New Year’s Eve And Day Parking, Subway Service, And Library Hour Changes

Thursday, January 1 is New Year’s Day and if you’re in the area, here are some things you’ll need to know for the holiday. Note that New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31, is not an official holiday, and all city government offices are open.

Government Offices, Parking, And Sanitation

All government offices are closed on New Year’s Day, including courts.

There is no mail delivery.

All NYC public schools remain closed through Friday, January 2, 2015, for Winter Recess. Students return to school on Monday, January 5, 2015.

Alternate side parking regulations are suspended and parking meters do not have to be paid on New Year’s Day. Additionally, no stopping, no standing, and no parking regulations are suspended, except where those regulations are in effect at any time or seven days a week.

There is no sanitation collection. If Thursday is your regular garbage or organics day, place your items out after 4pm. Recyclables should not be put out until the next week.

Libraries

All branches of the New York library systems are closed on New Year’s Day. But they will be open from 9am-1pm on New Year’s Eve.

Subways And Buses

The New York City Subway will operate on a regular weekday schedule on Wednesday. New York City subways and buses will operate on a Sunday schedule (meaning no B train).

If you are heading to or from Times Square for the ball drop, however, note the following traffic changes by the NYPD:

Beginning at 7pm on Wednesday, December 31, some subway access around Times Square will be closed.
Southbound and northbound N/R/Q lines will bypass the 49th Street station beginning at 7pm, Wednesday, December 31 until approximately 12:15am, Thursday, January 1.
The northbound 1 train will bypass the 50th Street station beginning at 7pm, Wednesday, December 31 until approximately 12:15am, Thursday, January 1.

Also, make sure you pack lightly, carrying only what can fit in your coat or a small bag.

  • Backpacks and large bags prohibited.
  • Alcohol beverages prohibited.
  • Property may not be abandoned at checkpoints.
  • Attendees who leave before the ball drops will not be able to gain entry to their original viewing area.