Planning your trades in 2026? Knowing the stock market holiday schedule 2026 is essential for every investor, whether you’re a day trader watching minute-by-minute action or a long-term holder checking your portfolio occasionally. Missing a closure can mean delayed orders, unexpected gaps, or just plain frustration when your app shows “market closed” out of the blue.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down every official holiday, early closing day, and what it means for your strategy. (Quick side note: If you’re specifically wondering about one major January date, check out our detailed breakdown on is the stock market open on MLK Day 2026 January 19 — spoiler: it’s closed!)
Why the Stock Market Holiday Schedule 2026 Matters
The U.S. stock markets — primarily the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ — follow a predictable calendar aligned with federal holidays and industry recommendations from groups like SIFMA. These breaks give traders, brokers, and clearing systems a synchronized rest, preventing chaos in liquidity and settlement.
In 2026, expect 10 full closures for regular equity trading (9:30 AM – 4:00 PM ET), plus a few early closes at 1:00 PM ET. Bond markets often follow a slightly different pattern, but we’ll focus mainly on stocks here.
Think of it like a school calendar: you wouldn’t plan a big exam on a holiday, right? Same logic applies to executing large trades or expecting high volume.
Full List of Stock Market Holidays in 2026
Here are the confirmed full closure dates for NYSE and NASDAQ in 2026 (all times Eastern):
- New Year’s Day — Thursday, January 1, 2026 → Closed
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Monday, January 19, 2026 → Closed
(This is a popular one — for more, see is the stock market open on MLK Day 2026 January 19) - Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) — Monday, February 16, 2026 → Closed
- Good Friday — Friday, April 3, 2026 → Closed
- Memorial Day — Monday, May 25, 2026 → Closed
- Juneteenth National Independence Day — Friday, June 19, 2026 → Closed
- Independence Day (observed) — Friday, July 3, 2026 → Closed
- Labor Day — Monday, September 7, 2026 → Closed
- Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, November 26, 2026 → Closed
- Christmas Day — Friday, December 25, 2026 → Closed
These dates come straight from official NYSE announcements and align with NASDAQ and other major U.S. equity exchanges. No surprises here — the schedule has been stable for years.
Early Closing Days in the Stock Market Holiday Schedule 2026
Not every holiday means a full shutdown. Some days feature shortened sessions, perfect for lighter trading or last-minute adjustments.
- Day after Thanksgiving — Friday, November 27, 2026 → Early close at 1:00 PM ET (1:15 PM for some options)
- Day before Christmas — Thursday, December 24, 2026 → Early close at 1:00 PM ET (1:15 PM for some options)
On these half-days, volume typically drops in the afternoon, and volatility can behave differently. Many pros use them to square positions before the weekend or holiday stretch.
Pro tip: Always double-check with your broker — some platforms might restrict certain order types during early closes.
Bond Market Differences in 2026
While stock traders enjoy the above schedule, bond markets (following SIFMA recommendations) sometimes diverge:
- They close on most stock holidays but add extra early closes (e.g., 2:00 PM ET on certain days).
- Columbus Day and Veterans Day? Stocks usually stay open, but bonds often close.
If you’re in fixed income, Treasuries, or corporate bonds, cross-reference the SIFMA schedule for precision.
How to Prepare for the Stock Market Holiday Schedule 2026
Holidays aren’t just days off — they’re strategic opportunities.
Before a closure:
- Review pending orders and earnings calendars.
- Consider position sizing — markets can gap on reopenings.
- Use the downtime for research, tax planning, or rebalancing.
After a holiday:
- Watch for pent-up volume and potential momentum (or reversals).
- January often brings the “January effect” — stocks sometimes rally after the New Year/MLK break.
Many seasoned investors treat closures like natural resets. They step back, reflect, and return sharper.
Special Notes for 2026 Trading
- Juneteenth remains a full closure (now standard since 2022).
- Independence Day observed falls on Friday, July 3 — a nice three-day weekend for many.
- No major changes expected — the calendar follows federal holiday rules closely.
Always verify closer to the date via official sources like NYSE.com or NASDAQ.com, as rare adjustments can happen (though unlikely in 2026).
What Investors Are Saying About 2026 Holidays
Traders on forums often joke that holidays are the best “forced vacations” from screens. Others use them for family time while keeping an eye on global markets (Europe and Asia often trade when the U.S. sleeps).
Either way, respecting the stock market holiday schedule 2026 keeps your game plan realistic and stress-free.
Final Thoughts on the 2026 Stock Market Calendar
The stock market holiday schedule 2026 gives you 10 full breaks and a couple of half-days to recharge, plan, and avoid costly timing mistakes. Mark these dates now — add them to your calendar, set reminders, and turn potential disruptions into advantages.
Whether you’re day trading or investing for the long haul, knowledge of these closures puts you ahead. Stay informed, trade smart, and here’s to a prosperous 2026!
For more on specific dates, don’t miss our in-depth guide: is the stock market open on MLK Day 2026 January 19.
FAQ :
Is the stock market open on January 19, 2026 (MLK Day)?
No, the NYSE and NASDAQ are fully closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19, 2026.
How many full stock market holidays are there in 2026?
There are 10 full closure days for regular stock trading in 2026.
Which holidays have early closing hours in 2026?
The market closes early at 1:00 PM ET on the day after Thanksgiving (Nov 27) and Christmas Eve (Dec 24).
Is the stock market open on Good Friday 2026?
No, Good Friday (April 3, 2026) is a full market holiday — trading is closed.
Are Independence Day and Christmas observed on the same day in 2026?
Yes — both fall on Friday (July 3 for Independence Day observed, and Dec 25 for Christmas), so the market will be closed on both days.
