Definition — U.S. stock markets are normally open Monday through Friday, but the NYSE and Nasdaq close on designated market holidays and may close early on certain days. In 2026, there are 10 full market holidays, plus two scheduled early-close days.

If you trade U.S. stocks, knowing the holiday calendar matters for more than just order execution. Market holidays can also affect settlement dates and when an order placed outside market hours can be executed.

U.S. Stock Market Holidays in 2026

The NYSE and Nasdaq observe the following full-day market closures in 2026:

On these dates, the regular U.S. equity trading session does not take place.

U.S. Stock Market Early Closures in 2026

Not every holiday-related schedule change means a full-day closure.

In 2026, U.S. stock markets are scheduled to close early at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on:

The normal core trading session runs until 4:00 p.m. ET, so these sessions are three hours shorter than a regular trading day.

Shortened sessions can also have different liquidity and trading conditions from a normal day.

Is the U.S. Stock Market Open on Independence Day 2026?

No.

Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026, so the U.S. stock market observes the holiday on Friday, July 3.

NYSE and Nasdaq are closed for the entire trading day on July 3.

Trading resumes on the next regular market day.

Is the Stock Market Open on Thanksgiving 2026?

The market is closed on Thursday, November 26, 2026, for Thanksgiving.

It reopens on Friday, November 27, but the regular session ends early at 1:00 p.m. ET.

This creates one of the most important shortened trading weeks on the U.S. market calendar.

Is the Stock Market Open on Christmas Eve 2026?

Yes, but only for a shortened session.

On Thursday, December 24, 2026, NYSE and Nasdaq are scheduled to close at 1:00 p.m. ET.

The markets are then fully closed on Friday, December 25, for Christmas Day.

What Are Normal U.S. Stock Market Hours?

On a regular trading day, the core session for NYSE and Nasdaq stocks runs:

9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Monday through Friday, excluding market holidays.

Pre-market and after-hours sessions can extend the trading day for supported securities, but liquidity, spreads, and order execution can differ from the regular session.

Holiday schedules can also affect extended-hours trading, so traders should check the relevant exchange or broker schedule when trading around a holiday.

Do Market Holidays Affect Settlement?

Yes.

Settlement is based on business days, not simply calendar days.

Most U.S. stock transactions currently follow a T+1 settlement cycle, meaning they normally settle one business day after the trade date.

If the next day is a market holiday, settlement can move to the next eligible business day.

For example, a trade made immediately before a long holiday weekend may take several calendar days to settle even though the settlement cycle is still T+1.

This is why market holidays matter even if you are not planning to trade on the holiday itself.

Can You Place an Order When the U.S. Market Is Closed?

You may be able to submit or prepare an order while the regular market is closed, depending on the platform and order type.

But submitting an order and executing a trade are different things.

An order intended for the regular session generally cannot execute until the relevant market session is open.

This distinction is especially important around long weekends, when the time between placing an order and the next regular session can be several calendar days.

Stablecoin Funding Doesn't Follow the Market Calendar

Stock exchanges have holidays. Stablecoin networks don't follow the same calendar.

On StableStock, users can fund their accounts with supported stablecoins such as USDT or USDC outside normal banking and stock-market hours.

That means you can prepare your account while the U.S. market is closed.

But the underlying stocks still trade according to their actual market schedule.

In simple terms:

Funding can be 24/7. Stock execution still follows the market.

Why Traders Should Check the Holiday Calendar

Market holidays affect more than whether the exchange is open.

They can affect:

• When an order can execute

• Settlement dates

• Trading volume and liquidity around holidays

• Regular and extended trading schedules

• When major market participants return to the market

Holiday-adjacent sessions can sometimes be quieter than normal trading days, particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

If you trade across several countries, remember that each market has its own calendar. A U.S. holiday does not necessarily mean Hong Kong or Korean markets are also closed.

Takeaway

NYSE and Nasdaq have 10 full-day market holidays in 2026.

The two scheduled early-close sessions are November 27 and December 24, when the U.S. equity market closes at 1:00 p.m. ET.

For investors, these dates matter not only for trading hours but also for settlement and order timing.

And while stablecoin funding can remain available outside market hours, trading real U.S. shares still follows the U.S. market calendar.

Next Steps

• Market Hours and Holiday Calendars: When Can You Actually Trade?

• Pre-Market & After-Hours Trading: How It Works

• What Is T+1 and T+2 Settlement in Stock Trading?

For informational purposes only. Not an offer, solicitation, or investment advice. Exchange schedules and trading hours may change, including in response to exceptional market conditions. Always check the latest exchange schedule before trading. Services are not available to U.S. persons or residents of restricted jurisdictions (including Hong Kong).