New Year’s Day (January 1, 2026) is a federal holiday in the United States, marking the first of eleven federally recognized holidays each year.
Falling on a Thursday in 2026, this mid-week holiday triggers nationwide closures for federal offices, banking institutions, postal services, and stock markets, with most private-sector employees also observing a day off.
Federal holiday details
According to the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM):
January 1, 2026 is a federal holiday, with employees receiving a paid day off.
Federal offices will resume operations on Friday (January 2, 2026).
The second federal holiday in January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, later in the month.
Banks
Most retail banks follow the Federal Reserve schedule and will be closed on New Year’s Day.
Digital banking, mobile apps, and ATMs remain accessible.
Stock Markets
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and other major US markets will close on January 1, 2026.
On December 31, 2025, NYSE will operate normal hours (9:30 am–4 pm ET) with bond markets closing at 2 pm
Markets will reopen on January 2, 2026, resuming standard trading.
Earlier closures in 2025 included Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Postal Services
USPS will not deliver regular mail or packages on New Year’s Day.
UPS and FedEx stores will be closed.
Courts and Government offices
All federal courts, including US District and Appellate courts, will be closed.
Social Security offices and most other federal agencies will not operate.
