How Long Are Banks Open on Christmas Eve?

Millions of shoppers around the country are putting the final touches on their holiday gift lists, but further procrastination could make that process extremely difficult. An executive order has been signed to make December 24 and 26 federal holidays, and several non-essential federal offices will be closed.

Bank branches are often closed during federal holidays, and the new declaration around Christmas Eve has changed operating hours for many of America's most popular banks.

The final shopping day before Christmas is already busy as shoppers scramble for last-minute gifts, but that congestion may also include those who are trying to reach the bank before an extended weekend.

Banks will be open on December 24, but many will operate on reduced hours. For nationwide chains, TD Bank is the only bank to announce normal operating hours as scheduled for the day before Christmas.

When Will Banks Be Open on Christmas Eve?

Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, CitiBank, Kearny Bank, PNC and Truist Bank are all set to open at 9 AM and close at 2 PM on Christmas Eve.

HSBC, M&T Bank, Santander and Spencer Savings Bank will stay open slightly longer, opening at 9 AM and closing at 3 PM.

Wells Fargo will only be open for a three-hour window on Christmas Eve, welcoming customers at 9 AM before closing for the day at 12 PM.

Most banks will return to their normal hours on December 26, despite it now being considered a federal holiday.

On Christmas Day, many retailers will be closed as they typically are to allow employers to observe the holiday. The day before, stores like Walmart and Target will close in the early evening before heading into the major holiday on the 25th.

What Other Businesses Will Be Affected?

The United States Postal Service will only suspend operations on Christmas Day itself, and mail will circulate and be sent on both December 24 and December 26. Post offices will also remain open on the two new federal holiday dates, as they're deemed essential enough to continue during the long weekend.

Temporary federal holidays can be signed via executive order, but Congress would need to approve a permanent status change for December 24th and 26th in perpetuity. This was last done in 2021, when Juneteenth was added to the list of federal holidays during the Biden administration.

Presidents Obama and Trump have each used the power of the temporary declaration to give government workers a longer weekend. That extended weekend will also be in effect for 2025, as the decision to add December 24 and 26 extends two days into a five day weekend.