What’s open, what’s closed, what’s up in Winnipeg on Jan. 1, 2026

Welcome to 2026!

Whether you’re resting after a late night out ringing in the new year, or looking to get out and about to make this year the best yet, the Free Press has you covered.

The Free Press is not publishing a print or e-edition on New Years Day, but readers can visit our website for the latest news and information.

Here’s a round-up of hours of business for services and things to do while kicking off the first day of the year.

SPECIAL EVENTS

For a roundup of special events celebrating the New Year, see What’s Up.

GOVERNMENT SERVICES

Civic, provincial and federal offices are closed.

There is no mail delivery on New Year’s Day. Canada Post offices are closed, but post offices operated by the private sector will be open according to the hours of service of the host business.

All city cemetery grounds are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The administration office at Brookside Cemetery which is responsible for Brookside, St. Vital and Transcona cemeteries, will be closed.

Winnipeg Transit will operate on a Sunday schedule on Jan. 1.  Plan your specific route and see service alerts on the Winnipeg Transit site.

RECYCLING AND TRASH

Recycling and garbage will not be collected on Jan. 1.

The Brady Road landfill is closed Jan. 1.

The 4R Winnipeg depot at the Brady landfill will be closed. Pacific and Panet4R will also be closed.

RECREATION AND LEISURE

Winnipeg Public Library branches will be closed Jan. 1. (Find your great next read in our Books section.)

All arenas will be closed.

Leisure centres will be closed Jan. 1

City of Winnipeg swimming pools will be closed Jan. 1.

Major movie theatres will be open. (Not sure what to see? Find news and reviews in our Movies section.)

The Assiniboine Park Zoo will be open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and The Leaf will be will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  See what’s on.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights will be closed Jan. 1. See current exhibits and events.

The Manitoba Children’s Museum will be open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Check out their featured events.

The Manitoba Museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Upcoming events at the museum and planetarium.

The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Upcoming events.

The Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Current exhibitions.

FortWhyte Alive is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.  Calendar of events.

SHOPPING

Most larger chain grocery stores will be open., but you might want to call ahead to check the hours at your preferred shop.

CF Polo Park, Garden City Shopping Centre, Grant Park Shopping Centre and Kildonan Place are all closed Jan. 1.

Outlet Collection Winnipeg and St. Vital Centre will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Forks Market will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. New Year’s Day festivities will be held inside and outside at The Forks from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

All Liquor Mart stores in Winnipeg will be closed Jan. 1.  Check hours at your preferred store.

Beer vendors and private wine stores set their own hours for holidays, so call ahead.

webnews@freepress.mb.ca