January 1, 2026 falls on a Thursday and is a federal holiday in the United States, representing the first of eleven federally recognized holidays each year. On this day, federal government offices, courts, and most federal agencies will be closed and employees will be given paid time off.
Federal authorities will resume operations on Friday (January 2, 2026). Another federal holiday in January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day later in the month.
Federal holiday details
According to the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM):
January 1, 2026 is a public holiday, employees will receive paid time off.
Federal authorities 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’s plan and will be closed on New Year’s Day 2026.
Digital banking, mobile apps and ATMs remain available.
Stock markets
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and other major US markets will close on New Year’s Day (January 1, 2026).
On December 31, 2025, the NYSE will be open during regular hours (9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ET), with bond markets closing at 2:00 p.m.
Markets will reopen on January 2, 2026 and resume standard trading.
Earlier closures in 2025 included Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Postal services
The USPS will not be delivering regular mail or packages on New Year’s Day.
UPS and FedEx stores will be closed.
Courts and government agencies
All federal courts, including the U.S. District Courts and Courts of Appeals, will be closed.
The Social Security Administration and most other federal agencies will not operate.
