Christmas Day And Christmas Eve 2021: What's Open, Closed In NYC?

NEW YORK CITY — It's the day that the city that never sleeps takes a little rest. And, as omicron makes NYC once again a COVID-19 hotspot, Christmas Day will be even quieter than normal

Many holiday traditions are on hold. The Rockettes have shut down early, many people wary of crowds are avoiding attractions like the Rockefeller tree and, with more than 17,000 daily positive cases being reported in the city, a lot of travel plans and family gatherings have been scrapped.

A good rule of thumb is, expect things to be closed Dec. 25 – and Dec. 24, which is the recognized holiday as Christmas falls on a Saturday. But, if in doubt, check this round up.

Government Buildings And Banks

• City, state and federal offices will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Post offices will be closed. Regular mail will not be delivered Christmas Day.
• Banks will not be open on Christmas Day.

All public library locations will be closed until next week.

Schools

New York City public schools are closed until Jan. 3. Mayor Bill de Blasio has vowed that the current COVID wave will not delay them from opening, although there'll be a new mayor in town by then as Eric Adams takes the reins Jan. 1.

Parking

No need to be moving your car Friday or Saturday, alternate-side parking rules are suspended.

Public Transportation

• Subways will run on a Saturday schedule Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Buses will also run on a Saturday schedule on Christmas Eve, a Sunday schedule Christmas Day and will have reduced service weekday service until New Year's Eve.
• LIRR trains will add 12 extra trains in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, and run on a regular weekend schedule Christmas Day.
• MetroNorth trains will run on a Saturday schedule on Christmas Eve, and a special schedule Christmas Day with hourly service on all lines.

Sanitation

There won’t be any trash or recycling collection on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Stores

• Trader Joe's: Stores will be closed on Christmas Day and will close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
• Whole Foods: Stores in New York City will be closed on Christmas Day and will close at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
• Costco: Stores will be closed on Christmas Day.
• Target: Stores will close at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Stores will be closed on Christmas Day.