What's open on New Year's Eve 2026?
New Year's Eve is a state holiday, next on Thursday, December 31, 2026. Here is what is open and closed: post office, banks, stock market, government offices, schools and stores.
| Service | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Post Office (USPS) | Open | Regular hours and delivery, unless the day is the observed New Year's Day federal holiday. |
| Banks | Open | Normal Federal Reserve business day; some branches close early. |
| Stock market (NYSE, Nasdaq) | Open | Full trading session on weekdays; bond markets often close early. |
| Federal offices | Open | Normal operations unless an observed holiday or executive order applies. |
| State and local government | Varies | Closed in Kentucky, Michigan and Wisconsin; half day in West Virginia; open in most states. |
| Public schools | Closed | Falls during winter break in virtually every district. |
| Retail stores and malls | Reduced | Most stores open but close early, typically in the evening. |
| Restaurants and grocery stores | Open | Grocery stores busy all day; restaurants and bars often require reservations at night. |
Why these close and others do not
Three separate rules decide what shuts on any given American holiday, and they do not always agree. The federal list in 5 U.S.C. § 6103 governs federal offices, federal courts and the U.S. Postal Service, and the Federal Reserve follows the same calendar — which is why banks close on federal holidays and stay open on state-only ones. State holiday statutes are separate: each state legislature sets its own list for state employees, courts, DMV offices and usually public schools, so a day can be a paid holiday in Texas and an ordinary Tuesday in Ohio. Private employers answer to neither, no federal law requires any private business to close or to pay a premium for holiday work, so retailers, restaurants and offices set their own policies, and most stay open with reduced hours on all but a handful of days.
New Year's Eve is a state holiday, so only the second rule applies: offices close in the states that observe it, while federal offices, post offices and banks stay open. The stock market keeps its own calendar again: the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq close for nine of the eleven federal holidays plus Good Friday, but trade normally on Columbus Day and Veterans Day, when the bond market closes and the equity market does not.
Hours vary by location and year. Check with the branch or office before you go. For dates through 2027 and the history, see the main New Year's Eve page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the post office open on New Year's Eve?
Yes. Regular hours and delivery, unless the day is the observed New Year's Day federal holiday.
Are banks open on New Year's Eve?
Yes. Normal Federal Reserve business day; some branches close early.
Is the stock market open on New Year's Eve?
Yes. Full trading session on weekdays; bond markets often close early.
Are federal offices open on New Year's Eve?
Yes. Normal operations unless an observed holiday or executive order applies.
Are state offices, courts and the DMV open on New Year's Eve?
It depends. Closed in Kentucky, Michigan and Wisconsin; half day in West Virginia; open in most states.
Are schools open on New Year's Eve?
No. Falls during winter break in virtually every district.
Are stores open on New Year's Eve?
It depends. Most stores open but close early, typically in the evening.
Are restaurants and grocery stores open on New Year's Eve?
Yes. Grocery stores busy all day; restaurants and bars often require reservations at night.