When is New Year’s Eve?
December 31. Here is the date, the background and what to know before you make plans.
Next New Year’s Eve
Thursday, December 31, 2026New Year’s Eve dates, 2026–2031
Rule: December 31.
What’s open on New Year’s Eve
| Service | Typical status |
|---|---|
| Banks | Open Open (regular hours on Dec 31, unless it falls on a weekend) |
| Post Office / Mail delivery | Open Open (regular delivery) |
| Stock market (NYSE, Nasdaq) | Open Open for full regular trading hours |
| Federal & most state government offices | Open |
| Public schools | Closed Closed (typically part of winter break) |
New Year’s Eve is not a federal holiday, so banks, the stock market, the post office and government offices operate on their normal weekday schedule, though many workplaces informally close early or grant the afternoon off. Individual banks, school districts and employers can still make their own call, so confirm directly if a closure affects an important errand or appointment. Check any date with the holiday status checker.
The story behind New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve celebrations trace back to ancient Babylonian and Roman new-year festivals, though the modern American tradition of a public countdown crystallized with New York’s first Times Square ball drop in 1907, replacing an earlier fireworks display that the city had banned for safety reasons.
Because it isn’t a federal holiday, New Year’s Eve has never carried the legal weight of a day off; its status as a celebration night rather than an official holiday is part of why so much of the festivity is concentrated in the evening rather than treated as a full day of rest.
How it’s celebrated
Times Square’s ball drop remains the best-known American tradition, watched by millions on television, alongside house parties, fireworks, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight. Many cities host their own local countdown events and firework displays.
The Times Square New Year’s Eve ball has been dropped almost every year since 1907, with only two exceptions: 1942 and 1943, when wartime blackout restrictions canceled it during World War II.
Plan for early closings and midnight travel
December 31 is not a federal holiday, but it can operate like a shortened business day. Banks, government counters, markets, attractions and employers may close early even when they are technically open.
For evening plans, confirm ticket rules, transit service after midnight, parking restrictions and the event’s weather policy. Remember that the following day is a federal holiday and many services will not reopen until the next business day.
New Year’s Eve planning checklist
- Before the date: Complete important errands before afternoon closing times.
- Check locally: Check the stock market and bank schedule for the specific year.
- For travel: Reserve transportation and identify a safe return plan.
- Final check: Confirm whether tickets require timed entry or identification.
Frequently asked questions
Is New Year’s Eve a federal holiday?
No. December 31 is normally a federal workday unless it is the observed date for January 1.
Do businesses close early?
Some do, but hours are set by each organization.
Is the stock market always open?
It may hold a regular or shortened session depending on the year; use the official exchange calendar.
Is January 1 a federal holiday?
Yes. New Year’s Day is a federal holiday.
When is New Year’s Eve in 2027?
It is Friday, December 31, 2027, and it is also the federal observed date for New Year’s Day 2028.
Sources and how we check
Federal holiday dates and observed-day rules follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Market dates follow the NYSE holiday calendar; bank dates follow the Federal Reserve. Read our editorial policy or report a correction.