Is Good Friday a holiday?
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter. It is not a federal holiday, but it is one of the few days the U.S. stock market closes outside the federal calendar, and several states close state offices.
Next Good Friday
Friday, March 26, 2027Good Friday dates, 2026–2031
Rule: Friday before Easter Sunday.
What’s open on Good Friday
| Service | Typical status |
|---|---|
| Banks | Open Open (regular hours) |
| Post office / mail delivery | Open Open (regular delivery) |
| Stock market (NYSE, Nasdaq) | Closed |
| Federal offices | Open |
| State offices | Some closed Closed in some states (see the list on this page) |
| Public schools | Varies Varies; some districts schedule spring break around it |
Good Friday is not a federal holiday, so banks, the post office and federal offices are open, but U.S. stock markets close for the day. Check any date with the holiday status checker.
States that close for Good Friday in 2027
These states list March 26, 2027 on the official calendars Daymark has checked. Others, plus cities and counties, may also close; check the local government.
| State | Listed as | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | Good Friday | Offices closed |
| Georgia | State Holiday Good Friday | Offices closed |
| Hawaiʻi | Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day Same day as Good Friday in 2027 | Offices closed |
| Indiana | Good Friday | Offices closed |
| North Carolina | Good Friday | Offices closed |
| North Dakota | Good Friday | Offices closed |
| Texas | Good Friday | Optional holiday |
| Utah | Good Friday 4 hours of paid time off for state employees | Half day (4 hours paid) |
The story behind Good Friday
Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus and falls in Holy Week, two days before Easter Sunday. For many Christians it is a solemn day of worship, fasting or reflection rather than a celebration.
Because Easter’s date follows a church calculation of the spring full moon, Good Friday moves too, landing between March 20 and April 23.
Why the stock market closes
The New York Stock Exchange has long treated Good Friday as a market holiday, and Nasdaq follows the same schedule. Banks and the Federal Reserve stay open, so payments and transfers still move even though stocks don’t trade.
How it’s celebrated
Churches hold services in the afternoon or evening, often including the Stations of the Cross. Many Catholics and some other Christians avoid meat, and fish fries are a familiar spring tradition in parts of the Midwest and Northeast.
Good Friday closes the stock market but not the banks, one of the few days when the two financial calendars differ.
Planning around the day
For most people Good Friday is a regular workday. If you work for a state government, a school district or a company that follows a religious calendar, check whether you have the day off. Trades placed on Good Friday wait until the market reopens on Monday.
Frequently asked questions
Is Good Friday a federal holiday?
No. Federal offices, banks and the post office are open.
Is the stock market open on Good Friday?
No. NYSE and Nasdaq are closed on Good Friday every year.
When is Good Friday 2027?
Friday, March 26, 2027, two days before Easter Sunday on March 28.
Are banks open on Good Friday?
Yes. Good Friday is not a Federal Reserve holiday, so most banks keep normal hours.
Sources and how we check
Federal holiday dates and observed-day rules follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Market dates follow the NYSE holiday calendar; bank dates follow the Federal Reserve. Read our editorial policy or report a correction.