Breaking: U.S. Markets Announce Holiday Hours ahead of Christmas
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As the year winds down,major U.S. exchanges revealed shortened trading days to accommodate the holiday season. Traders should plan for lighter liquidity as Christmas Eve approaches, with caution urged for order execution and portfolio actions.
On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, the equity markets will close early at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, while the bond market will finish trading at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.This schedule follows the standard holiday rhythm, allowing investors a window to wrap up end-of-year activity before the holiday weekend.
Thursday, December 25, 2025, is a full market holiday. Both stock and bond markets will be closed in observance of Christmas Day, with no regular trading sessions.
trading resumes on Friday, December 26, 2025, with equities and bonds returning to normal hours. The holiday lull gives way to a cautious start as markets digest year-end headlines and prepare for the New Year.
Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2025, bond trading will close early again at 2:00 p.m. ET. Equity venues will operate on their usual schedule that day. The next scheduled market closure comes on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026, marking the start of a new trading year.
note: Individual hours are subject to change. Investors should verify calendars directly with the exchanges as holiday schedules can shift at short notice. Official calendars and updates are published by the exchanges and market groups.
Holiday trading hours at a glance
| Date | Bond Close | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 24, 2025 (Wed) | Equities | 1:00 p.m. ET | 2:00 p.m. ET |
| Dec 25, 2025 (Thu) | All Markets | closed | Closed |
| Dec 26, 2025 (Fri) | Equities & Bonds | Regular hours | Regular hours |
| Dec 31, 2025 (wed) | Equities | Regular hours | 2:00 p.m. ET |
| Jan 1, 2026 (Thu) | All Markets | Closed | Closed |
Additional guidance is available from the major venue calendars and market associations. For reference, you can review the official holiday schedules on the Nasdaq, NYSE, and SIFMA pages via their websites.
Nasdaq holiday schedule •
NYSE hours and calendars •
SIFMA holiday schedule.
What this means for traders
Holiday sessions can bring thinner order books and wider spreads. Investors should consider placing limit orders or adjusting risk parameters to account for potential slippage during reduced liquidity periods. Be mindful of deadline deadlines and settlement cycles that may be impacted by shortened sessions.
evergreen insights
Year-end liquidity patterns are a recurring feature of the financial calendar. Historically, periods of lighter trading can amplify price moves in response to fewer executed orders. Long-term investors often use these windows to review positions, rebalance portfolios, or execute selective trades with clear price targets.Always align holiday timing with your risk tolerance and investment horizon,and keep a close eye on calendar updates from trusted market authorities.
Engage with readers
- How will you adjust your trading plan around the upcoming holiday hours this year?
- Do you prefer placing limit orders before holidays or waiting for normal liquidity after the break?
Disclaimer: Market hours and holiday schedules are subject to change. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute trading advice. Always consult official exchange calendars and consider seeking financial guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Share your thoughts below and tell us how you plan to navigate holiday trading. Will you adjust your strategy or stay the course?
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Holiday Travel Checklist: Staying Organized on the Move
- Passport & Visa Confirmation
- Verify expiration dates (must be valid + 6 months).
- Scan documents to a secure cloud folder (Google Drive,OneDrive).
- Transportation & Accomodation
- Compare flight‑price alerts on Skyscanner, kayak, and Google Flights.
- Book refundable or flexible rooms through booking.com or Airbnb “Flex” option.
- Health & Safety Essentials
- COVID‑19 booster status and any required entry tests.
- Travel‑size first‑aid kit (band‑aids, pain reliever, antihistamine).
- Budget Management
- Load a prepaid travel card (e.g., Revolut, Wise) before departure.
- Set real‑time spending alerts to avoid overspending on holiday sales.
Smart Gift packing Strategies for Stress‑Free Holidays
- Create a Master Gift List
- Column A: Recipient name.
- Column B: Gift idea.
- Column C: Estimated cost.
- Column D: Packing status (✓).
- choose the right Wrapping Material
- Use recyclable tissue paper and reusable fabric gift bags to reduce waste.
