Is costco closed new Year’s day? Holiday shopping habits in the United States lead millions of people to ask this question every December. Costco stands among the country’s most visited wholesale clubs, and it becomes even more essential during the final week of the year when families gather, parties fill calendars, and shoppers look for bulk groceries, drinks, and celebration needs. As confirmed for 2026, Costco warehouses do not open on January 1, marking a nationwide closure that applies to all standard warehouse locations. That means no in-store shopping, no pharmacy service, no optical center access, and no food court usage until the following day.
This closure isn’t new. It’s part of Costco’s long-standing scheduling policy. While many retail chains operate with special holiday hours, Costco chooses full closure on select major holidays, giving employees time off and reducing confusion for shoppers. Understanding this schedule helps customers avoid last-minute panic runs and plan in advance. With the holiday season being one of the most active retail periods of the year, especially between December 24 and January 1, knowing store availability becomes essential.
Below is a deep, well-structured guide covering closure details, shopping timing, what to buy beforehand, service availability, gas station updates, typical patterns surrounding New Year, and tips to make the experience smooth. Every detail is factual, verified, and current as of today.
Why Costco Stores Do Not Operate on January 1
The New Year holiday is one of the few days Costco chooses not to conduct in-store business. The decision reflects a worker-friendly approach, allowing employees to enjoy the holiday with families. Instead of opening for shortened hours, the company keeps all warehouses closed. This approach creates predictability — customers know what to expect every year without last-minute schedule changes.
U.S. federal holiday recognition also plays a role. Many companies adjust hours, but wholesale retail operations involve large staff teams, inventory movement, and crowd control. Full closure prevents logistical stress on the busiest season’s final stretch. By pausing operations on January 1, Costco starts the new year with regular hours the very next day.
Members planning shopping must keep this closure in mind. Stock-up runs should be handled prior to December 31, especially for party food, snacks, drinks, and essentials needed for January 1 gatherings.
New Year’s Eve Hours: A Busy Day for Shopping
Although warehouses close on January 1, locations remain open on December 31 but usually with reduced working time. The day before the holiday becomes one of the most crowded shopping days at Costco. Parking lots fill quickly, product aisles become busy, and checkout lanes grow steadily as evening approaches.
Many shoppers arrive for:
- Bulk snacks and chips
- Beverages for holiday gatherings
- Meat, seafood, and produce trays
- Cakes and bakery goods
- Disposable plates, glasses, napkins
- Batteries and electronics
- Cleaning supplies for after-party use
Because of the rush, shopping early in the morning normally brings the smoothest experience. Evening hours can see heavy crowds, especially around supermarkets and wholesale clubs. Inventory turnover remains fast during the final week of December, so buying ahead instead of late helps avoid missing items such as party platters or special-edition holiday foods.
Which Departments Close With the Warehouse
When the warehouse shuts down on January 1, every in-store service pauses with it. None of the essential departments operate independently. This includes pharmacy counters, optical centers, food courts, tire service bays, hearing centers, photo services, membership desks, and returns. Even in locations where some stores keep gas pumps operational outside of warehouse hours, New Year’s Day generally applies full closure.
This is important for customers who may be planning:
- Prescription refills
- Eyeglass adjustments or orders
- Tire replacements or rotations
- Warranty and return processes
Anyone who requires these services should complete them before the last working day of December. Post-holiday crowds often increase when stores reopen, so it’s smart to plan ahead and minimize waiting once locations resume.
What To Buy Before January 1 to Avoid Last-Minute Stress
With stores closed on the first day of the year, stocking up becomes essential. Every household has different needs, but there are certain item categories most customers prefer to secure in advance.
Some of the most recommended pre-holiday purchases include:
- Bulk snacks, chips, crackers, popcorn tubs
- Cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pastries
- Shrimp, salmon, beef roasts, and chicken trays
- Soda crates, sparkling beverages, water packs
- Paper towels, tissues, napkins, foil, plastic wraps
- Batteries for remotes, toys, gadgets
- Trash bags and cleaning sprays
- Disposable plates, cutlery, bowls, cups
- Storage boxes and organizing sets
Families hosting gatherings on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day often buy large-format food trays and drinks early to avoid empty shelves. The holiday season’s final week is one of the biggest sales windows for bakery cakes, meat bundles, and pre-made appetizers at Costco.
Planning ahead allows customers to focus on celebration instead of shopping frustration.
Traffic Patterns Before and After The Holiday
Warehouse crowd patterns follow a visible rhythm around year-end. December 26-31 sees heavy activity as people shop for leftover Christmas celebrations, late gifts, and New Year parties. Parking congestion becomes noticeable particularly:
- Afternoons leading into evenings
- Weekends close to December 31
- After office hours on weekdays
- December 30 and December 31 mornings
Those who visit early morning right after doors open generally move faster through aisles. Using self-checkout lanes (at locations that offer them) also speeds up visits. January 2, when stores reopen, also draws crowds. People return holiday gifts, purchase storage materials, and shop for fresh-start household needs.
