New Year's Eve & Day: Open/Closed

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Post on Dec 31, 2024

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New Year's Eve & Day: What's Open and What's Closed? Your Ultimate Guide

The excitement of New Year's Eve and the quiet reflection of New Year's Day are bookended by a common question: What's open and what's closed? This comprehensive guide provides a helpful overview to help you plan your celebrations and errands accordingly. Remember that specific opening times can vary by location, so it's always best to check directly with the business you plan to visit.

New Year's Eve (December 31st): Expect Limited Hours and Closures

Many businesses operate on reduced hours or remain closed altogether on New Year's Eve, prioritizing their employees' time off for the holiday. Here's a breakdown of what you can generally expect:

Likely Closed:

• Most Retail Stores: Malls and department stores typically close early, if at all. Smaller independent shops may also opt for early closing or complete closure.
• Many Restaurants: While some restaurants may have special New Year's Eve dinner services, many will have altered hours or close early. Reservations are highly recommended for those open.
• Banks and Post Offices: These institutions are almost always closed on New Year's Eve.
• Government Offices: Federal, state, and local government offices will typically be closed.

Likely Open (But with Reduced Hours):

• Some Restaurants: As mentioned above, some restaurants will be open, often with special menus and reservations required.
• Emergency Services: Hospitals, police, and fire departments will remain operational as usual.
• 24-Hour Businesses: Convenience stores, gas stations, and pharmacies may be open but with potentially reduced staffing.

New Year's Day (January 1st): Widespread Closures

New Year's Day is a more widely observed holiday, resulting in more extensive closures.

Almost Certainly Closed:

• Almost All Retail Stores: Expect most shopping malls, department stores, and smaller shops to be closed.
• Restaurants: Many restaurants will be closed, especially those that aren't fine-dining establishments.
• Banks and Post Offices: These will definitely be closed.
• Government Offices: All levels of government offices will be closed.
• Many Public Transportation Services: Check your local transit authority for specific schedules, as services might be altered or suspended.

Possibly Open (But with Limited Availability):

• Some Restaurants: A small number of restaurants, especially those catering to tourists or those with high demand, may remain open.
• Emergency Services: As always, emergency services will remain operational.
• 24-Hour Businesses: Convenience stores, gas stations, and some pharmacies might be open but with limited staff.

Planning Ahead for a Smooth New Year's

To avoid disappointment, it's crucial to:

• Check Business Websites: Many businesses will announce their holiday hours on their website or social media pages.
• Call Ahead: If you have a specific business you need to visit, calling ahead is always the best way to confirm their hours.
• Plan Your Errands Carefully: Group your errands to minimize trips on days when many businesses are closed.
• Make Reservations: If you're planning a New Year's Eve dinner or any other event, make reservations well in advance.

By utilizing this guide and conducting a bit of pre-holiday research, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable New Year's Eve and Day! Happy New Year!