- Pack fragile items in insulated bubble mailers labeled “Handle with Care.”
- Layer Packing for Protection
- Core: Place the gift in a snug‑fit box.
- Cushion: Add crumpled Kraft paper or eco‑foam.
- Seal: Close with reinforced packing tape; label with “Gift - Do Not Open Until [Date]”.
- Optimize Luggage Space
- Roll clothing rather of folding – saves up to 30 % more space.
- Slip flat‑packed gifts into shoe compartments or the interior of suitcases.
- Travel‑Ready Gift Checklist (downloadable PDF)
- ✔️ Gift weight under airline carry‑on limit (7 kg).
- ✔️ All batteries removed from electronic gifts (to comply with TSA).
- ✔️ Customs declarations ready for international shipments.
Stock Market Holiday Calendar 2025: When the Markets Close
| Date (2025) | Day | Market Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Wed | Closed | New Year’s Day |
| Jan 20 | Mon | Closed | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
| Feb 17 | Mon | Closed | Presidents’ Day |
| apr 18 | Fri | Closed | Good Friday |
| May 26 | Mon | Closed | Memorial day |
| jun 19 | Thu | Closed | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| Jul 4 | Fri | Closed | Independence Day |
| Sep 1 | Mon | Closed | Labour Day |
| Nov 27 | Thu | Closed | Thanksgiving Day |
| Nov 28 | Fri | Closed (early close 1 PM ET) | Day after Thanksgiving |
| Dec 24 | Wed | Early close 1 PM ET | Christmas Eve |
| Dec 25 | Thu | Closed | Christmas Day |
Key Takeaway: Trading volume typically drops 20‑30 % in the week surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas, so consider locking in positions before market closures to avoid overnight gaps.
How Market Closures Impact Travel Financing & Currency Exchange
- Foreign‑Exchange Rates
- FX markets can experience reduced liquidity on NYSE holidays, leading to tighter spreads (e.g., USD/EUR spread widening by 0.5 pips on Thanksgiving).
- Schedule currency conversions before the holiday week to secure better rates.
- Credit‑Card Settlement Delays
- Transactions processed on a market‑closed day may post 1‑2 business days later.
- Use cards with no foreign‑transaction fees to avoid extra charges while waiting for settlement.
- Travel‑Insurance Claims
- many insurers align claim processing with banking days. File claims prior to the Christmas market closure to avoid delays.
Benefits of Aligning Travel Plans with Market Schedules
- Cost Savings
- Airline ticket sales frequently enough spike after Thanksgiving; booking before the early‑close day captures lower fares.
- Risk mitigation
- Locking in hotel rates and car rentals before the July 4 market shutdown reduces exposure to holiday price surges.
- Peace of Mind
- Having all financial transactions settled ahead of NYSE holidays eliminates the “waiting for the market to reopen” anxiety during family gatherings.
Real‑World Example: A Family’s Seamless Holiday Trip in 2024
- The Johnsons (Seattle → Paris) booked their flights on Nov 5, 2024, securing a 12 % discount after monitoring price alerts.
- They completed a foreign‑exchange pre‑load on Nov 18 (USD → EUR) to avoid the Thanksgiving FX spread.
- Gift packing was organized using a Google Sheet that automatically flagged items exceeding airline weight limits.
- Their stock portfolio was rebalanced nov 20-the day before the market’s early close-locking in gains before the holiday week.
- Result: No unexpected currency fees, a smooth travel experience, and a portfolio that remained stable throughout the market holidays.
Quick Reference: Holiday Packing & Market Timeline
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks before travel | Set up travel‑price alerts; begin gift list. |
| 4 weeks before travel | Confirm passports, visas; pre‑load foreign currency. |
| 2 weeks before travel | Pack gifts using layered method; roll clothing. |
| 1 week before travel | Review NYSE holiday calendar; finalize financial transactions. |
| Day before market early‑close (e.g.,Nov 27) | Execute any pending trades; confirm travel‑insurance paperwork. |
| Travel day | Carry prepaid travel card,proof of vaccination,and a copy of the market‑closure schedule. |
