What’s Open, Closed On New Year’s Day 2021 In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — On New Year’s Day, residents in Howard County will leave behind a year marked by unprecedented hardship and challenges. After spending much of the year navigating the once-in-a-lifetime coronavirus pandemic, many will no doubt welcome 2021 with open arms.

As we ring in the new year in our town, many local facilities and government offices will take the day off to recognize the start of the new year.

Here’s a look at what’s open and closed in Howard County on New Year’s:

Howard County Government offices, courts, animal shelter, Alpha Ridge Landfill, Cedar Lane and Schooley Mill Activity Rooms, Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, Robinson Nature Center, Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, and county historic sites will be closed in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday Friday. The county’s 50+ centers remain closed at this time due to the coronavirus pandemic. County parks will be open Jan. 1.

There won't be curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scrap collection on New Year’s Day, so the county’s holiday "slide” schedule will be in effect.

Most Howard County Government offices will operate normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday; however, the Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers will be closing early at 5 p.m. The Robinson Nature Center and the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, as well as the courts, will be closed on the 31st.

The Regional Transportation Agency buses will operate on its regular weekday schedule Dec. 31 and will not operate Jan. 1. Howard County parking fees will be enforced Dec. 31, but not Jan. 1.

The 9-1-1 Center, police and fire departments remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergencies, call 9-1-1; for non-emergencies, call 410-313-2200. County operations will resume Monday at regular business hours.

If you’re hoping to step out for some socially distanced shopping or dining in the area or if you're traveling, there are several stores and chain restaurants that will be open on New Year’s Day.

Retailers

• Bed, Bath & Beyond: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Dick’s Sporting Goods: Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Dillard’s: Some stores open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (varies by mall)
• Hobby Lobby: Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Home Depot: Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• IKEA: Open regular hours.
• Kohl’s: Open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Lowe’s: Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Macy’s: Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Marshalls: Open regular hours.
• Neiman Marcus: Open noon to 5 p.m.
• PetSmart: Open regular hours.
• Target: Open regular hours.
• TJ Maxx: Open 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Walgreens: Open regular hours.
• Walmart: Open regular hours.

Restaurants

• Applebee’s
• Balducci’s
• Black Angus Steakhouse
• Boston Market
• Buca di Beppo
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Burger King
• Carl's Jr.
• Carrabba’s
• The Cheesecake Factory
• Chick-fil-A
• Chili’s
• Chipotle
• Cracker Barrel
• Curry Up Now
• Denny’s
• Domino’s
• Dunkin’
• Eddie V’s
• Fogo de Chão
• Hardee's
• IHOP
• KFC
• Kona Grill
• Landry’s Kitchen
• Lettuce Entertain You
• Maggiano's
• Mastro’s
• McDonald’s
• Metro Diner
• Morton’s The Steakhouse
• Olive Garden
• Panda Express
• Panera Bread
• Patxi’s Pizza
• Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
• Smith & Wollensky
• Sonic
• Starbucks
• Subway
• Taco Bell
• The Capital Grille
• Waffle House
• Wahlburgers
• Yard House

Given the coronavirus pandemic and changing business restrictions in some states, we would encourage you to call ahead to confirm hours at any of these retailers or restaurants.