The new year is officially here, and for many people January 1 starts with empty fridges, leftover party fatigue, or a sudden need for groceries and comfort food and some services shut down for the holiday, shoppers won’t be left stranded this New Year’s Day.
Is Walmart open today?
Yes, Walmart is open on New Year’s Day. Most stores are operating on their regular schedule, which is typically from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time. That means you can pick up groceries, medicine, or household essentials without changing your plans. As always, local hours may vary slightly, so checking your nearest store is a good idea.
Grocery stores and restaurants open on January 1
Walmart is not the only option. Many major grocery chains across the US are open today, though some may close earlier than usual. Target, Kroger-owned stores, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Wegmans, Winn-Dixie, and Meijer are operating largely under regular hours. Publix stores are open but tend to close earlier in the evening, while Whole Foods is open with limited holiday hours. A few chains, such as Giant Eagle and select Lidl locations, are closing earlier than usual.
Restaurants are also welcoming customers. Most fast-food and casual dining chains are open on New Year’s Day. You won’t have to cook if you don’t want to on New Year’s Day, as most fast food and sit-down restaurant chains are open, though some may operate with reduced hours. Taco Bell locations are generally open, but hours vary by store.
Whataburger is open nationwide, while Shake Shack locations are also welcoming customers, with some outlets closing earlier than usual. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is operating on regular hours. Burger King and Wendy’s are largely open as well, but both chains note that holiday hours can differ by location, making it best to check locally before heading out.
What is closed for the holiday
While shopping and dining are mostly business as usual, several services remain closed on New Year’s Day. Banks, post offices, and the stock market are observing the holiday and will reopen on January 2. For everything else, January 1 is a relatively easy day to run errands, grab a meal, or ease into the year without much disruption.
