Is hobby lobby open on new year’s day is a question many U.S. shoppers search as they plan their first post-holiday trips to craft stores. For 2026, Hobby Lobby stores are open on New Year’s Day, operating on a shortened schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This schedule allows shoppers to visit stores for arts and crafts supplies, home décor, seasonal items, and DIY project materials while giving employees a shorter workday during the holiday.
Understanding the store’s New Year schedule is essential for planning your visit. This article provides a detailed look at Hobby Lobby’s operating hours, what shoppers can expect inside stores, how holiday hours differ from normal weekdays, tips for visiting, and everything you need to know to make the most of your New Year shopping experience.
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Holiday Hours Overview for Hobby Lobby
Hobby Lobby operates over 1,000 stores nationwide. Regular hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and stores are generally closed on Sundays. During holidays, the company adjusts hours to balance customer access with staff time off. New Year’s Day is one of the holidays where stores are open but on a reduced schedule. All locations generally follow the 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. window, giving shoppers a chance to browse while allowing employees a shorter day.
Why Reduced Hours Are Scheduled on Holidays
Hobby Lobby reduces hours on certain holidays to ensure staff have time with family while still serving customers. Unlike Christmas or Thanksgiving, which are full closure days, New Year’s Day allows stores to open. This strategy gives customers access to essential products and seasonal items without keeping employees for a full shift. Reduced hours maintain customer service quality while supporting staff well-being.
New Year’s Day Store Schedule in 2026
On January 1, 2026, stores will open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. This is a significant reduction from normal weekday hours that end at 8:00 p.m. Shoppers should plan visits earlier in the day to avoid crowds and ensure enough time to complete their shopping. Some stores may make minor adjustments depending on location or staffing, so confirming your local store’s hours is recommended.
Holiday Schedule Comparison
Hobby Lobby maintains consistent policies for holidays. Most major holidays, including Christmas and Thanksgiving, result in full store closures. Other holidays, like New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, have shortened hours, usually from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sundays remain closed as part of the company’s ongoing practice. This schedule helps shoppers know what to expect throughout the year and plan their visits around major holidays.
Planning Your Visit on New Year’s Day
Reduced hours mean that shoppers need to plan their visit carefully. Arriving earlier in the day helps avoid peak crowds. Mid-morning is generally quieter than late afternoon. Planning ahead ensures you can access all the supplies you need for crafts, home décor, seasonal projects, or DIY activities. Customers should have a list of items to streamline shopping and reduce time spent in the store.
What to Expect Inside the Store
Hobby Lobby stores carry a wide range of items, including seasonal décor, craft supplies, fabrics, floral arrangements, home accents, and hobby kits. On New Year’s Day, most sections remain fully stocked and staffed. Customers can start new projects, purchase materials for upcoming events, or find discounted seasonal items leftover from December. The store’s layout and organized departments make shopping easier even during shortened hours.
Benefits of Visiting on New Year’s Day
Visiting on New Year’s Day offers several advantages. Shoppers often find the store less crowded than during the pre-Christmas rush. Staff are available to assist with product questions, and many seasonal items remain in stock. The reduced hours also create a more relaxed shopping experience. Planning your visit for earlier in the day maximizes your time to explore all sections and complete purchases before closing.
Tips for Shopping During Holiday Hours
To make the most of your visit, arrive early, check your local store’s hours, and bring a shopping list. If you are looking for specific items, confirming availability beforehand can save time. Shoppers should be prepared for checkout lines closer to closing time and take advantage of staff assistance to locate hard-to-find products. Planning ahead ensures a smooth and stress-free shopping experience.
Gift Returns and Exchanges During New Year’s
Hobby Lobby honors its return and exchange policies even on holidays with reduced hours. Customers can bring items with receipts for returns or exchanges, ensuring they comply with standard company procedures. Visiting on New Year’s Day allows shoppers to handle post-holiday exchanges without waiting for the busy mid-January period. Staff are available to process returns efficiently within the holiday schedule.
Comparing with Other Retailers
Hobby Lobby’s holiday approach differs from larger grocery or department stores that may extend hours on New Year’s Day. Specialty retailers like Hobby Lobby maintain shorter schedules to balance employee time off with customer service. This ensures a positive shopping experience without overextending staff during a busy holiday week.
Sunday Closures and Holiday Planning
Hobby Lobby’s consistent Sunday closures affect planning if holidays fall near the weekend. January 1, 2026, falls on a weekday, so regular holiday hours apply. Knowing the store’s closure policies helps shoppers schedule their visits appropriately. Sundays are always non-operational, so planning around them ensures access to all products when stores are open.
Maximizing Your Shopping Experience
To optimize your visit, create a shopping list, prioritize essential items, and arrive early. Check inventory levels for high-demand products, especially seasonal items or new project materials. Take advantage of staff assistance to locate specific items and ask questions about products or displays. This approach ensures a productive visit and a satisfying shopping experience even with reduced hours.
Holiday Hours Reflect Company Values
Hobby Lobby’s holiday scheduling reflects a focus on employee well-being while still providing customers access to products. Reduced hours allow staff to celebrate holidays with family, while open stores ensure shoppers can complete essential tasks. This policy demonstrates the balance between corporate responsibility, employee satisfaction, and customer service.
Conclusion
Hobby Lobby stores will be open on New Year’s Day 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., offering shoppers a chance to buy crafts, décor, and seasonal supplies while staff enjoy a shorter holiday shift. Planning your visit, arriving early, and confirming local store hours will ensure a smooth shopping experience. Reduced hours provide a relaxed environment with helpful staff and stocked shelves to start the new year creatively.
Have you planned a visit to Hobby Lobby on New Year’s Day, or are you organizing a craft project for the start of the year? Share your plans or experiences in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!
