{"id":19939,"date":"2025-12-27T09:55:46","date_gmt":"2025-12-27T14:55:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/?p=19939"},"modified":"2025-12-27T10:07:57","modified_gmt":"2025-12-27T15:07:57","slug":"open-closed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/en\/blog\/others\/open-closed\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s Open or Closed on New Year\u2019s Day: Stores, Services, and Hours to Know \ud83c\udf86"},"content":{"rendered":"<article>\n<header>Wondering what\u2019s actually open or closed so you don\u2019t waste a trip\u2014groceries, pharmacies, services, transit, and more? Here\u2019s a clear, practical guide to help you plan your errands and your day with confidence, including what to expect on December 31, New Year\u2019s Day, and the day after.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<p><!-- CLICKABLE INDEX --><\/p>\n<nav aria-label=\"Table of contents\">\n<h2>Table of contents<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#quick-answer\">Quick answer: what\u2019s usually open vs. closed<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#dec31\">What\u2019s open on December 31<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#jan1-open\">What\u2019s open on January 1<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#is-everything-closed\">Is everything closed on New Year\u2019s Day<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#jan2\">What to expect on January 2<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#retail\">Retail essentials: groceries, pharmacies, and stores<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#services\">Banks, offices, and public services<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#transit\">Transit and municipal services<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tips\">Smart tips to avoid wasted trips<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#things-to-do\">Things to do without relying on stores<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<hr \/>\n<section id=\"quick-answer\">\n<h2>Quick answer: what\u2019s usually open vs. closed \u2705<\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s get straight to it: it\u2019s <strong>not<\/strong> a complete shutdown. Many places run on<br \/>\n<strong>reduced hours<\/strong>, some close entirely, and essential services typically remain available.<br \/>\nMost confusion comes from mixing up <strong>December 31<\/strong>, <strong>New Year\u2019s Day<\/strong>, and<br \/>\n<strong>the day after<\/strong>\u2014they don\u2019t operate the same way.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background: #e6f7e6; padding: 16px; border-left: 5px solid #2ecc71;\"><strong>Key takeaway:<\/strong> convenience stores and gas stations are your most reliable options; some<br \/>\npharmacies and grocery stores may be open (often with shorter hours); malls and many non-essential retailers are often closed.<\/div>\n<p>The best mindset is to plan in three steps:<br \/>\n<strong>the day before<\/strong> to finish key errands, <strong>the holiday<\/strong> for essentials only,<br \/>\nand <strong>the day after<\/strong> for a gradual return to normal.<br \/>\nAlso, keep in mind that hours can differ by location\u2014even within the same chain.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"dec31\">\n<h2>What\u2019s open on December 31 \ud83d\udd5b<\/h2>\n<p>December 31 is usually the most \u201cnormal\u201d of the three days, but there\u2019s one common trap:<br \/>\n<strong>early closures<\/strong>. If you have important shopping to do, aim for the morning or early afternoon.<\/p>\n<h3>What\u2019s often open (sometimes with reduced hours)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Grocery stores<\/strong>: open, frequently closing earlier than usual<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pharmacies<\/strong>: open, sometimes on special schedules<\/li>\n<li><strong>Big-box stores<\/strong>: often open, but not always late<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shopping centres<\/strong>: open, typically with early closing<\/li>\n<li><strong>Restaurants<\/strong>: open and often very busy<\/li>\n<li><strong>Delivery services<\/strong>: popular in the evening<\/li>\n<li><strong>Convenience stores and gas stations<\/strong>: generally open<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background: #e6f7e6; padding: 16px; border-left: 5px solid #27ae60;\"><strong>Simple tip:<\/strong> plan your errands as if places close early\u2014because many do.<\/div>\n<h3>What can be unpredictable<\/h3>\n<p>Local businesses and specialty shops may set their own schedules.<br \/>\nIt\u2019s not unusual to see doors closed earlier than expected, especially later in the day.<br \/>\nIn other words: December 31 feels normal\u2026 until it isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"jan1-open\">\n<h2>What\u2019s open on January 1 \ud83c\udf89<\/h2>\n<p>January 1 is an official statutory holiday for many workplaces. That usually means fewer options,<br \/>\nbut you still have reliable choices. The table below summarizes what people most commonly see.<\/p>\n<p><!-- TABLE PLUS \u00c9PAISSE + EN-T\u00caTE MARQU\u00c9E (as requested) --><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0; width: 100%; border: 2px solid #000;\">\n<thead style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4;\">\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000; padding: 10px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\">Type of place<\/th>\n<th style=\"border: 1px solid #000; padding: 10px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold;\">Typical situation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000; padding: 10px; text-align: left;\">Convenience stores \/ gas stations<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000; padding: 10px; text-align: left;\">Open (often regular hours)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000; padding: 10px; text-align: left;\">Pharmacies<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000; padding: 10px; text-align: left;\">Open on rotation \/ on-call schedule<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000; padding: 10px; text-align: left;\">Grocery stores<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000; padding: 10px; text-align: left;\">Some open, reduced hours common<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000; padding: 10px; text-align: left;\">Shopping malls<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000; padding: 10px; text-align: left;\">Often closed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000; padding: 10px; text-align: left;\">Restaurants<\/td>\n<td style=\"border: 1px solid #000; padding: 10px; text-align: left;\">Often open (varies by area) + delivery<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>This table reflects the usual pattern, but here\u2019s the most important nuance:<br \/>\n<strong>the final decision can be location-specific<\/strong>. One branch of a chain may open while another stays closed,<br \/>\nespecially for grocery stores and pharmacies.