New York Public Holidays 2025
What's open and closed throughout the year
⚡ Quick Answer
NYC has 11 federal holidays when banks and government offices close. Most stores and attractions stay open except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The NYSE observes 10 market holidays.
📅 2025 Holiday Calendar
New Year's Day
Most closed or reduced hours
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Federal holiday. Banks/govt closed.
Lincoln's Birthday
NY state holiday. Some banks closed.
Presidents' Day
Federal holiday. Sales common.
Good Friday
NYSE closed. Not a federal holiday.
Memorial Day
Unofficial start of summer.
Juneteenth
Federal holiday since 2021.
Independence Day
Fireworks! Many closures.
Labor Day
End of summer. Sales common.
Columbus Day
Federal holiday. Parade on 5th Ave.
Veterans Day
Federal holiday.
Thanksgiving
Almost everything closed.
Black Friday
Major shopping day.
Christmas Day
Almost everything closed.
🦃 Thanksgiving & Christmas
Thanksgiving (Nov 27)
The one day NYC truly shuts down:
- • Macy's Parade (starts 8:30 AM)
- • Almost all stores closed
- • Limited restaurant options
- • Subway runs, but reduced
Christmas (Dec 25)
Similar closures, but some things open:
- • Movie theaters often open
- • Chinese restaurants typically open
- • Hotel restaurants serve guests
- • Some delis/bodegas open
🚇 Transit on Holidays
The subway runs 365 days a year, but holiday service is different:
- 📅 Holiday schedule = Sunday schedule: Trains run less frequently (every 10-15 minutes instead of 3-5).
- 🚌 Buses: Also on Sunday schedule — check MTA for specific routes.
- 🚫 Express service: Many express trains run local on holidays.
- ⏰ Wait times: Expect 2-3x longer waits than weekdays.
⚠️ Macy's Thanksgiving Parade: Multiple subway stations near the parade route are CLOSED or skip stops. Herald Square, 34th St, and nearby stations are chaos until afternoon.
🛍️ Best Shopping Holidays
If you're timing your trip for shopping deals, these are the days to target:
🏆 Best Deals
- Black Friday (Nov 28) — The big one. Chaos but deals.
- Presidents' Day (Feb) — Winter clearance sales.
- Labor Day (Sep) — End of summer sales.
- Memorial Day (May) — Spring sales kick off.
💡 Pro Tips
- Black Friday starts Thursday evening now
- SoHo is impossible on Black Friday — try Williamsburg
- January = best post-holiday clearance
- Many stores price-match online competitors
FAQ
Is today a holiday in New York?
Check the calendar above. If it's a federal holiday, expect bank and government closures. Retail and attractions usually stay open except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Are museums open on holidays?
Most museums stay open on federal holidays — they're actually busier those days. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and sometimes New Year's Day. Always check specific museum websites.
Does the subway run on holidays?
Yes, the NYC subway runs 24/7, 365 days a year. Holiday schedules are usually Sunday schedules, meaning less frequent service.
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Last updated: December 2025.