The stock market has a well-documented tendency to deliver gains during the final trading days of December, a phenomenon known as the “Santa Claus rally.”

This period of optimism has historically brought cheer to investors, with the S&P 500 gaining in 64 out of the last 96 years during the Dec. 24–Dec. 31 window, averaging a respectable 0.85% return, according to data from Seasonax.

The Santa Claus rally's most memorable performance occurred in 2018, when the S&P 500 surged 6.6%, its strongest year-end rally on record. Close on its heels was 1933, which delivered a 5.5% rally.

On the flip side, 1937 and 2000 stand out as exceptions, with losses of 4.6% and 2.4%, respectively, over the same period.

The pattern holds true even during election years, offering hope to traders as 2024 wraps up. In the past 24 election years, the S&P 500 has posted gains in 15 instances, averaging a modest 0.7% return. Notable rallies occurred in 2008, with a 4% rise, and in 1928, when the index climbed 3.4%.

10 Santa Rally Hyper Responders

For traders looking to capitalize on this seasonal tailwind, certain stocks have consistently outperformed during the Santa Claus rally window.

Here are 10 notable S&P 500 stocks that have historically shone between Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 over the last 20 years:

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