As 2026 begins, many Americans are looking to kick off the year with a bit of shopping or a nice meal out. However, because New Year’s Day is a federally recognized holiday, navigating what is open can be tricky. While government offices and banks take the day off, the retail and restaurant sectors are largely open for business—though often with “holiday hours.”
Below is the definitive guide to what stores are open on New Year’s Day 2026, which restaurants are serving, and what services are strictly closed.
Major Retailers Open on New Year’s Day 2026
If you need to return a gift, pick up home organization supplies, or just browse the aisles, most major “big box” stores are open today.
| Store Name | 2026 Status | Typical New Year’s Day Hours |
| Walmart | OPEN | Regular hours (6 AM – 11 PM) |
| Target | OPEN | Regular hours (8 AM – 10 PM) |
| The Home Depot | OPEN | Reduced hours (9 AM – 8 PM) |
| Lowe’s | OPEN | Varies by location (9 AM – 6 PM) |
| Best Buy | OPEN | Reduced hours (10 AM – 7 PM) |
| Kohl’s | OPEN | Reduced hours (10 AM – 8 PM) |
| Macy’s | OPEN | Regular hours |
| T.J. Maxx | OPEN | Reduced hours (9:30 AM – 6 PM) |
| Marshalls | OPEN | Reduced hours (9:30 AM – 6 PM) |
| IKEA | OPEN | Regular hours (10 AM – 9 PM) |
Grocery Stores & Pharmacies: What’s Open?
Planning a New Year’s Day brunch or need a quick pharmacy run? Most grocery chains remain open, though specialty and warehouse clubs are the exception.
Open Grocery Stores
- Kroger: Most stores and family brands (Ralphs, Dillons, Fred Meyer) are open regular hours. Note: Kroger Pharmacies are typically closed today.
- Publix: Open, but many locations close early (check your local store for a 7 PM or 9 PM close).
- H-E-B: Open regular hours (6 AM – 11 PM).
- Whole Foods: Open with modified hours (typically 9 AM – 8 PM).
- Safeway / Albertsons: Open, though some may have reduced pharmacy hours.
- Wegmans: Most stores open at 6 AM or 7 AM.
- Stop & Shop: Open regular hours.
Open Pharmacies
- CVS Pharmacy: Most retail locations are open 24/7 or regular hours; however, pharmacy counters may have reduced holiday hours.
- Walgreens: Most stores are open regular hours, but some non-24-hour pharmacies will be closed.
Closed Grocery & Warehouse Clubs
- Costco: CLOSED (Costco observes New Year’s Day as one of its seven annual holiday closures).
- Sam’s Club: CLOSED.
- Aldi: CLOSED.
- Trader Joe’s: CLOSED.
Restaurants and Fast Food Chains
Hungry after a long night of celebrations? Most national chains are open today to help you refuel.
- McDonald’s & Burger King: Most locations open (hours vary by franchise).
- Starbucks: Open (some may have reduced hours).
- Chick-fil-A: OPEN in 2026 (Since New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, they are open, though hours may be limited).
- Dunkin’: Most locations open.
- IHOP / Denny’s / Waffle House: Most are open 24/7.
- Olive Garden / Chili’s / Applebee’s: Generally open regular hours.
- Taco Bell: Most locations open at 10 AM.
What is strictly CLOSED on New Year’s Day?
Since Thursday, January 1, 2026, is a federal holiday, the following services will not be available:
- United States Postal Service (USPS): No regular mail delivery; post offices are closed.
- Banks: Most retail branches of Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, etc., are closed.
- Government Offices: All federal and state offices, including the DMV and social security offices, are closed.
- Stock Markets: Both the NYSE and Nasdaq are closed today.
- Private Shipping: FedEx and UPS generally do not offer pickup or delivery services today (except for “Express Critical”).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What stores are open on New Year’s Day near me? Most major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot are open nationwide. For specific local shops, it is best to check the store’s app or call ahead, as hours can vary significantly by city.
Is Walmart open on New Year’s Day 2026? Yes, Walmart is famously one of the few retailers that stays open for its regular 6 AM to 11 PM shift on New Year’s Day.
Is Costco open on New Year’s Day? No. Costco is closed on January 1 every year to give employees a day off.
Are liquor stores open on New Year’s Day? This depends heavily on your state’s “Blue Laws.” In many states, liquor stores are allowed to be open, but in others, they must remain closed on certain holidays.
What’s open today for last-minute groceries? Kroger, Publix, and Safeway are your best bets for full-service groceries. CVS and Walgreens are reliable for small essentials and snacks.
Plan your holiday shopping effectively: Official 2026 Retail & Holiday Schedule