What time does the stock market close today? NYSE, NASDAQ shut down early at 1 p.m. ET for Christmas Eve

What time does the stock market close today? If you’re trading on Christmas Eve, here’s what you need to know. The NYSE and NASDAQ will shut down at 1:00 p.m. ET today instead of the regular 4:00 p.m. closing time. Wall Street observes this time-honored tradition annually, giving traders a shortened session ahead of the holiday.

NYSE and NASDAQ Early Closure Times Today

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ both announced their early closure schedule for Christmas Eve 2025. Starting today at the regular 9:30 a.m. ET opening, trading will proceed normally but conclude at 1:00 p.m. ET instead of the standard 4:00 p.m. closing time.

This three-hour reduction creates a shortened trading session that historically experiences thin trading volumes. Individual investors and institutional traders should note this compressed schedule and adjust their trading plans accordingly.

What You Need to Know About Today’s Modified Trading Hours

If you’re planning to execute any trades today, timing becomes critical. You have until 1:00 p.m. ET to place any last-minute orders before year-end positions settle. After that time, all equity markets will close regardless of pending orders or market activity.

Options traders have slightly longer, with eligible options contracts trading until 1:15 p.m. ET. This 15-minute extension allows options spreads and hedging strategies to execute during the final moments before the Christmas holidays begin.

Holiday Trading Volume and Market Conditions Expected Today

Christmas Eve historically brings the thinnest trading volumes of the entire year, with activity typically at just 20-30% of normal levels. Wall Street reports that volumes rarely exceed 20% of average daily trading during holiday weeks, creating wide bid-ask spreads and reduced liquidity.

This reduced activity can result in larger price swings relative to trading volume. Traders should exercise caution with limit orders and ensure adequate spreads exist before placing trades near the 1:00 p.m. ET closing time. Most major investment firms reduce their trading operations during this period.

“Historically, Christmas Eve and Boxing Day are the quietest days of the year, with volumes roughly 20% of normal. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is typically 50-70% of normal volumes.”

— Russell Investments, Trading Research Division

What Happens After Christmas Eve: Markets Reopen December 26

Markets will remain fully closed on Thursday, December 25 for Christmas Day. Normal trading resumes Friday, December 26 at the regular 9:30 a.m. ET opening time with full 6.5-hour trading sessions.

Investors should prepare for next week’s session today by finalizing any year-end adjustments or portfolio rebalancing. The year-end period presents another key date: December 31 will also feature an early close at 1:00 p.m. ET as financial markets observe New Year’s Eve conventions.

Sources

• New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) – Official holiday and trading hours calendar
• NASDAQ – U.S. stock market official holiday schedule
• USA Today – December 24, 2025 Christmas market coverage

Patrick Graham

Patrick Graham is a business and finance journalist translating Wall Street’s complexities into stories that matter to everyday readers. With extensive experience in financial journalism and economic analysis, this expert journalist provides sharp insights on market trends, corporate developments, and the economic forces affecting daily life. His reporting helps readers make sense of the business world’s biggest moves.