Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting to dip your toes into the world of trading, knowing the market’s schedule is crucial. The stock market doesn’t operate 24/7, and being aware of its off days can save you from confusion and help you plan your financial strategy. This guide is your one-stop resource for all stock market holidays 2025, providing you with the dates you need to mark on your calendar. We’ll cover everything from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to the Nasdaq, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the year ahead. Understanding these closures is a fundamental part of managing your investments effectively.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. stock market observes nine official holidays each year, leading to full market closures.
- Certain holidays, like Good Friday, sometimes result in market closures, but this can vary.
- Early closures often occur on the days before or after a major holiday, such as Christmas Eve and the day after Thanksgiving.
- Bond markets have a slightly different holiday schedule and often close on days when the stock market remains open.
- Knowing the stock market holidays 2025 helps you plan trades, manage expectations, and avoid trying to place orders on days when the market is inactive.
What Are Stock Market Holidays?
Stock market holidays are specific days when the major U.S. stock exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq, close for business. On these days, you cannot buy or sell stocks, ETFs, or other securities. These closures are scheduled in observance of federal holidays and allow traders, exchange employees, and other financial professionals to take a day off. Think of them as scheduled maintenance days for the entire financial industry. It’s important to distinguish these from unexpected trading halts, which can occur due to technical glitches or extreme market volatility. The scheduled stock market holidays 2025 are predictable and announced well in advance, giving everyone ample time to prepare.
Why You Should Care About Market Closures
Knowing the schedule of stock market holidays 2025 is more than just trivia; it’s a practical part of a smart investment strategy. When the market is closed, liquidity dries up, and you can’t react to breaking news by buying or selling shares. For example, if a company releases major positive news on a holiday, you’ll have to wait until the next trading day to act, by which time the stock price may have already jumped. Similarly, negative news can’t be acted upon until the market reopens. By knowing these dates, you can plan your trades around them, ensuring you don’t get caught off guard. You can also manage your cash flow and portfolio adjustments more effectively.
Full List of Stock Market Holidays 2025
The major U.S. stock exchanges follow a set schedule of closures each year. For 2025, the NYSE and Nasdaq will be closed on nine specific days. It’s a great idea to sync these dates with your personal calendar so you’re always in the know.
Here is the official schedule for stock market holidays 2025:
|
Holiday |
Date |
|---|---|
|
New Year’s Day |
Wednesday, January 1 |
|
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
Monday, January 20 |
|
Washington’s Birthday |
Monday, February 17 |
|
Good Friday |
Friday, April 18 |
|
Memorial Day |
Monday, May 26 |
|
Juneteenth National Independence Day |
Thursday, June 19 |
|
Independence Day |
Friday, July 4 |
|
Labor Day |
Monday, September 1 |
|
Thanksgiving Day |
Thursday, November 27 |
|
Christmas Day |
Thursday, December 25 |
Breaking Down Each 2025 Market Holiday
Let’s take a closer look at each of these closures and what they mean for your trading week.
New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
The market kicks off the year with a holiday. As January 1, 2025, falls on a Wednesday, traders will get a midweek break right after the year-end rush. This is a standard global holiday, giving financial markets around the world a moment to pause.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Monday, January 20
Observed on the third Monday of January, this holiday honors the legacy of the civil rights leader. It results in a three-day weekend for the market, providing a brief pause in trading early in the year.
Washington’s Birthday: Monday, February 17
Commonly known as Presidents’ Day, this holiday falls on the third Monday of February. It’s another scheduled break that gives traders a long weekend and a pause from the daily market action.
Good Friday: Friday, April 18
While not a federal holiday, Good Friday is a long-standing tradition for stock market closures. Its inclusion in the list of stock market holidays 2025 is a key date to remember, as it falls on a Friday, creating a long weekend before Easter.
Memorial Day: Monday, May 26
This federal holiday, honoring military personnel who died in service, is observed on the last Monday of May. It marks the unofficial start of summer and provides a three-day weekend for the markets.
Juneteenth National Independence Day: Thursday, June 19
Juneteenth became a federal and stock market holiday in 2021. It commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Its observance on a Thursday in 2025 means a standalone day off mid-week.
