Forex trading is generally closed or severely restricted on Christmas Day. In 2026, Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25. Most retail brokers and institutional trading venues either close forex trading for the day or reopen later. CME Group lists December 25 as a holiday for FX Spot+, while IG says its markets are closed on Christmas Day and that FX reopens at 9:00 p.m. UK time.
Christmas Forex Trading Hours at a Glance
| Date in 2026 | Expected forex conditions |
|---|---|
| Thursday, December 24 | Possible early closure and reduced liquidity |
| Friday, December 25 | Closed for most brokers, with some late reopenings |
| Saturday, December 26 | Closed because it is a weekend |
| Monday, December 28 | Trading may resume, but liquidity may remain lower because of regional holidays |
Forex does not operate through one central exchange. Brokers and liquidity providers set their own holiday schedules, so closing and reopening times vary by platform. FOREX.com says its standard forex hours run from Sunday evening to Friday evening, but holiday schedules and liquidity conditions can change.
Is Forex Open on Christmas Eve?
Forex may remain open on Christmas Eve, but brokers can close early and trading conditions may worsen as banks and institutional traders reduce their activity.
OANDA's 2025 US holiday schedule listed an early forex close on Christmas Eve and a late reopening on Christmas Day. Check your broker's holiday calendar for the exact times that apply to your account.
Can You Leave Forex Trades Open over Christmas?
Yes. Most brokers allow you to keep positions open while the market is closed. You usually cannot open or close trades until the broker resumes forex trading.
The main risks are:
- Wider spreads: Fewer banks and liquidity providers may quote prices.
- Price gaps: The market may reopen at a different price from its Christmas Eve close.
- Stop-loss slippage: A stop order may execute at the next available price rather than at the exact stop level.
- Margin risk: A gap at reopening can increase losses and trigger a margin closeout.
- Delayed pending orders: Pending orders may not execute until trading resumes.
FOREX.com warns that orders left open over a holiday may not execute until trading resumes. It also states that stop orders do not guarantee the execution price.
What Should Forex Traders Do before Christmas?
Before the Christmas closure:
- Check your broker's official holiday trading schedule.
- Review open positions, stop-loss orders and margin levels.
- Avoid entering new trades shortly before the market closes.
- Expect wider spreads and thinner liquidity when forex reopens.
- Check whether your broker applies holiday rollover or financing adjustments.
Bottom Line
Use your broker's official 2026 holiday schedule to confirm the exact Christmas closure and reopening time. General forex hours are only a guide because brokers do not all follow the same holiday timetable.