New Year's Day
About
January 1 is a US federal holiday. Government offices, banks and the Smithsonian museums' usual closures aside, DC is quiet after the New Year's Eve celebrations, with federal buildings and many businesses shut.
Highlights
- Federal holiday — government offices and banks closed
- Metro runs a reduced (holiday) schedule
- Smithsonian museums are normally open (they close only Dec 25)
Practical tips
- Most federal buildings and offices are closed
- Check museum hours — Smithsonians usually open Jan 1
- A good quiet day for the monuments without crowds
Sources
Other upcoming events
Jazz in the Garden 2026
On summer Friday evenings the National Gallery of Art turns its Sculpture Garden into a free open-air jazz venue. The 2026 'American Sounds' season nods to the nation's 250th, with passes given out by weekly lottery.
Wawa Welcome America 2026 (Philadelphia Semiquincentennial)
Philadelphia's free Wawa Welcome America festival expands for the US 250th, running from Juneteenth through July 4 with concerts, museum days and a grand finale concert and fireworks over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Art Museum.
Great American State Fair on the National Mall 2026
A centerpiece of the US 250th, the Great American State Fair lines the National Mall for over two weeks with pavilions representing all 50 states, territories and federal entities — food, culture and exhibits ahead of the July 4 capstone.