The upcoming stock market holiday list 2026 is a crucial reference for investors, traders, brokers, and financial institutions planning their activities in the US markets. In 2026, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will observe nine official market holidays, during which all trading activity is suspended. These holidays are set according to the US federal and exchange-specific calendars and are confirmed well in advance through official exchange notices. The 2026 schedule includes widely observed holidays such as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, along with market-specific observances like Good Friday. Understanding these dates helps investors avoid order execution delays, settlement issues, and unexpected market closures.
Upcoming Stock Market Holiday List 2026
Stock market holidays directly affect equity trading, options, ETFs, and bond settlements. While some holidays coincide with federal bank holidays, others are unique to financial markets. This guide presents the most recent and verified stock market holiday schedule for 2026, based on confirmed exchange rules available up to the current month and year.
What Are Stock Market Holidays in the US?
Stock market holidays are days when US exchanges such as the NYSE and Nasdaq are fully closed. On these days:
- No stock, ETF, or options trading takes place
- Clearing and settlement activities are paused
These closures apply nationwide and affect both retail and institutional investors.
Complete Upcoming Stock Market Holiday List 2026
Below is the official US stock market holiday list for 2026, observed by both the NYSE and Nasdaq. This table reflects confirmed market-wide closures.
| No. | Holiday Name | Date in 2026 | Day | Market Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Year’s Day | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | Closed |
| 2 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19, 2026 | Monday | Closed |
| 3 | Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) | February 16, 2026 | Monday | Closed |
| 4 | Good Friday | April 3, 2026 | Friday | Closed |
| 5 | Memorial Day | May 25, 2026 | Monday | Closed |
| 6 | Independence Day (Observed) | July 3, 2026 | Friday | Closed |
| 7 | Labor Day | September 7, 2026 | Monday | Closed |
| 8 | Thanksgiving Day | November 26, 2026 | Thursday | Closed |
| 9 | Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 | Friday | Closed |
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Observed vs Actual Market Holidays
When a major holiday falls on a weekend, US stock exchanges adjust the schedule. In 2026, Independence Day falls on a Saturday, so markets will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026. This observed holiday is critical for traders, as markets will not operate on that Friday.
Early Closures to Watch in 2026
In addition to full market holidays, US stock exchanges often operate on shortened trading days, typically closing at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. While not full holidays, these days still affect trading strategies and volume.
Common early-close days include:
- The day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve (when it falls on a weekday)
Investors should factor in reduced liquidity on these sessions.
How Stock Market Holidays Affect Investors
Stock market holidays impact more than just trading activity. They also affect:
- Trade settlement timelines (T+1 or T+2 adjustments)
- Options expiration schedules
Long weekends can increase volatility before and after holidays, making planning essential.
Why the 2026 Market Holiday Calendar Matters
Knowing the upcoming stock market holiday list 2026 helps investors plan portfolio adjustments, earnings trades, and long-term strategies. Fund managers, day traders, and retirement investors all rely on these dates to align orders and manage risk efficiently.
Market holidays also influence global trading, as US market closures often reduce international liquidity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are NYSE and Nasdaq holidays the same in 2026?
Yes, both exchanges observe the same official market holidays listed above.
Q2. Is the stock market closed on federal holidays?
Not all federal holidays are market holidays, but many overlap, such as Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Q3. Does the stock market close early before holidays?
Yes, certain days like the day after Thanksgiving usually have early closures.
Conclusion
The upcoming stock market holiday list 2026 is an essential planning tool for anyone involved in US financial markets. With nine confirmed full-market closures and several early-close sessions, understanding the holiday calendar helps prevent missed opportunities and operational delays. By aligning trading strategies with the official NYSE and Nasdaq holiday schedule, investors can navigate 2026 with better timing, awareness, and confidence.