Happy New Year, Atlanta! As we kick off 2026 on this federal holiday, many essential services are closed, but plenty of spots around the city remain open for your post-celebration needs — though hours are often reduced.
Here’s a local guide to what’s open and closed in the metro area today.
Major Closures
- Banks — Most bank branches, including major ones like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and others, are closed in observance of the federal holiday. Online banking and ATMs are still available.
- U.S. Postal Service — All post offices are closed, and there is no regular mail delivery. Priority Mail Express may still be delivered in some cases.
- Stock Market — U.S. stock exchanges are closed; trading resumes Friday, January 2.
- Shipping Services — Standard UPS and FedEx pickup and delivery services are unavailable. Many UPS Store and FedEx Office locations are also closed.
- Wholesale Clubs — Costco and Sam’s Club locations remain closed.
Retail & Shopping
Many major retailers are open, often with modified hours. Always double-check with your local store, as hours can vary by location:
- Walmart — Open regular hours (typically 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. for supercenters).
- Target — Open with regular hours in most locations.
- Home Depot — Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Lowe’s — Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Kohl’s — Open (often 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., but confirm locally).
- Best Buy — Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Other stores like Macy’s, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Marshall’s, and many malls are generally open with adjusted hours.
Grocery Stores
Most grocery chains are open, but many close earlier than usual:
- Kroger (and family stores) — Open with regular or slightly reduced hours.
- Publix — Most stores close at 7 p.m., but Atlanta-area locations stay open until 8 p.m.
- Whole Foods — Open, typically 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Walmart and Target grocery sections — Follow their regular store hours.
- Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and some others may be closed or limited.
Restaurants & Fast Food
Most eateries are open, though many operate on reduced or holiday hours — check your local spot:
- Chains like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A (most locations), Waffle House, Zaxby’s, and IHOP are generally open.
- Sit-down spots such as Chili’s, Applebee’s, Texas Roadhouse, and others are serving, often with adjusted schedules.
Pharmacies & Other Essentials
- CVS and Walgreens — Most stores are open, though pharmacy hours may be limited or closed at some locations. Front-store shopping is usually available.
- Alcohol Sales — In Atlanta, liquor stores (package stores) and grocery/convenience stores can sell beer, wine, and spirits today (Thursday) from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., per standard Georgia and city rules. No holiday-specific closures apply for off-premises alcohol on New Year’s Day.
Federal and state government offices are closed, and public transit (like MARTA) typically runs on a Sunday/holiday schedule — check the MARTA app or website for exact times.
Stay safe and enjoy the first day of 2026, Atlanta! If you’re heading out, call ahead or check online for the most up-to-date hours at your favorite spots. Here’s to a great year ahead! 🎉