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background: #e6f7e6; padding: 16px; border-left: 5px solid #2ecc71;\"><strong>Fast checklist before you leave:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 18px;\">\n<li>Check the posted hours online (and look for \u201cupdated\u201d indicators if available)<\/li>\n<li>If it matters: call the location<\/li>\n<li>Have a backup option (another branch, convenience store, delivery)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>For the general rules around retail openings on statutory holidays, you can consult this reference:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cqcd.org\/en\/opening-hours-and-public-holidays-commercial-establishments\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nStatutory holidays and retail opening rules<br \/>\n<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"is-everything-closed\">\n<h2>Is everything closed on New Year\u2019s Day \u274c<\/h2>\n<p>No. That\u2019s the most common misconception and it\u2019s exactly what leads to wasted trips.<br \/>\nWhat\u2019s true is that the overall offer is smaller: some places close completely, others shorten hours,<br \/>\nand some services operate at a minimum level.<\/p>\n<h3>Why people get different answers<\/h3>\n<p>Two people can experience the same holiday and come away with opposite impressions.<br \/>\nOne has a nearby pharmacy open and a convenience store around the corner; another lives near a closed shopping centre<br \/>\nand assumes everything is shut. Reality varies by neighbourhood and by business.<\/p>\n<h3>The best takeaway<\/h3>\n<p>Instead of \u201ceverything is closed\u201d or \u201ceverything is open,\u201d think:<br \/>\n<strong>essentials are usually available<\/strong>, and for everything else you should verify.<br \/>\nThat single shift in mindset prevents most surprises.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"jan2\">\n<h2>What to expect on January 2: a gradual return \ud83d\udd04<\/h2>\n<p>January 2 is often when things start moving back toward normal.<br \/>\nMany retailers return to regular hours, though some keep a lighter schedule depending on staffing and demand.<br \/>\nIf you want to shop without crowds, this can be a good day to do it.<\/p>\n<h3>Typical advantages of January 2<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>More options than on the statutory holiday<\/li>\n<li>More services operating normally<\/li>\n<li>Often less busy than the day before<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background: #e6f7e6; padding: 16px; border-left: 5px solid #27ae60;\"><strong>Queue-busting tip:<\/strong> for returns or exchanges, mid-morning is often smoother than right at opening.<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"retail\">\n<h2>Retail essentials: groceries, pharmacies, and stores \ud83c\udfea<\/h2>\n<p>When people search \u201copen or closed,\u201d what they usually mean is:<br \/>\n<em>where can I get what I need today?<\/em> Here\u2019s a practical breakdown without the noise.<\/p>\n<h3>Grocery stores<\/h3>\n<p>Some grocery stores stay open, often with reduced hours. The key is not to assume a whole chain is open everywhere.<br \/>\nBranch-by-branch differences are common.<\/p>\n<h3>Pharmacies<\/h3>\n<p>Pharmacies frequently operate on rotation or on-call schedules. If your usual location is closed,<br \/>\nthere\u2019s often another one open nearby. When it\u2019s urgent, verify first.<\/p>\n<h3>Shopping malls and non-essential retail<\/h3>\n<p>Shopping centres are frequently closed on the holiday, or operate with very limited access.<br \/>\nSome big-box stores may open, but it\u2019s not guaranteed. When in doubt, check the specific location\u2019s hours.<\/p>\n<h3>Most reliable: convenience stores and gas stations<\/h3>\n<p>These are typically the safest \u201cPlan B.\u201d They can save the day for basics: milk, bread, over-the-counter medicine,<br \/>\nquick snacks, and small essentials.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"services\">\n<h2>Banks, offices, and public services \ud83c\udfe6<\/h2>\n<p>For administrative tasks, the holiday itself is rarely ideal. Many offices are closed.<br \/>\nHowever, online services remain available for common needs (payments, account access, requests, forms).<\/p>\n<h3>Best approach: plan ahead<\/h3>\n<p>If you have a time-sensitive task (documents, calls, appointments), doing it on December 31 is usually safer.<br \/>\nIf you can\u2019t, identify what can be handled online and what must wait.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"transit\">\n<h2>Transit and municipal services \ud83d\ude8d<\/h2>\n<p>Public transit often runs on a holiday schedule with reduced frequency. That doesn\u2019t mean \u201cno service,\u201d<br \/>\nbut it can mean longer waits and modified routes. If you have an important trip, plan with extra time.<\/p>\n<p>Municipal essentials such as snow removal and emergency services continue.<br \/>\nFor non-urgent services (like certain collections or counters), changes and postponements can happen.<br \/>\nParking rules can also vary depending on the city.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"tips\">\n<h2>Smart tips to avoid wasted trips \ud83d\udccc<\/h2>\n<p>Trying to memorize a universal \u201copen\/closed list\u201d doesn\u2019t always work, because hours can change by location.<br \/>\nWhat does work is using a few simple habits that consistently save time.