Is the Stock Market Open on Christmas Eve? Holiday Trading Hours Explained for 2025

Holiday Trading Hours: Is Wall Street Open on Christmas Eve?

As the holiday season approaches in 2025, investors and market watchers alike are asking the familiar question: Is the stock market open on Christmas Eve? This year, as in years past, the answer is nuanced—yes, but with a twist. Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will be open for trading on Wednesday, December 24. However, these major U.S. stock exchanges will close early, ending the trading session at 1 p.m. Eastern Time instead of the usual 4 p.m. Yahoo Finance, Herald Tribune, and Detroit Free Press all confirm this early closure, a tradition that reflects Wall Street’s recognition of the holiday spirit while still allowing for a partial day of trading.

• NYSE and Nasdaq will open at regular hours on Christmas Eve but close at 1 p.m. ET.
• The bond market will close at 2 p.m. ET on December 24.
• Markets remain closed on Christmas Day and reopen for normal hours on December 26.

Why Does the Stock Market Close Early on Christmas Eve?

The early closure on Christmas Eve is part of a broader schedule of holiday observances that the financial markets follow each year. In 2025, the NYSE and Nasdaq will observe ten holidays, including Christmas Day, with early closures on select dates like Christmas Eve and the Friday after Thanksgiving (Black Friday). This tradition allows market participants—traders, brokers, and investors—to begin their holiday celebrations a bit earlier, while ensuring that essential trading activities are still accommodated before the break.

The early close at 1 p.m. ET applies not only to the main stock exchanges but also to over-the-counter trading. According to Herald Tribune, NYSE American Equities, NYSE Arca Equities, and other affiliated exchanges will end late trading sessions at 5 p.m., and over-the-counter trades will also wrap up by 1 p.m. ET. The bond market, governed by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), will close at 2 p.m. ET on Christmas Eve, giving bond traders a slightly longer window before heading off for the holiday.

What Happens on Christmas Day and After?

On Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, both the NYSE and Nasdaq are fully closed. This is a federal holiday, and all major U.S. financial markets—including stocks and bonds—pause operations entirely. The closure is absolute: no trading, no after-hours sessions, and no over-the-counter deals until the markets reopen.

Trading resumes on Friday, December 26, at the regular opening time of 9:30 a.m. ET. Investors can expect normal market hours, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., until the next scheduled closure, which is New Year’s Day. For those following the bond market, the schedule mirrors the stock market for major holidays but also includes early closures on other dates such as New Year’s Eve (2 p.m. ET on December 31).

International Markets and Holiday Schedules

For those trading internationally, holiday schedules can differ. The London Stock Exchange, for example, starts closing at 12:30 p.m. London time (7:30 a.m. ET) on Christmas Eve, and the Hong Kong Market closes for the first weekday after Christmas Day. This staggered approach means global investors must keep a close eye on specific market calendars, especially if their portfolios span multiple regions.

Other Holidays and Notable Exceptions

Not all widely celebrated holidays result in market closures. The stock market generally remains open for occasions like Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, and New Year’s Eve—unless they fall on a weekend. However, if a major holiday like Christmas or Independence Day lands on a Saturday, markets typically close the preceding Friday; if on a Sunday, the closure shifts to Monday. One notable exception is New Year’s Day falling on a Saturday, when no closure is observed by Wall Street.

In rare circumstances, such as a National Day of Mourning following the death of a sitting or $1, markets may close unexpectedly, typically on the day of the funeral.

What Should Investors Do?

For most retail investors, the early closure on Christmas Eve is a gentle reminder to plan trades ahead of time and be mindful of reduced liquidity. Lower trading volume during holiday sessions can lead to increased price volatility and the potential for less favorable execution of trades. It’s wise to confirm all trade orders before the early cutoff and avoid making large moves in thin markets, unless absolutely necessary.

For those who trade outside regular hours, such as in the extended or after-hours sessions, remember that trading is riskier due to lower volumes and more unpredictable price swings. Over-the-counter markets also follow the early closure pattern, so the window for trades is similarly shortened.

Crypto and Other Markets: Always Open?

Unlike traditional equities and bonds, cryptocurrency markets operate 24/7, 365 days a year, unaffected by holidays. For some, this is a benefit—allowing trading even as traditional markets take a break. But for most, the pause in Wall Street’s activity offers a chance to reflect, regroup, and prepare for the next trading session.

Summary Table: Key Dates for 2025 Holiday Market Closures

• Wednesday, Dec. 24: NYSE & Nasdaq close at 1 p.m. ET; Bond market closes at 2 p.m. ET
• Thursday, Dec. 25: All major U.S. markets closed
• Friday, Dec. 26: Markets reopen for normal hours
• Other notable early closure: Black Friday, Nov. 28 (stock market closes at 1 p.m. ET)

The early closure of the U.S. stock market on Christmas Eve is a longstanding tradition rooted in respect for the holiday and the practical needs of market participants. While it may disrupt regular trading routines, it also offers a moment to step back and appreciate the rhythm of the financial world—where even the most relentless markets pause for reflection. Investors who understand these schedules can better plan their strategies, avoid surprises, and make the most of both the opportunities and the quiet moments that the holiday season brings. (Yahoo Finance, Herald Tribune, Detroit Free Press, Beacon Journal)