US National Holidays
There are various types of holidays in the United States. Some are designated as official "national" holidays; all government offices and most businesses are closed. Other holidays are designated as state holidays and affect state government offices and some schools. Some holidays are primarily religious, while others relate to famous events and people in United States history.
National Holidays
January 1 New Year's Day
Celebration usually occurs the night before on New Year's Eve, when it is common for people to gather and stay awake until midnight. It is also common for people to sing "Auld Lang Syne," and to embrace and kiss one another as a way of wishing them well in the new year.
January 15 Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
Anniversary of the birthday of the civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner (1929-1968). Officially observed on the Monday closest to this date.
February 22 President's Day
Recognizing the anniversary of the birthdays of George Washington (1732-1799) and Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), two famous American presidents. Officially observed on the Monday closest to this date.
May 30 Memorial Day
A day to pay tribute to U.S. citizens who died in military service. Officially observed on the Monday closest to this date.
July 4 Independence Day
Parades, fireworks, and cookouts to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776.
1st Monday in September Labor Day
A day to mark the importance of the work force.
October 12 Columbus Day
Marks explorer Christopher Columbus' landing on the shores of the North American continent.
November 1 Veterans' Day
A holiday honoring veterans of the U.S. armed forces.
4th Thursday in November Thanksgiving Day
A harvest celebration dating back to the original English colonists' festivities in the American colonies. A time for family and friends to gather and eat a large meal, usually including roast turkey.
Dec. 25 Christmas Day
The major holiday in the U.S., it began as a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, but is now a widely celebrated day of feasting and gift-giving. Santa Claus, a mythical figure based on St. Nicholas, is said to visit children's homes on the evening before Christmas to deliver gifts for them while they sleep.
Other important dates to note
February 14 Valentine's Day
A day for lovers and friends to exchange gifts, cards, candy, and other signs of affection. Named for St. Valentine, an early Christian martyr.
March/April Ash Wednesday
The beginning of the period known as Lent, a forty-day period of penitence and fasting for many Christians. On this day Christians attend a worship service in which the sign of the cross is made on their foreheads with ashes.
March/April Passover (Pesach)
A Jewish holiday commemorating God's deliverance of the people of Israel from their bondage in Egypt.
March 17 St. Patrick's Day
A day dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland. Some people wear an article of green clothing on this day.
March/April Palm Sunday
The beginning of Holy Week for Christians, marking the last week of Jesus Christ's life.
March/April Good Friday
Observing the day of Christ's death on the cross.
March/April Easter Sunday
Remembering Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Often children celebrate by hunting for Easter eggs; the eggs symbolize new life.
April 1 April Fool's Day
A day when people can play practical jokes on one another, ideally as a way of having some harmless fun.
2nd Sunday in May Mother's Day
A day to remember mothers and grandmothers.
3rd Sunday in June Father's Day
A day to remember fathers and grandfathers.
June 14 Flag Day
People fly the U.S. flag, "Old Glory," marking its adoption.
Sept/October Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish new year.
Sept/October Yom Kippur
The Jewish day of atonement.
October 24 United Nations Day
Marks the founding of the UN in 1945.
October 31 Halloween
Short for "All Hallows' Eve," it was originally meant as a way of ridding one's life of evil spirits so that one could celebrate All Saints' Day. Now it is a time of costumes, candy, and ghost stories, especially for children who go "trick or treating" for candy.
Late November or December Hanukkah
An eight-day Jewish festival commemorating the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem, under the leadership of Judas Maccabaeus. It is known as the "Festival of Lights," and so many Jewish homes display a menorah, a candle holder with eight candles.
Dec. 26 - Jan. 1 Kwanzaa
An African American celebration inspired by African traditions, this seven-day festival celebrates the virtues of unity, determination, responsibility, cooperation, purpose, creativity, and faith.