Banks, government offices, and postal services across North America are closed today, January 1, 2026, as New Year's Day falls on a Thursday, impacting federal services and financial markets. Non-essential federal offices are closed, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, including Social Security Administration field offices, passport agencies, and most administrative government buildings. The closure affects individuals needing to conduct business with the IRS or visit federal buildings, requiring them to wait until Friday, January 2.
Major U.S. financial exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, are also closed for the holiday, marking a pause in trading activities for the first day of the new year. This market closure affects daily trading volumes, which averaged $450 billion on the NYSE and $220 billion on the Nasdaq in 2025, according to data from each exchange. Schools and public libraries are also closed, and garbage collection is postponed by one day in most locations.
The U.S. Postal Service is not operating today, impacting mail delivery and postal services nationwide. While federal services and financial institutions are observing the holiday, many retailers, restaurants, and attractions are modifying their schedules or remaining open. The extent of modified schedules varies by establishment and region.
The closure of government offices and financial markets aligns with standard New Year's Day observances. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management releases guidance annually regarding federal holiday closures, ensuring consistent application across government agencies. The financial markets typically observe closures for major holidays, providing employees with time off and allowing for system maintenance.
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