New Year’s Day is an official federal holiday and all non-essential government offices will be closed for the day. There is an exception for essential federal employees, such as air traffic controllers and federal law officers, but the majority of federal employees will have the day off.
State and Local Governments
State and local government offices are closed. The start of the year has always been federal holiday. State and local governments follow the federal government and close for the day. There are exceptions at the state and local level as well such as police and firefighters which will remain open, but most offices will closed for the day.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Banks and credit unions are closed. Financial institutions like credit unions and banks are closed on New Year’s Day. Even with the branches closed, customers can do limited banking through ATM’s, websites and apps. Some in-store branches may be open.
Large Retail Stores
Most large retail stores are open. A huge number of retail outlets will be open on New Year’s Day. There will be a few exceptions though. Many of the large retailers will use the holiday to boost sales, so there might be some great deals for those who need to do some shopping.
United States Postal Service
The post office is closed. The US Postal Service (USPS) and post office branches follow federal holidays and therefore they’ll be closed on New Year’s Day. There also won’t be any mail delivery on January 1st as well. Post office branches will also close early on New Year’s Eve.
Drug Stores
Drug stores are open. The 3 big drug stores (Rite Aid, CVS and Walgreens) will all keep their doors open on January 1. Pharmacies within the drugstores should also be open, although they may have limited hours. Some smaller ones might be closed.
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are open. Large retail chain grocery stores will be open on January 1, but they may be operating on shorter holiday hours. Smaller grocery store chains and independent grocery stores may or may not be open. It’s best to call them just to make sure.
Boutique Retail Stores
Boutique retail stores in general are closed, but some might also be open. Small boutiques in malls might be open as well however most of these will likely be closed on January 1. The best course of action to take is to call to confirm if you need to visit a smaller store on New Year’s Day.
Restaurants
Chain restaurants will be open, smaller independent restaurants may be closed. Most large chain restaurant will be open on New Year’s Day, but smaller, independent restaurants may close for the day. Again, it’s best to call ahead just to make sure the smaller restaurants are open.
Gas Stations
Gas stations are open. The vast majority of gas stations will be operating on New Year’s Day. If one in your area happens to be closed, there should be plenty of other places to find gas at other stations. On the other hand, the service station area of gas stations will likely be closed for the day.
US Stock Markets
The stock markets are closed. New Year’s Day is one of the days both the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ composite close for the day. No trading will take place. You can see other days the stock markets will be closed here.
Public Libraries
Public libraries are closed. Libraries across the US will be closed on January 1. Some may also be closed on January 2 as well.
Public and Private Schools
Schools are closed. Private schools and public schools won’t have classes on the first day of the new year. In many cases, schools will be on their winter holiday over the entire New Year’s weekend, with classes beginning again in the 1st Monday of the year.
Garbage Pickup
Garbage pickup will be rescheduled. There may be variations to this holiday schedule depending on your garbage service provider.
Always remember that the best course of measure is always calling them if you are unsure if they are open or not. Just don’t stress yourself out and try to relax on New Year’s Day.
Alexa Mason is a freelance writer and internet entrepreneur. She is also a parent to two beautiful little girls. She chronicles her journey as a single mom working on building financial security.
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