Check Holiday Hours for Christmas and New Year's in Hampton Roads

Holiday Closures: What to Expect in Hampton Roads for Christmas and New Year's

As the holiday season approaches, residents across Hampton Roads are making plans and running last-minute errands. A key part of that planning is knowing which public services and offices will be unavailable on the official holidays. Both Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, and New Year's Day, Wednesday, January 1, will see widespread closures impacting daily routines.

Government and Public Services

All federal, state, and local government offices will be closed on both holidays. This includes city halls, courthouses, and departments of motor vehicles (DMV). Essential services like police, fire, and emergency medical response will remain operational.

Public libraries and most community recreation centers will also be shut down for the celebrations. Residents are advised to plan ahead for any necessary government transactions or library book returns.

Postal Service and Trash Collection

The United States Postal Service will not deliver mail on Christmas Day or New Year's Day. Post offices will be closed, and regular mail delivery will resume on the first weekday following each holiday.

Municipal trash and recycling collection schedules will be disrupted. In many localities, curbside pickup services normally scheduled for a Thursday or Wednesday will be pushed back by one day. Residents should consult their specific city's public works website or social media channels for confirmed schedule changes to avoid missed pickups.

Schools and Public Transit

All public school districts in the region will be closed for winter break, encompassing both holidays. Administrative offices are typically closed as well.

Public transportation systems, including buses and ferries, will generally operate on a reduced holiday schedule or not at all on December 25 and January 1. Commuters who rely on these services should check with Hampton Roads Transit or their local transit provider for detailed holiday timetables well before their planned travel.

What Remains Open?

While many public institutions close, the private sector largely remains open, though often with modified hours. Most retail stores, grocery stores, restaurants, and movie theaters will be open, especially on New Year's Day. Gas stations and convenience stores will also operate. As always, it is wise to call ahead or check a business's social media for its specific holiday operating hours before visiting.

What do you think?

• Should essential retail employees receive triple pay for working on major federal holidays like Christmas?


• Is it reasonable for cities to completely suspend public transit on holidays, potentially stranding those without vehicles?


• With so many services closed, do official holidays still serve their purpose of a collective day of rest, or have they become an inconvenience?


• Should trash collection be considered an essential service that continues without interruption on all holidays?