Independence Day: Friday, July 4
The market will be closed on Friday, July 4, to celebrate Independence Day. This gives traders a three-day weekend to enjoy summer festivities.
Labor Day: Monday, September 1
Observed on the first Monday of September, Labor Day honors American workers. It marks the unofficial end of summer and gives the market a final three-day weekend before the busy fall season.
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 27
The stock market is always closed on Thanksgiving Day, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November. This is one of the most significant stock market holidays 2025.
Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25
The final market holiday of the year is Christmas Day. With it falling on a Thursday in 2025, it sets up a shortened trading week during the holiday season.
What About Early Closures?
In addition to full-day holidays, the stock market also has a few days with shortened trading hours. These early closures typically occur around major holidays and are important to note so you don’t miss the closing bell. For 2025, you should be aware of these dates.
- Friday, July 3, 2025 (Day before Independence Day): The market is expected to close early, likely at 1:00 PM ET.
- Friday, November 28, 2025 (Black Friday): The day after Thanksgiving is famously a short trading day, with the market closing at 1:00 PM ET. This allows traders to get a jump start on their holiday shopping.
- Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve): The market will also close early on Christmas Eve, typically at 1:00 PM ET, to allow market participants to begin their holiday celebrations.
These early closures can have a noticeable impact on trading volume, which often thins out as the day progresses. It’s wise to complete any important trades well before the early bell.
Bond Market vs. Stock Market Holidays
It’s a common misconception that the bond and stock markets share the exact same holiday schedule. While there is significant overlap, the bond market, which is overseen by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), observes a few additional holidays.
For instance, the bond market typically closes for Columbus Day and Veterans Day, while the stock market remains open. This is crucial information for investors who hold both stocks and bonds, as they need to track two different schedules. For the most up-to-date information on market trends and financial news, resources like Silicon Valley Time can be very helpful. Knowing the complete schedule for all your assets ensures you have a comprehensive view of your investment landscape for the stock market holidays 2025.
How Holidays Impact Trading Volume and Volatility
Market holidays do more than just give traders a day off; they can influence market dynamics. Trading volume is often lower on the days leading up to and immediately following a holiday. With fewer participants, the market can sometimes experience increased volatility, as a smaller number of trades can have a larger impact on prices. This is often referred to as “thin trading.” For instance, the short trading day on Black Friday is known for its low volume. Smart investors pay attention to these patterns. Some use the quieter periods to analyze their portfolios, while others might choose to stay on the sidelines to avoid the potential for unpredictable price swings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the stock market open on Black Friday 2025?
The stock market is open on Black Friday (November 28, 2025), but it is a shortened trading day. The market will close early, at 1:00 PM ET.
2. Are stock markets open on Veterans Day and Columbus Day?
Yes, the NYSE and Nasdaq are open for trading on both Veterans Day and Columbus Day. However, the bond market is typically closed on these days.
3. What happens if a stock market holiday falls on a weekend?
If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the market will close on the preceding Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, the market will close on the following Monday. This was the case for New Year’s Day in 2023.
4. Can I place trades on a stock market holiday?
You can submit a trade order with your broker on a holiday, but it will not be executed until the market reopens on the next business day. The trade will be placed in a queue.
**5. Does the stock market holidays 2025 schedule ever change?
The schedule is set far in advance and rarely changes. However, in extraordinary circumstances, such as national emergencies or severe weather, exchanges can announce unscheduled closures.
Plan Your 2025 Trading Strategy Now
With this comprehensive guide to the stock market holidays 2025, you are now equipped to navigate the year’s trading schedule with confidence. By marking these dates on your calendar, you can plan your investment activities, manage your expectations, and avoid any surprises. Remember that shortened trading days are just as important as full-day closures, as they can impact market liquidity and volatility.
Staying informed about the market’s operational hours is a simple yet effective step in becoming a more disciplined and successful investor. Use this information to your advantage, and make 2025 a great year for your portfolio. Keep this guide handy and check back for any updates as you plan your financial moves for the year ahead.
