Stock Market Holidays 2026 List

Stock Market Holidays 2026 List

Stock Market Holidays 2026 List is essential for traders and investors who want to plan ahead and avoid surprises during U.S. market closures. This guide outlines all the U.S. stock market holidays in 2026, including official dates, historical context, and how market closures may impact trading behavior.

Official U.S. Stock Market Holidays in 2026

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ observe the following federal holidays in 2026. Please refer stock market calendar below. On these days, markets are fully closed:

Note: If a holiday falls on a weekend, the market may be closed on the nearest weekday. For example, if Independence Day is on a Saturday, the market may close the preceding Friday.

Are There Half Days in 2026?

Yes, in 2026, many stock markets will observe half trading days around certain holidays, such as Christmas Eve (December 24) and Thanksgiving Day (November 26) in the U.S. On these days, markets typically close early, around 1:00 PM EST.

The exact dates and times may vary depending on the exchange and year-specific scheduling. It’s always best to check the official market calendar for precise information.

These partial trading days are important for investors who want to avoid low-volume trading sessions.

What Holidays Is the Stock Market Closed?

In summary, the U.S. stock market is closed for 9 full holidays in 2025. These closures align with most U.S. federal holidays and are consistently observed across NYSE and NASDAQ.

In 2026, the U.S. stock market will be closed on 10 full holidays. These include:

• New Year’s Day (January 1)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19)
• Presidents’ Day (February 16)
• Good Friday (April 3)
• Memorial Day (May 25)
• Juneteenth (June 19)
• Independence Day (Observed) (July 3)
• Labor Day (September 7)
• Thanksgiving Day (November 26)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

Additionally, the stock market closes early on Christmas Eve (December 24) typically at 1:00 PM EST.

How Do the Holidays Affect the Stock Market?

Market closures can create short-term volatility and thin trading volumes around holiday periods. Here’s how holidays may impact investor behavior:

• Before a holiday: Markets may see lighter trading activity as institutional investors reduce positions.
• After a holiday: You may see a “holiday effect” or bounce, particularly around Thanksgiving or Christmas, due to increased optimism or portfolio adjustments.
• Reduced liquidity: Lower participation can lead to wider bid-ask spreads.

If you’re actively trading, it’s wise to avoid initiating major positions right before or after a holiday. Institutional investors often adjust schedules, and the market may not reflect true momentum during these times.

Why Staying Aware of Stock Market Holidays Matters

Missing out on trading opportunities or failing to adjust your investment plans due to a market closure can lead to poor timing and unfulfilled orders. Whether you’re an active day trader or a passive investor, having the stock market holiday 2026 schedule helps you:

• Plan portfolio rebalancing
• Avoid low-volume trading traps
• Monitor dividend schedules and earnings announcements more effectively

U.S. Stock Market Holidays 2026 List Recap

Here’s a quick recap for easy reference:

Bookmark this page or sync your calendar with the stock market holidays 2026 list to stay on track all year.

Stay Ahead with Real-Time Market Events

Planning around holidays is just one part of a successful trading strategy. To stay informed about upcoming economic events that may impact the markets, check out our Economic Calendar. It provides real-time updates on key announcements, reports, and indicators that matter to traders.

Conclusion

Understanding the U.S. stock market holidays in 2026 is more than just marking your calendar, it’s a proactive way to refine your strategy, minimize risk, and stay ahead of unexpected closures.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, planning around these dates helps you trade smarter. While U.S. stock markets may be closed on holidays, the forex market often remains active, offering trading opportunities around the clock. If you want to diversify your strategy and stay active even during stock market closures, explore our Forex trading platform to access global currency pairs with competitive spreads and real-time execution.