If you prefer quiet store experiences, avoid peak times and shop mid-week or early in the day.
Members Rely on Costco for New Year Celebrations
Costco’s popularity stems from value pricing, bulk packaging, and a wide variety of festive goods. This makes it a go-to destination for party preparation. From cheese boards and charcuterie kits to sparkling juices for midnight toasts, the warehouse selection simplifies holiday hosting.
Families frequently shop for:
- Party platters
- Holiday chocolates
- Frozen appetizers
- Wine alternatives like sparkling fruit drinks
- Breakfast goods for January 1 brunch
With warehouses closed on January 1, the best strategy is to purchase the day or two prior. Freezers help preserve snacks, and produce purchased December 30-31 usually stays fresh through New Year’s Day use.
Returns and Exchanges Resume After The Holiday
Because stores stay closed on January 1, return counters reopen the next morning. The first week of January typically experiences one of the highest return volumes of the year. Many people exchange gifts, upgrade electronics, or claim warranty assistance.
To reduce waiting time:
- Visit early morning instead of evening
- Avoid weekends if possible
- Prepare receipts, membership card, and packaging beforehand
Membership desks also become active post-holiday. New sign-ups, renewal requests, and card replacements pick up after closures. Planning ahead helps avoid long queues.
Fueling Up for New Year Travel
Costco Gas stations usually operate under the same holiday closure alignment. While schedules sometimes vary slightly by location, gas pumps are not expected to remain open when warehouses close on January 1. Fuel up ahead of time, especially if long-distance travel is planned for New Year morning.
New Year’s Eve afternoon often brings long gas station lines before the holiday break, so visiting early is ideal.
How To Make Holiday Shopping Smoother and Faster
A strategic plan can help shoppers save time, avoid crowds, and enjoy a simpler warehouse visit. Consider the following planning approach:
- Build a shopping list before you go
- Shop 1-2 days before New Year’s Eve for comfort
- Visit early morning to avoid lines
- Prioritize essentials first in case items run low
- Buy storage containers for after-party cleanup
- Check membership card validity before arrival
These small steps help create an efficient shopping day and prevent last-minute stress.
Why This Question Spikes Online Every December
Each year, search volume for store hours surges. People look for clarity because warehouse closures differ from many other retailers. Grocery stores, convenience chains, and pharmacies across America commonly open on January 1, even if on reduced hours. Costco, however, pauses operations entirely, causing new shoppers to search for confirmation.
First-time members, holiday-season guests, and even long-time shoppers check store hours because holiday routines break normal schedules. Having accurate information saves wasted travel and disappointment for families arriving expecting to shop.
As long as the closure remains a consistent annual policy, planning ahead becomes part of U.S. shopping culture.
Typical Holidays Costco Recognizes With Full-Day Closure
Costco closes on only a few holidays each year. The list remains stable with very little variation. These days normally include:
- January 1 (New Year holiday)
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
The chain prioritizes employee rest on federal holidays. Understanding this schedule gives customers predictable shopping planning each year.
The Day Stores Reopen: January 2 Operations Resume
Once the holiday ends, stores resume regular operating hours. Shoppers can expect full access to:
- Warehouse floor
- Pharmacy
- Optical center
- Tire center
- Hearing services
- Photo and prints
- Food court
- Fuel stations
January also marks organizational season. Many households purchase cleaning products, shelving units, totes, workout gear, and healthy groceries as New Year routines begin. Sales often shift from festive goods to winter and storage products.
Post-holiday clearance aisles appear as seasonal inventory cycles out. Those seeking discounted décor or leftover holiday stock may find value if they visit soon after reopening.
Why Knowing Store Availability Helps Families Stay Prepared
Not knowing store schedules during holidays can cause delays in meal preparation or celebration planning. Costco shoppers benefit from awareness because the warehouse model encourages buying in larger quantities. It’s easier to prepare when quantities are secured in advance.
By acknowledging the closure and shopping early, families ensure:
- Guests have food and drinks ready
- Kids have snacks for the day
- Supplies are available for cooking
- Cleaning materials are stocked
- Breakfast groceries are ready for the next morning
Planning allows the holiday to go smoothly without unexpected shortages.
Final Thoughts on New Year Shopping at Costco
Costco remains a trusted shopping destination for American households throughout the year. The first day of January stands as a scheduled break for workers nationwide, and warehouses remain fully closed. With this understanding, shoppers can plan their purchases before the holiday, stock carefully, and enjoy the celebrations without interruptions.
Early preparation remains the best strategy. Whether you are hosting family, planning a gathering, or simply stocking up for the weekend, knowing store hours ahead of time ensures a relaxed holiday experience.
What time will you be making your Costco run this year? Share your plans below — we’d love to hear your shopping strategy!