As the holidays approach in late December 2025, many investors and traders are asking an important question: “Is the stock market closed on Christmas and New Year’s Eve?” The answer affects trading plans, financial decisions, and timing for placing orders. Here’s a clear and honest look at the U.S. stock market schedule around these major holidays.
This guide explains when the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will be open, when they will close early, and what to expect on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. You’ll also find useful trading reminders and answers to common holiday questions.
Holiday Trading Schedule Overview
The holiday season can interrupt regular stock market hours. In 2025, Christmas and New Year’s fall close together, and the NYSE and Nasdaq have adjusted trading hours accordingly.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
Christmas Eve — Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025: Early close at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Christmas Day — Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025: Markets closed all day
New Year’s Eve — Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025: Normal trading hours
New Year’s Day — Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026: Markets closed all day
These hours help traders plan around the holidays and avoid surprises.
Christmas Eve: Shortened Trading Day
What Traders Should Know
On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, the NYSE and Nasdaq will be open, but trading will end early at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time for stocks. This early close is a long-standing tradition on Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday.
The early close gives market participants a chance to finish trading before the holiday. It also affects bond markets, which often close early as well typically around 2:00 p.m. ET.
Investors should note that pre-market and after-hours trading may still occur, but these sessions can have lower liquidity and wider price swings, so caution is important.
Christmas Day: Full Market Closure
No Trading on Dec. 25
All U.S. stock markets, including NYSE and Nasdaq, will be closed all day on Thursday, December 25, 2025, in observance of Christmas Day. This means there will be no regular trading sessions, auctions, or official market activity on this date.
Most financial services, including retail banks and federal offices, also close for Christmas Day. Traders and investors should plan ahead to avoid last-minute orders or settlement issues.
New Year’s Eve: Regular Trading Hours
Normal Market Activity
Unlike Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2025 (New Year’s Eve) does not have an early close for stock trading. The market will operate on its regular schedule, with continuous trading from the morning open to the standard 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time close.
This full trading day lets investors make final year-end portfolio adjustments. It’s often a busy day for markets as traders position for the year ahead.
New Year’s Day: Markets Closed
Holiday Closure Continues
On Thursday, January 1, 2026, U.S. stock markets will be closed all day in observance of New Year’s Day. This closure includes the NYSE and Nasdaq, meaning there will be no official stock trading on this federal holiday.
This closure aligns with federal holiday schedules, similar to how markets shut for Christmas Day. Investors should note that regular trading activity resumes the next business day.
Why Markets Close or Shorten Hours
Holiday closures and early trading hours are part of established stock market traditions. Exchanges like the NYSE and Nasdaq adjust their calendars to reflect major U.S. holidays, allowing employees and participants to observe celebrations.
Shortened trading sessions, like on Christmas Eve, recognize that lower trading volumes often occur as many traders take time off. Early closures also help reduce volatility that can happen during thinly traded periods.
How Holiday Hours Affect Traders
Planning Ahead
Holiday trading changes can affect order execution and settlement:
Place trades early in the week for Christmas week.
Know that orders placed after 1:00 p.m. ET on Dec. 24 may not execute until Dec. 26.
Expect normal settlement timelines, even around holidays.
Understanding these shifts helps avoid unexpected delays or pricing surprises.
International Markets and Holidays
While U.S. markets have specific holiday rules, international markets follow their own calendars:
Major European exchanges close on Christmas Day but may operate on Christmas Eve with adjusted hours.
Asian markets may follow different holiday schedules depending on local rules. Trading availability can vary widely around New Year’s.
Global investors should check individual exchange calendars if they trade overseas.
Tips for Holiday Trading
Watch for Thin Liquidity
Trading days around holidays often have lower trading volume. This can make prices more volatile and spreads wider. Consider this before placing large orders.
Set Alerts and Orders Early
Use limit orders and price alerts to help manage risk, especially around shortened sessions when prices can move quickly.
Check Bond Markets
Bond markets have their own schedule and may close early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the U.S. stock market open on Christmas Day?
No. The NYSE and Nasdaq will be closed all day on December 25, 2025.
Does the stock market close early on Christmas Eve?
Yes. Both the NYSE and Nasdaq will close early at 1:00 p.m. ET on Dec. 24, 2025.
Will the market be open on New Year’s Eve?
Yes. Stock markets will operate on regular hours on Dec. 31, 2025.
Is the market closed on New Year’s Day?
Yes. The NYSE and Nasdaq will be closed on January 1, 2026.
Do bond markets follow the same schedule?
Bond markets may operate separately but often close early on holiday eves and remain closed on the holiday itself.
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