When is New Year’s Day?

Why do we observe it?

The first day of the Gregorian calendar year became a U.S. federal holiday in 1870.

Traditions and celebrations

Countdowns and gatherings often mark midnight; many people set intentions for the year.

Planning tips

Confirm reduced hours for stores and services. When January 1 falls on a weekend, federal employees usually observe a nearby weekday.

Is it a federal holiday?

Yes. It is one of the U.S. federal holidays, though schedules for private employers, schools and states can differ.

Is it a bank holiday? What’s open and closed

New Year’s Day is one of the 11 U.S. federal holidays, so banks, the stock market, the post office and most government offices close nationwide. Individual banks, school districts and employers can still make their own call, so confirm directly if a closure affects an important errand or appointment.

The history behind the day

January 1 has marked the start of the calendar year in the United States since the country adopted the Gregorian calendar, which fixed New Year’s Day on that date rather than the varying dates used by older calendar systems. Congress made it a federal holiday in 1870, one of the first four holidays the federal government formally recognized, alongside Christmas, Independence Day and Washington’s Birthday.

The night before, New Year’s Eve, carries most of the celebration weight in American culture, from the ball drop in New York’s Times Square to countdown parties nationwide. January 1 itself has settled into a quieter, recovery-oriented day built around resolutions, football bowl games and a fresh start.

How it’s marked across the country

Traditions vary by region and culture: black-eyed peas and collard greens for luck in the South, a first-footing tradition in some communities, and college football bowl games that have aired on New Year’s Day since the early 20th century. Many people mark the day with resolutions for the year ahead, gym visits, or simply a slow day at home after New Year’s Eve festivities.

One thing you might not know

The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions dates back thousands of years to ancient Babylon, where people made promises to the gods to pay debts and return borrowed items at the start of the year.

What changes around the start of the year

New Year’s Day is a federal holiday, and the surrounding schedule can affect banking, mail, markets, transit and government services. New Year’s Eve is not a federal holiday, but some locations close early and some markets publish special hours.

When January 1 falls on Saturday, federal offices observe the holiday on the preceding Friday. That observed date can fall in the prior calendar year, which is important when planning year-end filings or payments.

New Year’s Day planning checklist

• Before the date: Check New Year’s Eve cutoff times as well as the January 1 closure.
• Check locally: Complete year-end bank or government transactions before the observed holiday.
• For travel: Confirm transit, event and restaurant schedules.
• Final check: Allow for weather, late-night crowds and changed collection times.