For investors and traders, knowing whether the stock market is open on December 26 is crucial for planning trades and managing portfolios. This article clarifies the trading schedule for this date, explores the reasoning behind holiday market closures, and shares practical tips for navigating the end-of-year trading period.
December 26, also known as Boxing Day in several countries, often falls within the holiday season when financial markets may observe special hours or closures. In the United States, the major stock exchanges—such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ—typically remain open on December 26 unless the date falls on a weekend. However, trading volumes may be lower due to the holiday period.
As of December 2023, according to the official NYSE holiday calendar, the U.S. stock market was open on December 26, with regular trading hours from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. In contrast, markets in countries like the United Kingdom and Canada observe Boxing Day as a public holiday, so their stock exchanges remain closed on December 26. Source: NYSE Holiday Calendar, December 2023.
Stock markets adjust their trading hours during major holidays to accommodate lower trading activity and to allow market participants time to observe cultural or religious events. These adjustments help maintain orderly markets and reduce the risk of volatility caused by thin liquidity.
For example, in the U.S., the stock market is closed on Christmas Day (December 25) and often closes early on Christmas Eve if it falls on a weekday. December 26 is not a federal holiday in the U.S., so regular trading resumes. However, in other regions, such as the London Stock Exchange, December 26 is a full market holiday. Source: London Stock Exchange Holiday Schedule, December 2023.
Trading around the holidays requires extra attention to market schedules and liquidity conditions. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
As of December 2023, the NYSE reported an average daily trading volume of approximately 4.5 billion shares in the week following Christmas, compared to the yearly average of 5.2 billion shares. This reduction highlights the typical slowdown in market activity during the holiday period. Source: NYSE Market Volume Report, December 2023.
On-chain activity in the crypto sector also tends to dip during major holidays, as observed on Bitget Wallet, where daily transaction counts dropped by 12% between December 24 and December 27, 2023. Source: Bitget Wallet Analytics, December 2023.
Many new traders assume that all global markets follow the same holiday schedule. In reality, each exchange sets its own calendar based on local customs and regulations. For example, while the U.S. stock market is open on December 26, several European and Asian markets are closed. Always consult the official exchange calendar to avoid surprises.
Another misconception is that low-volume days are always riskier. While thin liquidity can increase volatility, it can also present unique trading opportunities for those who are well-prepared and use advanced trading tools, such as those offered by Bitget.
To make the most of your trading experience during the holiday season, consider the following:
For more practical advice and the latest updates on trading schedules, explore Bitget’s comprehensive guides and tools designed for both beginners and experienced traders.