The Definitive 2026 Guide: Is Dollar General Open On New Year's Day? (Hours & Exceptions)

Planning your first shopping trip of the year? As of today, December 12, 2025, the most up-to-date information confirms that Dollar General stores across the United States are overwhelmingly expected to be OPEN on New Year's Day, January 1, 2026. This is consistent with the company's long-standing policy of remaining open for nearly all federal and bank holidays, providing essential convenience for shoppers on the first day of the new year.

While the doors will be open, customers should be aware that operating hours may be slightly adjusted from the typical 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. schedule. To avoid a wasted trip, always use the Dollar General store locator or the DG App to confirm the precise hours for your local neighborhood store, especially in rural locations or areas with specific local ordinances.

Dollar General's Official New Year's Day 2026 Operating Hours

Dollar General's business model is built around providing convenience and value, especially in communities that may lack other major retail options. This commitment extends to keeping stores open on most major holidays, including New Year's Day. The general consensus for the New Year's 2026 schedule follows a predictable pattern based on previous years’ operations.

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• New Year's Day (January 1, 2026): Most Dollar General locations are expected to be OPEN.
• Typical Operating Hours: The most common schedule is the store's regular hours, which are often 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (8:00–22:00).
• Adjusted Hours: Some sources and historical data suggest certain stores may operate on a modified schedule, such as 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., particularly in markets where staffing is limited or demand is lower on the holiday.
• New Year's Eve (December 31, 2025): Stores are expected to be OPEN and follow their regular operating hours.

The crucial takeaway for any holiday shopping is to call ahead or check the official Dollar General website. Unlike massive department stores or big-box retailers that may take the day off, Dollar General aims to be a reliable resource for last-minute forgotten groceries, cleaning supplies, and seasonal clearance items on January 1st.

The Dollar General Holiday Policy: Why They Stay Open

Dollar General’s approach to holidays is a significant differentiator in the retail landscape. While many of its competitors, including large supermarkets and non-essential retailers, opt for a full closure or a half-day schedule, Dollar General maintains a nearly year-round operational status. The primary reason for this policy is simple: convenience and community service.

The company only closes its doors completely on one major holiday: Christmas Day. This singular exception highlights how committed the company is to maintaining service on all other days, including federal holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and even Thanksgiving, where stores are often open with adjusted hours.

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For employees, New Year's Day is generally considered one of the holidays for which full-time retail staff may receive eight hours of holiday pay if they work that week, though this is subject to internal company policy and varies by position. This incentive helps ensure adequate staffing levels to keep the stores running smoothly for customers needing a quick shopping fix.

Essential New Year's Day Shopping at Dollar General

Since Dollar General is open, it becomes a crucial destination for items you might have forgotten during the New Year's Eve rush or for starting your January cleaning and organization. The assortment of products, from groceries to home goods, makes it a one-stop-shop when most other specialty stores are closed.

Here is a list of highly relevant entities and items you should consider picking up on New Year's Day:

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• Party Recovery Supplies: If your New Year’s Eve celebration was a little too enthusiastic, Dollar General stocks over-the-counter medications, bottled water, and electrolyte drinks to help you recover.
• Cleaning and Organization: The New Year often inspires a fresh start. You can find excellent deals on cleaning supplies, storage bins, and organizational tools to tackle your first home improvement project of 2026.
• Last-Minute Groceries: For those planning a traditional New Year's Day meal, Dollar General offers a surprising array of essential groceries, including canned goods, frozen foods, and shelf-stable ingredients.
• Seasonal Clearance: Be sure to check the seasonal aisle. After New Year's Day, Dollar General often marks down remaining New Year's Eve decorations, party supplies, and winter holiday items, offering incredible savings.
• Beverages and Snacks: Stock up on soda, chips, and other convenience snacks. You can often find Welch's Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Juice Cocktail or other celebratory non-alcoholic drinks.
• Personal Care Items: Forgot toothpaste, shampoo, or a razor? Dollar General’s extensive personal care aisle is a lifesaver when pharmacies are running on limited hours.

Dollar General vs. The Competition: Who Else is Open?

The convenience of Dollar General on January 1st is further highlighted when comparing its schedule to its closest competitors in the value retail sector. If your local Dollar General is too far or too busy, it is helpful to know what other dollar stores and discount retailers are also open.

Dollar Tree and Family Dollar (often co-located):

Both Dollar Tree and Family Dollar are also typically open on New Year's Day. Dollar Tree, known for its "everything for $1.25" model, usually operates on a slightly shorter schedule, such as 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Family Dollar, which offers a wider range of price points and more grocery items, generally follows its regular operating hours, similar to Dollar General.

Other Major Retailers:

While many supermarkets and pharmacies will be open, their hours are frequently reduced. Walmart, Target, and Kroger often have modified holiday schedules. This makes the consistency of Dollar General's hours a major advantage for shoppers who rely on discount stores for their daily needs. The consistency across all three major dollar store chains—Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar—means that the value retail sector remains highly accessible at the start of the year.

Final Checklist Before Visiting Dollar General

To ensure a smooth and efficient New Year's Day shopping experience at Dollar General, follow this simple checklist:

1. Confirm Local Hours: Do not rely on the general corporate schedule. Use the Dollar General Store Locator tool online or call the specific store's phone number to verify their January 1st operating hours.
2. Check for Digital Coupons: Utilize the DG App for digital coupons. Dollar General frequently offers special deals and digital savings, which can be stacked with their already low prices.
3. Review the Penny List: For savvy shoppers, New Year's Day is a great time to check for the infamous "Penny List" items—seasonal clearance items marked down to a single penny. While unofficial, the markdowns often happen right after major holidays.
4. Be Patient: Holiday staffing may be lighter, and the store may be busier than a typical weekday. Be patient with the Dollar General employees who are working on the holiday.

In summary, you can confidently plan your New Year's Day shopping around a visit to Dollar General. They will be open, stocked with essentials, and ready to help you start your 2026 with great value and convenience.