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Common Ground News

What is open on New Year's Day in Washington DC?

Author

David Ramirez

Updated on March 09, 2026

What is open on New Year's Day in Washington DC?

Peruse the Smithsonian

Yes, the Smithsonian museums are open on New Year's Day. In fact, they're open every day of the year except for Dec. 25. This is a great day to visit the most popular Washington, D.C. museums because many people sleep in after a big night of celebrating.

Subsequently, one may also ask, what is open on New Year's Day in Washington DC?

Peruse the Smithsonian

Yes, the Smithsonian museums are generally open on New Year's Day. In fact, they're open every day of the year except for December 25. This is a great day to visit the most popular Washington, D.C., museums because many people sleep in after a big night of celebrating.

Also, what stores will be closed on New Year's Day? Stores and Other Places Closed on New Year's:

  • ALDI.
  • Costco.
  • Banks (However, self-service ATMs are open.)
  • FedEx.
  • Government buildings.
  • Sam's Club.
  • Trader Joe's.
  • UPS.

Consequently, what does DC do for New Years?

Enjoy Live Music or Theater. Entertainment venues across Washington, D.C., have paused their live shows in 2020. Washington, D.C., is a prime venue for live entertainment, and concerts top the list on this special night. Attend A Jazz New Year's Eve at the Kennedy Center to watch world-renowned jazz artists.

Are any museums open in DC?

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is among the museums that have reopened. As D.C. continues to reopen after coronavirus brought daily life to a halt, museums across the city are slowly welcoming visitors back in person.

Where can I watch New Years Eve fireworks in DC?

Big Night D.C. is canceled in 2020.

Watch the New Year's Eve fireworks display over the Potomac at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Fort Washington, Maryland. Every year, more than 9,000 people attend Big Night D.C. for its open bar (midnight champagne toast included), food, and entertainment.

Does Washington DC have fireworks New Year Eve?

Washington DC New Years eve fireworks displays are some of the best in the country. The National Mall and iconic DC Memorials will be illuminated by this celebratory display.

Where can I see fireworks in DC?

  • The Best: The trick to a successful D.C. fireworks show is to find a friend with an accessible apartment building rooftop — as long as it's not the shortest rooftop on the block — and watch from there.
  • The Supreme Court.
  • The Yards Park.
  • Cardozo High School.
  • Meridian Hill Park.
  • St.
  • Lady Bird Johnson Park.
  • Anacostia Park.

Is everything closed on New Year's Day?

New Year's Day is a federally observed holiday in the U.S., but New Year's Eve is not, so most stores will be open with limited hours on Dec. 31. While many stores are closed for the U.S. national holiday of New Year's Day, some will be staying open.

Is Walmart open on New Year's Day 2020?

Will Walmart Be Open on New Year's Day? Good news, shoppers — Walmart will be open for New Year's Day!

Is this New Years 2019 or 2020?

Dates for New Year's Eve from 2015 to 2025
When is ?DateDay of the week
New Year's Eve 2017December 31, 2017Sunday
New Year's Eve 2018December 31, 2018Monday
New Year's Eve 2019December 31, 2019Tuesday
New Year's Eve 2020December 31, 2020Thursday

Is day after New Year's a holiday?

The Day after New Year's Day is the second day of the year, in the Gregorian calendar. New Year's Day is a public holiday in all countries that observe the Gregorian calendar, with the exception of Israel. This makes it the most widely observed public holiday.

Is New Years Day public holiday?

New Year's Day is a public holiday. In the states of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria, there are trading restrictions on New Year's Day. In these states, many stores do not open on New Year's Day or the first Monday in January if January 1 is a Saturday or Sunday.

Is the Mall in DC open?

ALL PARK HOURS

The public may visit the sites of National Mall and Memorial Parks 24 hours a day (With the exception of the Washington Monument). Rangers are on duty at the sites to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily and to provide interpretive programs throughout the day and upon request.

What can you do for free in Washington DC?

Free Things to Do: Best of Washington, DC
  • Explore the National Mall.
  • Visit the White House.
  • Take in the Smithsonian museums.
  • Tour DC's premier cultural arts center.
  • Enjoy a guided walking tour with DC by Foot.
  • Check out the largest library in the world.
  • Walk through the U.S. Capitol Building.

What museums are open at night in DC?

  • Smithsonian Institution.
  • National Gallery of Art.
  • National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.
  • National Building Museum.
  • National Geographic Museum.
  • International Spy Museum.
  • The Phillips Collection.
  • National Portrait Gallery.

What's Open in DC at night?

Top 10 Things to Do in DC at Night
  • Visit the Memorials.
  • Take a Night Tour.
  • Explore the Museums Open Late.
  • Get out on the Town.
  • Watch Sunset Parade (at Iwo Jima)
  • The Phillips Collection's Phillips After 5.
  • The National Zoo hosts Brew at the Zoo.
  • National Gallery of Art Concert Series.

What is there to do in Washington DC right now?

Best things to do in Washington, DC
  1. Rock Creek Park. Things to do Northwest.
  2. Rose's Luxury. Restaurants Eclectic Capitol Hill.
  3. Le Diplomate. Restaurants French Logan Circle.
  4. Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden. Museums Art and design.
  5. Eastern Market.
  6. National Zoological Park.
  7. National Gallery of Art.
  8. National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Are NYC museums open?

Andrew Cuomo and New York City officials approved the reopening of museums and cultural institutions in NYC starting August 24, several organizations are announcing their reopening plans.

Is the Smithsonian free?

Collectively called the Smithsonian Institution, this world-renowned museum and research complex in the District consists of 17 museums, galleries and a zoo. Each one is free to enter, and across the spectrum, you can learn about the origins of man, the wonders of art, the history and future of flight and so much more.

Are the national archives open?

National Archives in Washington, DC Closed

The Research Room at the National Archives in Washington, DC, remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.