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What's Open on New Year's Day 2026

Thursday, 1 January 2026

New Year's Day (1 January) is a public holiday in South Africa. Many people are still on annual leave from the December break, so trading patterns lean towards reduced hours rather than full closures.

Open

  • Grocery retailers - Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Spar (most stores open, reduced hours)
  • Petrol stations - open 24/7 nationwide
  • Pharmacies - most Dis-Chem, Clicks, and pharmacy stand-alones open (reduced hours)
  • Restaurants - most open, reduced hours; some independents close
  • Movie theatres + cinemas - normally open
  • Shopping malls - open with reduced hours (typically 09:00-17:00 instead of 21:00)
  • Hospitals and emergency services - open 24/7
  • Uber, Bolt, taxis - operate normally (often busier than weekdays)
  • All major grocery chains - though most open later (around 09:00 or 10:00)
  • Most cinemas, malls and restaurants - reduced hours

Closed

  • Government services - Home Affairs, SASSA, Department of Labour, Traffic Departments
  • Banks - all branches closed; ATMs and online banking operate normally
  • Post Office (SAPO) branches
  • SARS branches and physical service points (eFiling operates normally)
  • Most office-based businesses
  • Most schools and universities (in school terms)
  • Stock exchange (JSE)
  • Most public libraries
  • Many small businesses are closed for the festive break - not just for 1 January but for the first week of January

Liquor sales on New Year's Day

  • Liquor stores - generally open, normal liquor-sale hours apply (subject to provincial laws)
  • Restaurants serving liquor - open under their normal liquor licence
  • Bars and clubs - open
Note: If 1 January falls on a Sunday, the Monday is observed as a public holiday under the Public Holidays Act.

FAQs - New Year's Day 2026

Is Shoprite open on New Year's Day?
Yes - Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths and Spar are all open on New Year's Day with reduced trading hours (typically 09:00-18:00). Hours vary by store - check your local branch.
Are banks open on New Year's Day?
No. All SA bank branches are closed on New Year's Day. ATMs, online banking and mobile apps work as normal.
Is Home Affairs open on New Year's Day?
No. Home Affairs offices are closed on every SA public holiday including New Year's Day. eHomeAffairs online services may still work.
Can I buy alcohol on New Year's Day?
Yes - bottle stores are generally open on New Year's Day during normal liquor-sale hours. Check your provincial liquor laws for any special restrictions.
Are petrol stations open on New Year's Day?
Yes. Petrol stations operate 24/7 every day of the year in South Africa, including New Year's Day. Forecourt convenience shops may have reduced hours.

Other 2026 public holidays

Related

Trading hours summarised from each retailer's published holiday trading schedule. Individual stores may vary - check your local store. Liquor sales subject to provincial laws. Last verified 2026-05-14.

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