American National Holidays and Celebrations

Federal Holidays (Official Government Holidays)

New Year’s Day – January 1

This is the first day of the new year. People celebrate with parties, fireworks, and special food. Many people make promises called “resolutions” to improve their lives. Banks, schools, and government offices are closed.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Third Monday in January

This holiday honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a famous leader who worked for civil rights. He wanted all people to be treated equally, no matter their race. People remember his important work and his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

Presidents’ Day – Third Monday in February

This day honors all American presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Washington was the first president, and Lincoln was president during the Civil War. Many stores have special sales on this day.

Memorial Day – Last Monday in May

This day remembers American soldiers who died in wars. People visit cemeteries and put flowers on graves. It also marks the beginning of summer. Many families have barbecues and go to the beach.

Independence Day (July 4th) – July 4

This is America’s birthday! On July 4, 1776, America became independent from England. People celebrate with parades, barbecues, and fireworks. It is one of the most important American holidays. People often wear red, white, and blue clothes.

Labor Day – First Monday in September

This holiday honors American workers and their contributions. It marks the end of summer, and many schools start after this day. Families often have outdoor parties and barbecues.

Columbus Day – Second Monday in October

This day remembers Christopher Columbus, who sailed to America in 1492. However, many people now celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead, to honor the Native Americans who lived in America before Columbus arrived.

Veterans Day – November 11

This day honors all American veterans (people who served in the military). It is different from Memorial Day because it celebrates living veterans, not just those who died. Many communities have parades and special ceremonies.

Thanksgiving – Fourth Thursday in November

This is a very important family holiday. Families gather together to eat a big meal and say what they are thankful for. Traditional foods include turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. It started when early American settlers and Native Americans shared a meal together.

Christmas Day – December 25

This Christian holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. However, many non-Christian Americans also celebrate it as a cultural holiday. People give gifts, decorate Christmas trees, and spend time with family. Santa Claus brings gifts to children.

Major Cultural Celebrations

Valentine’s Day – February 14

This is a day for love and romance. People give flowers, chocolates, and cards to people they love. Couples often go on special dates. The colors are red and pink, and hearts are popular decorations.

St. Patrick’s Day – March 17

This Irish holiday is popular in America because many Americans have Irish ancestors. People wear green clothes and sometimes drink green beer. There are parades in many cities, especially in cities with large Irish populations.

Easter – March or April (changes each year)

This Christian holiday celebrates when Jesus Christ came back to life. Families often go to church and have special meals. Children hunt for Easter eggs and receive candy from the Easter Bunny. Even non-Christian families often celebrate with egg hunts and special food.

Mother’s Day – Second Sunday in May

This day honors mothers and motherhood. Children give gifts, flowers, and cards to their mothers. Many families take their mothers to restaurants for special meals.

Father’s Day – Third Sunday in June

This day honors fathers and fatherhood. Children give gifts and cards to their fathers. Popular gifts include ties, tools, and sports items.

Halloween – October 31

This is a fun holiday, especially for children. People dress up in costumes and children go “trick-or-treating” – they visit houses and ask for candy. People decorate their homes with scary decorations like pumpkins, ghosts, and skeletons. Orange and black are the traditional colors.

Important Shopping and Cultural Days

Black Friday – Day after Thanksgiving

This is the biggest shopping day of the year. Stores have very big sales, and people start shopping for Christmas gifts. Many people wake up very early to get the best deals. Some stores open at midnight or very early in the morning.

Cyber Monday – Monday after Thanksgiving

This is like Black Friday, but for online shopping. Many websites have special sales and discounts.

Things to Know

• Federal holidays mean that government offices, banks, and post offices are closed
• Cultural celebrations are popular but not official government holidays
• Some holidays always happen on the same date (like Christmas on December 25)
• Other holidays always happen on the same day of the week (like Thanksgiving on Thursday)
• Americans often get Monday off work when a holiday falls on Sunday
• Different regions of America may celebrate some holidays differently
• Some holidays are more important in certain communities than others

Holiday Traditions

Many American holidays include these common activities:

• Parades – People march down streets with music and decorations
• Family meals – Big dinners with special traditional foods
• Gift giving – People buy presents for family and friends
• Decorations – People decorate their homes and communities
• Time off work – People don’t go to work or school on major holidays