New Year's Day in the United States
New Year’s Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed on January 1. Federal holiday rules cover federal employees; government offices and some private businesses may close, but hours and time off vary.[1][2]
The date and federal rules
Federal law lists New Year’s Day among the public holidays for federal employees. For most federal employees on a Monday-to-Friday schedule, a Saturday holiday is observed on the preceding Friday, and a Sunday holiday on the following Monday. Different work schedules can have different “in lieu of” days.[1]
The legal holiday remains January 1 even when a federal employee’s observed weekday falls on December 31 or January 2. The weekday adjustment is for federal holiday purposes; it does not change the calendar date of New Year’s Day.[1]
A date with a major place in U.S. history
January 1 has a particular historical association in the United States: President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on New Year’s Day in 1863. The National Archives account describes celebrations in Washington and other places as news of the signing spread, including public readings, speeches, and gatherings organized by African American communities.[3]
The proclamation declared enslaved people in areas still in rebellion against the United States to be free, but it did not immediately free everyone held in slavery. The National Archives account notes the proclamation’s limits and describes how January 1 commemorations continued in many communities for decades.[3]
How people mark the holiday
Many celebrations begin on New Year’s Eve, when friends and family gather, watch the Times Square festivities on television, count down to midnight, and welcome the new year together. Making New Year’s resolutions is also a familiar U.S. custom: people set personal goals for the year ahead.[4]
On January 1, some people relax at home or visit friends and relatives. The Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl football game in Pasadena, California, are among the day’s well-known televised events. Customs and plans vary, so these are examples rather than a schedule followed by everyone.[4]
Closures and planning
Many government offices and some private businesses close for federal holidays, but USAGov advises that closures vary. Federal holiday status does not establish a day off for every private-sector worker; check with an employer or business for its own schedule.[1][2]
Financial institution schedules can also differ. The Federal Reserve says its Banks and Branches are open on the preceding Friday when a holiday falls on Saturday, while the Board of Governors is closed; when a holiday falls on Sunday, all Federal Reserve offices close the following Monday. That schedule does not determine the hours of every commercial bank, shop, or transport service.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is New Year’s Day always on January 1?
Yes. The U.S. holiday is listed for January 1; when that date falls on a weekend, most Monday-to-Friday federal employees observe it on a nearby weekday.[1][2]
Does everyone in the United States get the day off?
No. Federal holiday rules apply to federal employees, and many government offices and some private businesses close. Private employers set their own schedules, so check with your workplace.[1][2]
Can the federal observance fall in December?
Yes. If January 1 falls on a Saturday, most Monday-to-Friday federal employees observe the holiday on the preceding Friday, which is December 31.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in United States:
- Federal Holidays- U.S. Office of Personnel Management
- American holidays- U.S. General Services Administration, USAGov
- The Emancipation Proclamation- U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
- The New Year’s Day- U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
- Holidays Observed - K.8- Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System