In the heart of the holiday season, investors and traders alike are often left wondering whether the stock market operates on a Friday, especially one that closely follows Christmas. As of the current date, 2025-12-26, the answer to this question is nuanced and depends on specific observances and market schedules.
The typical operating hours for the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, with the exception of certain holidays. The most recent holiday observed was Christmas on December 25, 2025, during which the markets were closed.
However, the stock market is traditionally open on the Friday immediately following Christmas. However, the day after Christmas, which is December 26, 2025, is not a federal holiday and the stock market is open for trading. Therefore, Friday, December 26, 2025, is a trading day for the NYSE and Nasdaq, and investors can expect normal trading hours to be in effect.
On certain occasions, such as Christmas Eve, the markets may close early. For instance, on December 24, 2025, the NYSE and Nasdaq closed at 1 p.m. ET in observance of Christmas Eve. Similarly, the markets may also close early on the day after Thanksgiving, which is November 28, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. CST.
In summary, while specific dates and observances can vary, the stock market is generally open on Fridays, barring any extraordinary circumstances or planned closures. Investors should always refer to the latest updates from reliable sources to stay informed about any potential changes in trading schedules, especially during holiday seasons.
