Expect widespread schedule changes across financial markets, mail delivery, government offices, and retailers as Christmas approaches.
Christmas Day falls on Thursday, Dec. 25, with Christmas Eve bringing a surge in last-minute shopping and deliveries. With holiday activity ramping up, many services will operate on reduced schedules or shut down entirely. Here’s what to know.
Financial markets
U.S. stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, will close early at 1 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and remain closed on Thursday, Dec. 25. Bond markets will close at 2 p.m. on Dec. 24 and stay closed on Christmas Day. Normal trading resumes Friday, Dec. 26.
Mail and shipping services
The U.S. Postal Service will deliver mail on Dec. 24, with post offices open for limited hours depending on location. There will be no regular mail delivery on Dec. 25, except for Priority Mail Express. Post offices will be closed.
UPS will operate on a normal schedule on Dec. 24 but will limit service on Dec. 25, except for UPS Express Critical. UPS Store locations may be closed on Christmas Day.
FedEx will provide modified service on Dec. 24 and suspend most operations on Dec. 25, excluding FedEx Custom Critical. FedEx Office locations will have reduced hours on Christmas Eve and close on Christmas Day.
Banks
Banks are generally closed on Dec. 25. ATMs and digital banking will remain available, though transaction posting may be delayed. Some branches may operate with shortened hours on Dec. 24.
Government offices
Nonessential federal government offices will be closed on Christmas Day. In addition, a presidential executive order mandates the closure of federal agencies on Dec. 24 and Dec. 26. State offices follow their own schedules, so closures may vary.
Retailers
Most stores and supermarkets will be open on Dec. 24, though many will close early. On Dec. 25, major retailers such as Costco, Walmart, and Target will be closed, while online shopping remains available. Some pharmacies may remain open with modified hours.
Checking local hours in advance can help avoid disruptions during the holiday period.
John Paul is the founder of DayTradeToWin, a trading education and software company established in 2008, supporting traders worldwide. His expertise focuses on price action-based futures trading strategies and structured market analysis.
DayTradeToWin delivers trading education, indicators, and software tools designed to help traders apply disciplined, rule-based decision-making across global futures markets.
He is the creator of multiple trading methodologies, including the Sonic System, Atlas Line, and Trade Scalper, which help traders identify structured opportunities in markets such as the E-mini S&P 500 (ES), Nasdaq (NQ), crude oil (CL), and gold (GC).
Official website: https://daytradetowin.com