Holiday traditions in the United States

The United States observes a wide variety of holidays throughout the year, reflecting its rich mix of cultures, religions, and regional customs. These holidays include federal observances, religious celebrations, and popular cultural events that shape American traditions and values.

Categories of U.S. Holidays

Holiday traditions in the U.S. can be grouped into several key categories:

Federal Holidays

These are officially recognized by the U.S. government, with federal offices and many businesses closed in observance:

New Year's Day (January 1)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
Presidents Day (Third Monday in February)
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Juneteenth (June 19)
Independence Day (United States) (July 4)
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
Veterans Day (November 11)
Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday in November)
Christmas Day (December 25)

Full list: Federal Holidays in the United States

Religious and Cultural Observances

While not federal holidays, these celebrations are widely observed across the country:

Easter – Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ
Valentine's Day – A day for love and affection (February 14)
Halloween – A celebration of costumes, candy, and spooky fun (October 31)
Mother's Day – Honoring mothers (Second Sunday in May)
Father's Day – Honoring fathers (Third Sunday in June)

Seasonal and Social Celebrations

These are popular events often tied to seasonal change or social traditions:

New Year's Eve (December 31)
Super Bowl Sunday (early February, not a holiday but widely celebrated)
Independence Day fireworks and parades
Back-to-school events (August–September)

Common Holiday Traditions

U.S. holidays often feature:

Gift-giving and cards
Family meals and gatherings
Religious services
Decorations (lights, trees, flags)
Public parades, fireworks, or sporting events
Charitable giving and volunteering, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas

Regional and Cultural Variations

Many U.S. regions and communities celebrate:

Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day
Black History Month (February)
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15)
Local festivals and state observances

Fun Facts

Americans consume over 40 million turkeys each Thanksgiving
Halloween is second only to Christmas in total spending
Juneteenth became the newest federal holiday in 2021