Most banks will be open on Christmas Eve 2025, but with reduced hours

Christmas Eve falls on a Monday in 2025, and most banks will operate that day. However, many branches close early — typically between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. — rather than staying open until their normal closing time. Some branches may close entirely, particularly in smaller towns or rural areas where staffing is limited.

The Federal Reserve does not observe Christmas Eve as a federal holiday, so banks are not required to close. Whether your specific branch stays open and for how long depends on the bank's own policy and the individual branch location. Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically remain open but with shortened hours. Credit unions and smaller regional banks vary more widely.

The safest approach is to contact your bank directly or check their website before Christmas Eve if you need to conduct business that day. Most banks post holiday hours online by early December, and you can call your branch to confirm.

Key Takeaways

  • Christmas Eve 2025 is a Monday, and most banks will be open but with reduced hours, often closing by mid-afternoon.
  • The Federal Reserve does not close banks on Christmas Eve, so the decision to stay open or close early is made by each bank individually.
  • Large national banks typically remain open with shortened hours; smaller banks and credit unions are more likely to close entirely.
  • Check your bank's website or call your branch directly to confirm hours before Christmas Eve, as policies vary by location and institution.
  • If you need to withdraw cash or conduct banking business, plan to visit early in the day or on December 23 instead.

How to find your bank's Christmas Eve hours

Most banks publish holiday hours on their website by early December. Go to your bank's main website and look for a link labeled "Holiday Hours," "Branch Hours," or "Locations." You can usually enter your zip code or branch name to see the specific hours for your location.

If you cannot find the information online, call your branch directly. The phone number is typically on your debit card, bank statements, or the bank's website. Ask specifically about Christmas Eve hours and whether the branch will be open at all. If you use a smaller bank or credit union, calling is often faster than searching online, since these institutions may not post holiday schedules as prominently as large national banks.

What to do if you need cash or banking services on Christmas Eve

If you need cash, use an ATM. ATMs operate 24/7 regardless of branch hours, so you can withdraw money anytime on Christmas Eve. Most banks do not charge extra fees for ATM withdrawals on holidays, though you may incur charges if you use an out-of-network machine.

For other banking needs — deposits, account questions, wire transfers — plan ahead. Complete these transactions on December 23 or earlier. If you absolutely must conduct business on Christmas Eve, many banks offer online banking, mobile apps, and phone banking for routine tasks like transferring funds between accounts, checking balances, or paying bills. These services typically work on holidays.

Banks that are definitely closed on Christmas Eve

Some banks close entirely on Christmas Eve, particularly smaller institutions and credit unions. If your bank is closed on Christmas Eve, it will also be closed on Christmas Day (Tuesday, December 25, 2025), since Christmas is a federal holiday and all banks must close.

To know whether your bank closes on Christmas Eve specifically, check their website or call. Do not assume your bank is open just because it is not a federal holiday. Many banks treat Christmas Eve as a partial holiday and close early or shut down entirely as a courtesy to staff.

Planning ahead for the Christmas holiday period

The week between Christmas and New Year's is typically slow for banking. Many branches operate with reduced staff, and some close entirely on December 26 (the day after Christmas, which some institutions observe). If you have banking needs during this period, handle them before December 23.

If you need to deposit checks, use mobile deposit through your bank's app instead of visiting a branch. Mobile deposit works on holidays and weekends, though the funds may not clear until the next business day. For bill payments and transfers, use online banking or your bank's mobile app — these services do not close on holidays.

What happens if you need emergency banking on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day

If you face a genuine emergency — a fraudulent charge, a lost card, or a critical account issue — call your bank's customer service line. Most large banks operate customer service phone lines 24/7, even on holidays. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website under "Contact Us."

For emergencies involving wire transfers or large transactions, call as early as possible on Christmas Eve. Some banks process wire transfers only during business hours, and if you call after your branch closes, the transfer may not go through until December 26.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will ATMs work on Christmas Eve 2025?

Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 on all days, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can withdraw cash anytime, though some banks may charge a fee if you use an out-of-network ATM. Check with your bank about ATM fees on holidays.

Can I deposit checks on Christmas Eve?

You can deposit checks using mobile deposit through your bank's app on Christmas Eve, and the deposit will be recorded immediately. However, the funds may not clear until December 26 or later, depending on your bank's processing schedule. In-person deposits at a branch may not be possible if the branch is closed.

What if I need to wire money on Christmas Eve?

Call your bank early on Christmas Eve to request a wire transfer. Most banks process wires only during business hours, so if you call after your branch closes, the transfer will likely be delayed until December 26. Some banks allow wire requests through online banking, but these may also be delayed if submitted after hours.

Are credit unions open on Christmas Eve?

Credit union hours vary widely. Some remain open with reduced hours on Christmas Eve; others close entirely. Contact your credit union directly to confirm their Christmas Eve schedule, as policies differ by institution and location.

Will my bank be open the day after Christmas?

December 26, 2025 is a Friday. Most banks will be open on this day, though some may still operate with reduced staff or shortened hours. Check your bank's holiday schedule to confirm, as some institutions extend their Christmas closure through December 26.