What’s Open and Closed on New Year’s Day 2020

The first day of the New Year also comes the first major holiday. As with many holidays in the United States, knowing what is and isn’t open can be confusing. While New Year’s Day is one of ten official federal holidays, it doesn’t make it a universal holiday in the country. There’s no set black and white test to know what is and isn’t open during federal holidays because each business or organization can choose to open or stay closed. Even more confusing, what’s open and what’s not can change from year to year. Below you’ll find a list of what’s open and closed on New Year’s Day in 2020.

Large Retail Stores

Most large retail stores are open. The vast majority of large retail outlets will be open on New Year’s Day, with a few exceptions. Many of the large retailers will use the holiday to promote sales, so there can be some great deals for those who need to do some shopping.

Boutique Retail Stores

Boutique retail stores, in general, are closed. It, however, depends as some will also be open. While the larger retailers will mostly be open, it will be the opposite of smaller boutique and family stores. Most of these will likely be closed on Jan. 1, although those located in busy shopping districts may be open. The best course of action if you need to visit a smaller store on New Year’s Day is calling to confirm.

Drug Stores

Drug stores are open. The three big drug stores (Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens) will all keep their doors open on Jan 1. Pharmacies within the drugstores should also be open, although they may have limited hours. Smaller, independent drug stores may be closed. If you visit one of them, it’s best to call and confirm whether or not they will be open.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are open. Large retail chain grocery stores will be open on Jan. 1, but they may be operating on shorter holiday hours (call your local store to find out). Smaller grocery store chains and independent grocery stores may or may not be open. Again, it’s best to call if you are planning to visit one of these stores.

Restaurants

Chain restaurants will be open, smaller independent restaurants may be closed. Most large chain restaurants will be open on New Year’s Day, but smaller, independent restaurants may close for the day. If you plan to go out and eat on Jan. 1, calling ahead to make sure a restaurant is open is recommended.

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 United States will be closed on Jan. 1. Some may also be closed on Thursday, Jan. 2 as well.

Public and Private Schools

Schools are closed. Private 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 week/weekend, with classes beginning again on Monday, Jan. 6.

Garbage Pickup

Garbage pickup will be rescheduled. Customers who usually have their garbage pickup on Wednesday will be rescheduled. In many cases, Thursday’s service will be moved to Friday, and Friday’s service to Saturday and so on. There may be variations to this holiday schedule depending on your garbage service provider. If you aren’t sure of the holiday schedule, it’s best to contact your local garbage company.

Federal Government

Government offices are closed. New Year’s Day is an official federal holiday, and as such, 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. New Year’s Day is one federal holiday when state and local governments follow the federal government and close for the day. There are exceptions at the state and local levels as well, such as police and firefighters which will remain active, but most offices will close for the day. Many of the offices will also be closed on Thursday, Jan. 2.

Financial Institutions

Banks and credit unions are closed. Financial institutions such as credit unions and banks are closed on New Year’s Day. Even with the branches closed, customers can do limited banking through ATMs, websites, and apps.

United States Postal Service

The post office is closed. The US Postal Service (USPS) and post office branches observe federal holidays and therefore they’ll be closed on New Year’s Day. If your post office branch is normally open on Saturday they may close early on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, the post office will not reopen until Friday, Jan. 3. You’ll want to call and confirm hours with your local P.O.