Holiday Trading Schedule for Christmas Eve

As the holiday season approaches, investors and consumers are preparing for adjusted financial market hours. Christmas Eve, falling on a Tuesday this year, will see modified schedules for major stock exchanges and banking institutions across the United States.

Stock Market Trading Hours

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will operate on a shortened trading schedule for Christmas Eve. Both exchanges will close at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, three hours earlier than the standard 4:00 p.m. closing. This early closure follows the traditional holiday schedule observed by U.S. equity markets.

Trading will remain suspended on Christmas Day, with normal market hours resuming on Wednesday, December 26. Investors should note that bond markets will also close early at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Christmas Eve.

Banking and Financial Services

Most major banks, including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, will maintain regular business hours on Christmas Eve. However, consumers should verify specific branch hours through their bank's website or mobile app, as some locations may close earlier than usual.

  • ATM and online banking services will remain available 24/7
  • Direct deposits and electronic transfers will process normally
  • Check deposits made on Christmas Eve may not clear until December 26

Planning Ahead for Financial Transactions

Financial advisors recommend completing time-sensitive transactions before the early market closure. "Investors should plan their trading activity accordingly and consider settling any pending transactions before the shortened session," noted market analyst Jennifer Lee. "The reduced liquidity during abbreviated sessions can sometimes lead to increased volatility."

International markets will follow their own holiday schedules, with many European exchanges closed entirely on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Asian markets will operate normally, though Japanese markets will be closed for the Emperor's Birthday on December 23.