<\/p>\n<h3>1) Always keep a backup option<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re heading to a place that\u2019s \u201cuncertain,\u201d think of an alternative in advance:<br \/>\nanother branch, a convenience store, or delivery.<\/p>\n<h3>2) Don\u2019t rely on routine<\/h3>\n<p>Even if a store is \u201cusually open,\u201d that doesn\u2019t guarantee it will be this time.<br \/>\nHoliday hours can change year to year and depend on staffing.<\/p>\n<h3>3) Verify the right way<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Check the location\u2019s posted hours online<\/li>\n<li>Look at a couple of recent updates or comments if hours are often wrong<\/li>\n<li>If it\u2019s important: call<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background: #e6f7e6; padding: 16px; border-left: 5px solid #2ecc71;\"><strong>Quick win:<\/strong> when you\u2019re on the go, searches like \u201cpharmacy open near me\u201d or \u201cgrocery store open near me\u201d<br \/>\noften give a better, more local answer than a general article list.<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"things-to-do\">\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19937\" src=\"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-pavel-danilyuk-6667966-min-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"New year's day activity\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1709\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-pavel-danilyuk-6667966-min-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-pavel-danilyuk-6667966-min-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-pavel-danilyuk-6667966-min-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pexels-pavel-danilyuk-6667966-min-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>Things to do without relying on stores \u2744\ufe0f<\/h2>\n<p>When many retailers are closed, it\u2019s also a great chance to do something that doesn\u2019t depend on shopping hours:<br \/>\nget outside, move, relax, or plan a simple activity at home.<\/p>\n<h3>Easy, popular ideas<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Outdoor walk (parks, trails, neighbourhood strolls)<\/li>\n<li>At-home activities (board games, movie night, cooking)<\/li>\n<li>Low-effort outings (coffee, brunch, restaurant\u2014depending on availability)<\/li>\n<li>Culture and discovery if certain places are open<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For cultural options, you can browse ideas through this directory:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.musees.qc.ca\/en\/museums\/guide.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nMuseum guide<br \/>\n<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background: #e6f7e6; padding: 16px; border-left: 5px solid #27ae60;\"><strong>Simple strategy:<\/strong> prepare a short \u201cPlan A \/ Plan B \/ Plan C\u201d list that doesn\u2019t depend on one single place being open.<br \/>\nYour day feels smoother immediately.<\/div>\n<p>If you\u2019d like more ideas for outings and quick activities, you can also browse suggestions here:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/en\/blog\/location-environment\/things-to-do-laurentians\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nThings to do in the Laurentians<br \/>\n<\/a>.<br \/>\n(Even though it focuses on one region, many ideas apply broadly.)<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"faq\">\n<h2>FAQ \ud83e\udd14<\/h2>\n<h3>What\u2019s open on January 1?<\/h3>\n<p>Typically: convenience stores and gas stations, many restaurants (and delivery), and some grocery stores and pharmacies (often on rotation).<br \/>\nShopping malls are frequently closed and many independent shops choose not to open.<\/p>\n<h3>Is everything closed on New Year\u2019s Day?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Essential services remain available, but many retailers operate on reduced hours or close.<br \/>\nThe best approach is to verify the specific location\u2019s hours instead of assuming.<\/p>\n<h3>What\u2019s open on December 31?<\/h3>\n<p>Most retailers are open, but many close earlier. Grocery stores and pharmacies are generally accessible,<br \/>\nand restaurants tend to be busy.<\/p>\n<h3>Why do hours vary so much?<\/h3>\n<p>Because schedules are often decided locally. A chain can apply different rules by branch depending on demand and staffing.<br \/>\nThat\u2019s why general guidance helps\u2014but a quick check is still smart.<\/p>\n<h3>How do I avoid driving around for nothing?<\/h3>\n<p>Check posted hours online, look for recent updates, and if it\u2019s important: call.<br \/>\nAlso, keep a backup option (another branch, convenience store, or delivery).<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>If you have a specific question or a special situation, you can reach me directly here:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/en\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact me<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wondering what\u2019s actually open or closed so you don\u2019t waste a trip\u2014groceries, pharmacies, services, transit, and more? Here\u2019s a clear, practical guide to help you plan your errands and your day with confidence, including what to expect on December 31, New Year\u2019s Day, and the day after. Table of contents Quick answer: what\u2019s usually open [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":19940,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19939","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-others"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19939","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19939"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19939\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19942,"href":"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19939\/revisions\/19942"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19940"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19939"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19939"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samuelj.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19939"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}