As the holiday season winds down and 2026 draws near, many shoppers are planning their last‑minute errands and everyday essentials. Dollar General is a go‑to destination for affordable household goods, snacks, cleaning supplies, and more but holiday schedules often differ from regular store hours.
With New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day fast approaching, one of the most common questions people ask is:
“Is Dollar General open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in 2026, and what are the store hours?”
This article provides a complete guide to Dollar General’s expected opening and closing times for Thursday, December 31, 2025 (New Year’s Eve) and Friday, January 1, 2026 (New Year’s Day). We’ll also explain why holiday hours change, how they vary by location, tips for planning your visit, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Overview: Dollar General Holiday Hours 2026
| Date | Typical Dollar General Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (approximate) | Most stores shorten hours for the holiday |
| New Year’s Day (Jan 1) | Open (limited hours) | Some locations operate with reduced hours; check locally |
| Regular Hours (Normal Day) | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (varies) | Standard schedule outside holiday periods |
Note: Dollar General is a franchise‑style operation, meaning individual store hours can vary by region, manager, and local demand.
Dollar General New Year’s Eve Hours (Dec 31, 2025)
Most Dollar General locations across the United States will be open on New Year’s Eve — but expect shortened or adjusted hours compared to a typical weekday.
Typical Schedule on New Year’s Eve
- Opening Time: Around 8:00 AM
- Closing Time: Typically by 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM
- Exceptions: Some high‑traffic or larger stores may stay open slightly later
Stores usually close earlier than normal on New Year’s Eve so that staff can prepare for the holiday and enjoy the festivities with their families.
“Retailers often adjust their hours on New Year’s Eve to balance customer needs with employee wellbeing,” says a retail operations expert. “Shorter hours allow for business continuity while giving teams a chance to celebrate.”
Even though Dollar General tends to have later evenings during regular weeks, holiday schedules prioritize closing early. That means a quick trip for last‑minute essentials should ideally take place in the morning or early afternoon.
Example New Year’s Eve Schedule
| Store Type | Estimated Hours |
|---|---|
| Standard DG Location | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| High‑Traffic Location | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (possible) |
| Small/Rural Store | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Always confirm hours with your local Dollar General store before heading out especially if you’re planning to shop later in the day.
Dollar General New Year’s Day Hours (Jan 1, 2026)
Unlike many major retailers that close completely on New Year’s Day, Dollar General generally remains open on January 1, but with limited hours.
Why Dollar General Stays Open on New Year’s Day?
Dollar General operates in many small and rural communities where access to retail is limited. Because of that, many stores choose to stay open on major holidays to serve customers who may not have other nearby shopping options.
Typical New Year’s Day Schedule
- Opening Time: Around 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Closing Time: Around 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Hours are usually shorter than regular operating hours
This means customers can still purchase needed items like snacks, beverages, personal care products, cleaning supplies, and more even on a major holiday.
“Dollar General’s commitment to accessibility often means staying open on holidays that other retailers close,” notes a consumer behavior analyst. “This makes it a convenient choice for shoppers on New Year’s Day.”
However, some stores might still close early, and hours can vary widely by location.
Why Holiday Hours Change?
Stores adjust hours around major holidays like New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day for several key reasons:
1. Employee Wellbeing
Allowing associates time with family and friends is a priority for many retail brands. Shortened hours help stores balance service with employee morale.
2. Reduced Foot Traffic
Although New Year’s Day sees plenty of shoppers, foot traffic is often lower than regular shopping days, allowing stores to operate shorter hours safely.
3. Local Market Demands
In downtown or high‑traffic areas, stores may extend hours to meet customer demand. In smaller towns, fewer hours may suffice.
Each Dollar General store manager has some discretion in setting holiday hours, depending on local needs.
How to Check Your Local Dollar General Hours?
Because Dollar General locations differ significantly, the most accurate way to find out whether your local store is open and what hours it will observe is to:
1. Use the Dollar General Store Locator
Visit the official Dollar General website and use the store finder feature to check hours for a specific store.
2. Call Your Local Store
Dial the phone number listed for your Dollar General location to confirm holiday hours.
3. Google Maps
Search your store on Google Maps and review the hours section for holiday updates.
4. Visit the Store Earlier
If in doubt, plan to shop earlier in the day to avoid arriving after closing.
What Services Are Affected on Holiday Hours?
In‑Store Shopping
Stores usually offer full product access, even on shortened holiday hours.
Pickup Services
If your store participates in online order pickup, verify pickup cut‑off times ahead of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Returns and Exchanges
Most Dollar General locations will honor returns during their operating hours, but holiday policies may differ — ask customer service for specifics.
Pharmacy Services
Some Dollar General locations include in‑store pharmacies. These services often operate under separate hours from the main store and may close earlier or remain closed due to holiday scheduling.
Always verify pharmacy hours directly with the location.
Tips for Shopping at Dollar General Over the Holidays
To make your holiday errands easier and avoid frustration, consider these tips:
1. Plan Early
Get items like snacks, beverages, and personal care supplies early on New Year’s Eve, before stores begin to reduce hours.
2. Check Hours Ahead of Time
Don’t rely on regular store hours verify the holiday schedule for your specific location.
3. Make a List
Holiday shopping can be unpredictable. A list helps ensure you get everything you need quickly.
4. Consider Alternatives
If your local Dollar General closes early or isn’t open, nearby convenience stores or supermarkets might fill the gap.
Final Thoughts
Shopping around major holidays can be confusing, especially when hours differ from normal schedules. The good news for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 2026 is that Dollar General remains committed to accessibility, with most stores open on both days even if hours are reduced.
Whether you need last‑minute snacks, cleaning supplies, or everyday essentials, planning ahead and checking your local store’s hours will help ensure a smooth and stress‑free visit. With a little preparation, Dollar General can be a reliable resource for shoppers over the transition from 2025 into 2026.
FAQs
Pharmacies may operate under a different schedule; confirm directly with the store.
Most do, but hours vary some may close earlier than others. Always check locally.
Yes. Dollar General locations can adjust hours based on local demand and management decisions.
Yes. Dollar General tends to be open on January 1, 2026, with limited hours (often 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM).
Yes. Most Dollar General stores are open on December 31, 2025, but with shortened hours (typically 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
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