US investors are adjusting their plans after President Donald Trump announced that December 24 and December 26 will be observed as federal holidays. This raised questions about whether US stock exchanges would suspend trading on Christmas Eve.
Despite the executive order, the US stock market will remain open on December 24. Both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq have confirmed that trading schedules will not change, even though federal offices will be closed. However, markets will operate for a shorter session.
On Christmas Eve, trading on the NYSE and Nasdaq will end early at 1:00 pm Eastern Time, instead of the usual 4:00 pm close. The bond market will also follow a shortened schedule, closing at 2:00 pm ET, according to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.
The White House order applies only to federal government offices, granting federal employees a five-day holiday period around Christmas in 2025. It does not affect financial markets.
Looking ahead, US stock market holidays in 2026 include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.