New Year's Day, January 1, is a federal holiday in the United States, meaning non-essential government offices and schools will be closed. Banks and major stock markets, including the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones, will also be closed. Meanwhile, Auckland, New Zealand, was among the first to celebrate 2026 with a fireworks display, while Sydney, Australia, marked the occasion amidst somber reflections following a recent mass shooting.