Starbucks, McDonald's and Dunkin'
Unsplash

As midnight approaches and confetti falls across Times Square and London's West End, a more pressing question looms for millions stumbling into 1 January 2026: will the familiar sanctuary of their neighbourhood Starbucks, McDonald's, or Dunkin' Donuts actually be open? The answer, as anyone who has arrived at a supposedly 'always open' fast food outlet to find locked doors will know, is frustratingly complicated.

The good news is straightforward. Yes, most locations of these three coffee and fast food giants will welcome customers on New Year's Day. The catch—and there always is one—is that 'most' does not mean 'all', and 'open' does not necessarily mean operating at full capacity. With thousands of franchised locations scattered across shopping centres, airports, petrol stations, and high streets, the experience varies dramatically depending on where you live and which establishment you choose.

Starbucks on New Year's Day: Your Caffeine Fix Awaits—Sometimes

For those seeking their morning ritual of espresso and oat milk, Starbucks remains a largely dependable option. The chain operates on New Year's Day with modified hours at most locations, typically opening between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM and closing between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM, depending on your local store.​

However, the word 'typically' carries significant weight here. Starbucks does not operate under a single, nationwide holiday schedule. Urban locations in major cities like London, New York, and Manchester tend to maintain closer approximation to regular hours, whilst suburban and mall-based stores frequently reduce their operating hours more dramatically. A Starbucks nestled inside a shopping centre mall may follow the mall's holiday schedule rather than its own timetable, potentially remaining closed until mid-morning.​

The company's official position is transparent: check your local store. Using the Starbucks mobile app or website store locator is the only reliable method to confirm exact hours for your specific location.​

McDonald's: The Burger Chain That Usually Delivers on Holidays

McDonald's similarly commits to opening on New Year's Day across most of its 1,400-plus UK locations. However, like Starbucks, the franchise model grants individual restaurant operators considerable autonomy over their holiday schedules. Most stores will operate between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM, though some will open later, at 8:00 AM, and many will close earlier than their regular hours—particularly urban 24-hour locations.​

In Manchester, for instance, McDonald's Oxford Road typically operates round the clock, but on New Year's Day it will open at 8:00 AM and close at 9:00 PM. London Bridge's McDonald's, normally open from 5:00 AM to 11:55 PM, will similarly reduce to 8:00 AM to 10:55 PM. These are not exceptions; they represent the norm across most major chains operating reduced holiday schedules.​

The lesson is consistent: verify your local branch using the McDonald's app or website restaurant locator before making the journey.​

Dunkin' Donuts: The Reliable Option With Caveats

Dunkin' Donuts positions itself as particularly dependable on major holidays, keeping doors open on both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Most locations will be operating, making it a relatively safe choice compared to some competitors. The caveat remains the franchise model. Franchisees can set their own hours, meaning some locations will trim trading times by an hour or more at either end of the day.​

Location type matters considerably. A Dunkin' inside an airport or shopping centre follows that venue's holiday schedule, not its own independent timetable. Popular items tend to sell out quickly on holiday mornings, and the chain is offering customers free donuts with any beverage purchase on 2 January 2026, which may contribute to significantly longer queues.​

The Practical Solution: Check Before You Go

The uncomfortable truth is this: in 2026, there is no such thing as assuming a fast food chain will be open on New Year's Day. Even the most reliable chains operate with franchise discretion, location-specific variations, and reduced holiday schedules.​

The solution requires five minutes of digital diligence. Check your local store's hours using mobile apps or website locators before you venture out. Mobile ordering through these apps offers an additional advantage—confirmation that your chosen location is actually open—reducing wasted journeys and frustration.​