When the confetti settles and the ball has dropped, many Americans will wake up on New Year’s Day—Thursday, January 1, 2026—with errands to run, groceries to buy, or just the urge to grab coffee.

But because New Year’s Day is a federal holiday, the holiday clock affects a wide range of services differently: Some go dormant for the day, others hum along with normal or modified hours, and a few offer the convenience you might need as you kick off the new year.

Here’s what to expect if you’re planning to be out and about—or just need to know whether that store you’re counting on is open.

Thursday is a full federal holiday, which means most government offices are closed—from Social Security offices to local administrative buildings. If you were planning to visit a DMV or city hall, make sure to reschedule.

The U.S. Postal........

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