What’s open, closed over the holidays in the Twin Cities area

Although people may work on or between certain holidays, Minneapolis and St. Paul public school students will be off for winter break from Dec. 19-Jan. 2 then return to school Jan. 3.

Many public services and businesses will also be closed on holidays or nationally observed holidays. Twin Cities area residents can see some of those closures below.

What’s open and closed over the holiday break

Banks: Many banks follow the Federal Reserve schedule and will be closed Monday, Dec. 26 for Christmas Day observed and Monday, Jan. 2 for New Year’s Day observed.

City government offices: City-run offices in Minneapolis and St. Paul are expected to be closed on the holidays observed, which are the two Mondays after Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Driver and Vehicle Services: People should check with local offices to verify holiday hours.

Garbage services: Minneapolis and St. Paul garbage and recycling pick-ups will not change due to the holidays.

Grocery stores: While many grocery stores will be open on Christmas Eve, possibly with limited hours, most grocery stores will be closed on Christmas Day. Exceptions are CVS and some gas stations. On New Year’s Day, open grocery stores include Whole Foods, Wegmans, Walmart, Walgreens, Target, Publix, Kroger and CVS.

Libraries: Libraries in Hennepin and Ramsey counties will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1. St. Paul public libraries will be closed Dec. 23-26 and Jan. 1-2.

Mail delivery: USPS post offices will be closed Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1-2, and mail will not be delivered. USPS offices may have modified hours on New Year’s Eve. Except for critical delivery services, Fedex will not operate on Christmas Day. Some Fedex services may be limited on Dec. 24 and 26. Except for critical delivery services, UPS will not operate on Dec. 25-26. The same goes for the companies’ observed New Year’s dates.

Mass transit: Metro Transit buses and LRTs will follow their Sunday/holiday schedules on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Services will be reduced on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. The METRO Blue Line airport shuttle will continue operations. Northstar, Twin Cities service centers, information services and the Lost & Found will all be closed on those dates.

Parking: Metered spaces will be free on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. St. Paul spaces will be free Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1-2.

Police, fire emergency services and 911: These services will not be affected by the holiday observance.

Recreation centers: Minneapolis recreation centers will be closed Monday, Dec. 26. St. Paul recreation centers will be closed Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1-2. St. Paul recreation centers with “No-School Day” hours will open at 1 p.m. rather than 2 p.m. on Dec. 19-23 and Dec. 27-30.

Schools: Minneapolis and St. Paul schools will be closed Dec. 19 through Jan. 2. Students will return to school on Jan. 3.