New Year’s Day in New York
New Year’s Day in New York can often feel like a zombie apocalypse, with deserted, trash-strewn streets, half-dead pedestrians staggering around, and, of course, shops shuttered for miles. Many vendors close their doors the night before in preparation for the rush to Times Square. Unfortunately, this can be a major obstacle for anyone looking to stock up on supplies for 2026.
Open Retailers on New Year’s Day
Luckily, there are still retailers, pharmacies, and other suppliers that remain open in NYD – albeit with modified hours. Some of the open shops, grocery stores, and pharmacies include:
- Walmart: The world’s largest retailer will be back in business but may have reduced opening hours.
- Albertsons: Albertsons Companies will be open with modified hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- Kroger: Kroger Family Stores will be open on New Year’s Day.
- Target: Target will be open regular hours on the first day of the new year.
- Whole Foods: This mega grocer will be open on New Year’s Day during the holiday season.
- Home Depot: Most locations will be open on New Year’s Day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Lowe’s: Lowe’s will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the first day of 2026.
- Macy’s: Macy’s will be open at regular times.
- CVS: CVS will be open January 1, but some pharmacy locations will be open.
- Walgreens: Walgreens will remain open, but most pharmacies will remain closed.
Open Fast Food and Chain Restaurants on New Year’s Day
Some fast food and chain restaurants that will be open on New Year’s Day include:
- Burger King: The world-famous burger joint will be open on opening day in 2026, but hours may vary depending on location.
- Chick-fil-A: The Southern Chicken chain will continue to operate as usual.
- Dunkin’: The coffee and donut chain said it will keep its stores open on New Year’s Day, although opening and closing times may vary.
- McDonald’s: The Golden Arches are open, but hours are subject to change.
- Starbucks: Starbucks will be open; check with your nearest cafe for opening times.
- Chipotle: The Tex-Mex giant will be open until its opening date in 2026, but hours may vary.
- IHOP: IHOP locations will be open on New Year’s Day.
Government Services on New Year’s Day
Courts, schools, and government buildings will be closed in honor of the holiday.
Delivery Services on New Year’s Day
USPS will remain closed during the holidays, while only UPS will be available for domestic, air, and international shipping on New Year’s Eve. Limited UPS retail stores will be open both days, UPS Express Critical will remain open both days. FedEx will be closed on New Year’s Day, except for Custom Critical services.
