When is New Year’s Day?
In 2026, New Year’s Day falls on Thursday, January 1, 2026. It is classified here as a Jordanian public holiday.
History of New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day opens Jordan’s Gregorian civil calendar. It is distinct from the Hijri New Year, which follows the lunar Islamic calendar and moves through the Gregorian year. That dual rhythm is part of everyday life in Jordan: public institutions, businesses and schools use the Gregorian calendar, while major Muslim religious observances are dated by Hijri months.
New Year’s Eve brings dinners, hotel events and gatherings with friends in Amman and other cities; January 1 is generally slower and more family-oriented. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists it among Jordan’s official public holidays, so government offices and many financial institutions close, although hospitality venues and visitor attractions set their own seasonal hours.
Jordan’s usual public-sector working week runs Sunday through Thursday, while Friday and Saturday form the weekend for government and banks. The standing 2007 holiday circular says religious and national holidays are not generally advanced or postponed; Labour Day is the named exception. New Year’s Day 2026 falls on Thursday, so no date adjustment is needed. Essential services, hotels, restaurants and shops can operate despite the public-office closure, and their hours should be checked directly.
How New Year’s Day is observed
A nationwide public holiday on January 1. Government offices and banks close; private-sector and visitor schedules vary nationwide.
Traditions of New Year’s Day
New Year’s Eve dinners
Jordanian families and friends share an evening meal at home or in a restaurant, often followed by a midnight countdown.
Winter hospitality
Arabic coffee, sweets and unhurried visits make the first day of the Gregorian year a relaxed Jordanian social occasion.
A quiet reset
Many people use the January public break for family time, winter outings, rest and practical plans for the year ahead.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Jordanian official and legal guidance. Lunar dates, annual Royal or Cabinet notices and employer schedules should be confirmed against official notices.
History sources: Jordan Ministry of Foreign Affairs: public holidays, Jordan Customs: official holidays and observances, Central Bank of Jordan: 2026 bank holidays, Jordan Prime Ministry: standing holiday circular, Jordan Ministry of Labour and ILO: paid-holiday guidance.
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