Known now as a day of patriotism and enjoying time off from work, the Fourth of July began the journey to becoming a quintessential American holiday in 1776, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

Booming fireworks, patriotic parades, and outdoor barbeques have become annual traditions, and many employees enjoy the day off of work for the federal holiday. July 4, also known as Independence Day,

No. United States stock markets are closed on Friday, July 4, 2025. According to the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq websites, their markets also close early (at 1 p.m.) on Thursday, July 3. The Federal Reserve considers the Fourth of July a bank holiday, meaning most banks will be closed.