Hey there, stock traders and holiday enthusiasts! It’s your Holiday Little Assistant coming at ya with the lowdown on those precious days when Wall Street hits pause. Whether you’re a day trader or just curious, knowing market holidays is clutch for planning your moves. Let’s dive in!

So, How Many Market Holidays Are There in a Year?

Typically, the U.S. stock market (NYSE and Nasdaq) observes 9 official holidays each year, shutting down for full trading days. But wait—there’s more! Sometimes early closures sneak in (looking at you, Black Friday), so the exact count can vary slightly. Here’s the breakdown for a standard year:

• New Year’s Day – January 1 (markets closed)
• يوم مارتن لوثر كينغ جونيور – Third Monday in January
• Presidents’ Day – Third Monday in February
• جمعة جيدة – Friday before Easter (markets close early in some years, but usually closed)
• يوم الذكرى – Last Monday in May
• Juneteenth – June 19 (added as a market holiday in 2022)
• يوم الاستقلال – July 4 (or the nearest weekday if it falls on a weekend)
• عيد العمال – First Monday in September
• عيد الشكر – Fourth Thursday in November (markets also close early the next day, Black Friday)
• يوم عيد ميلاد المسيح – December 25 (or the nearest weekday)

Pro tip: Always double-check the NYSE official calendar for early closures or changes!

Why Do Markets Close on Holidays?

Great question! Market holidays exist to align with national observances and give traders (and their screens) a breather. Historically, holidays mean lower trading volume anyway—so it’s a win-win. Plus, behind the scenes, systems get maintenance love during these breaks.

What About International Markets?

If you’re dabbling globally, note that holidays vary wildly. For example:

• London Stock Exchange: 8–9 holidays (plus Boxing Day on December 26)
• Tokyo Stock Exchange: About 15 holidays (including Emperor’s Birthday)

Time zones and local customs matter, so keep a world market calendar handy.

Can You Trade During Market Holidays?

Not on major exchanges, but some platforms allow after-hours or crypto trading (though liquidity’s often thinner). Futures and forex markets also operate on limited schedules. Just know—no guarantees on volatility!

TL;DR: The U.S. stock market takes roughly 9 full holidays off yearly, with a few half-days sprinkled in. Always verify dates, especially around floating holidays like Good Friday.

FAQpro tip: Bookmark this page or sync exchange calendars to your phone—because nothing stings like forgetting a market closure before a big trade.

Thanks for reading, folks! Now you’re armed with the 411 on market holidays. Got more questions? Hit up our contact page—your Holiday Little Assistant is always here to help. Happy (non-trading) days ahead! 🎉