Stock Market Closes for Thanksgiving: Here’s When Trading Returns

TLDR

• NYSE and Nasdaq are closed Thursday, November 27, 2025, for Thanksgiving
• Markets reopen Friday with shortened trading hours, closing at 1:00 p.m. ET
• International exchanges in Asia and Europe remain open during U.S. holiday
• Thanksgiving week historically shows positive returns, though 2025 has seen market volatility
• Banks, USPS, and major shipping services suspended for the federal holiday

The U.S. stock market will not be open for trading on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq have suspended operations to observe Thanksgiving, a federal holiday in the United States.

This closure affects all domestic equity trading. The U.S. bond market will also be closed, along with over-the-counter markets.

Friday Trading Hours

Trading will resume on Black Friday, November 28, but investors should note the shortened schedule. Markets will open at the regular 9:30 a.m. ET but will close early at 1:00 p.m. ET.

This early closure is standard practice for the day after Thanksgiving. Normal trading hours will return on Monday, December 2.

Banks across the United States will be closed on Thursday. The Federal Reserve recognizes Thanksgiving as an official holiday, which means all banking operations are suspended.

The U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail or operate post offices on Thanksgiving. The agency lists this as one of 11 federal holidays it observes throughout 2025.

Major shipping carriers have modified schedules. UPS will suspend Domestic Ground, Air, and International services, though select UPS Store locations may operate. FedEx will have most services unavailable except for Custom Critical operations.

International Markets Continue Trading

While U.S. markets take a break, international exchanges will maintain normal operations. Stock markets in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and London will all be open for business on Thursday.

This creates an opportunity for traders with access to foreign markets. However, liquidity may be lower than usual given the U.S. market closure.

Market Performance Around the Holiday

Historical data shows Thanksgiving week tends to be favorable for stocks. The S&P 500 gained 1.1% during Thanksgiving week in 2024.

Looking at longer time frames, the pattern holds. The five-year average for Thanksgiving week shows a 0.7% gain for the S&P 500. The ten-year average stands at 0.3% for the same period.

E-Mini S&P 500 Dec 25 (ES=F)

This year presents a different picture. The S&P 500 has declined 0.4% in November through late in the month. This contrasts with last year when the index rose about 5% during the same timeframe.

Concerns about artificial intelligence valuations have created headwinds. The market’s heavy concentration in technology stocks has led to increased volatility throughout the month.

Holiday Background

Thanksgiving became a federal holiday in 1863. President Abraham Lincoln declared the first national Thanksgiving during the Civil War.

The date changed in 1941 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation. The law established the fourth Thursday in November as the official Thanksgiving Day.

The holiday is modeled after a 1621 harvest celebration between English colonists and the Wampanoag people. Modern observances include family gatherings, traditional meals featuring turkey, and watching events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Investors should prepare for the modified schedule and plan trades accordingly for the shortened Friday session.

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