United States Public Holidays

United States Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in United States? All public holidays in United States are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the United States employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to United States and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

The United States observes a number of public holidays each year, which are a mix of federal, national, state, and cultural celebrations. These holidays honor significant historical events, national milestones, and cultural traditions. Many public holidays are celebrated nationwide, while others may be recognized regionally or state-by-state. Public holidays in the U.S. often result in the closure of government offices, schools, and businesses, giving citizens the opportunity to participate in various activities with family and friends. Below is a detailed overview of the major public holidays in the United States, their significance, and the traditions associated with them.

New Year’s Day (January 1)

According to itypeusa.com, New Year’s Day marks the start of the calendar year and is a widely celebrated public holiday across the United States.

Significance

• New Beginnings: It symbolizes a fresh start, and many people use the occasion to set personal goals or make New Year’s resolutions.
• Historical Roots: While the Gregorian calendar sets January 1 as the official start of the year, celebrating this day has historical origins dating back to ancient civilizations.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Fireworks and Parties: New Year’s Eve celebrations, particularly in cities like New York and Las Vegas, are accompanied by massive fireworks displays. The most famous event is the ball drop in Times Square.
• Resolutions: Many Americans make New Year’s resolutions to improve aspects of their lives, such as health, relationships, or career.
• Parades: The Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, and college football bowl games like the Rose Bowl are long-standing New Year’s Day traditions.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his contributions to the fight for racial equality and social justice.

Historical Significance

• Civil Rights Movement: The day commemorates Dr. King’s leadership in the civil rights movement and his efforts toward ending racial segregation and discrimination through non-violent activism.
• Federal Holiday: Signed into law in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, this day is observed as a federal holiday across the United States.

Traditions and Observances

• Day of Service: Many Americans celebrate MLK Day by participating in community service activities to honor Dr. King’s legacy of social justice and equality.
• Educational Programs: Schools and community organizations host educational events, including lectures and readings of Dr. King’s speeches, such as his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day honors all U.S. presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthdays are in February.

Historical Significance

• Washington’s Birthday: Originally established in 1885 to celebrate George Washington’s birthday, the holiday was later expanded to honor all U.S. presidents.
• Federal Recognition: Although it is officially called Washington’s Birthday, many states refer to it as Presidents’ Day to also honor Abraham Lincoln and other presidents.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Retail Sales: Presidents’ Day is known for major retail sales and shopping events across the country.
• Historical Reenactments: Museums and schools host special events and exhibits dedicated to the lives and legacies of the U.S. presidents.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women of the U.S. military who have died in service to the country.

Historical Significance

• Origins in the Civil War: Originally known as Decoration Day, it began after the Civil War as a way to honor Union and Confederate soldiers who had died in battle. It became a federal holiday in 1971.
• Remembrance of Fallen Soldiers: The holiday now honors all U.S. military personnel who have died in the line of duty.

Traditions and Observances

• Memorial Services: Ceremonies are held at military cemeteries, including Arlington National Cemetery, where the President of the United States often lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Parades and Concerts: Memorial Day parades and concerts, such as the National Memorial Day Concert, are held in cities across the country.
• Grillouts and Picnics: Many families take the long weekend as an opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, such as barbecues, picnics, and trips to the beach.

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when the thirteen American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain.

Historical Significance

• Declaration of Independence: The holiday marks the day in 1776 when the colonies asserted their right to self-governance and freedom from British rule, igniting the American Revolution.
• Patriotism: Independence Day is one of the most important national holidays in the U.S., symbolizing freedom, democracy, and national pride.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Fireworks: Fireworks displays are the centerpiece of Fourth of July celebrations, with major displays in cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston.
• Parades: Parades featuring marching bands, patriotic floats, and community organizations are held in towns and cities across the country.
• Barbecues and Picnics: Families and friends gather for cookouts and picnics, often featuring traditional American foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, and apple pie.

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day honors the contributions and achievements of American workers and is viewed as a celebration of the labor movement in the United States.

Historical Significance

• Labor Movement: Labor Day originated in the late 19th century during the height of the Industrial Revolution. It became a federal holiday in 1894 as a result of workers advocating for fair labor practices and better working conditions.
• End of Summer: While it celebrates workers, Labor Day is also widely seen as the unofficial end of summer, with schools reopening shortly after.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Parades and Festivals: Many cities host Labor Day parades, festivals, and fairs that honor the working class and labor unions.
• Outdoor Activities: The long weekend is often spent enjoying outdoor activities such as barbecues, picnics, and beach trips.
• Retail Sales: Like Presidents’ Day, Labor Day is known for significant retail sales and discounts.

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day honors all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, both in times of war and peace.

Historical Significance

• End of World War I: Originally called Armistice Day, it marked the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. In 1954, it was renamed Veterans Day to honor all veterans.
• Honoring All Veterans: Veterans Day celebrates the service of living and deceased veterans, distinguishing it from Memorial Day, which honors those who died in military service.

Traditions and Observances

• Ceremonies and Parades: Veterans Day parades and ceremonies are held nationwide to honor veterans. Major events often take place in Washington, D.C., at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial.
• Moment of Silence: A national moment of silence is observed at 11:00 a.m. to honor those who served in the military.
• Recognition and Discounts: Many businesses offer special discounts or free meals to veterans as a way of thanking them for their service.

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is a major national holiday in the U.S., traditionally celebrating the harvest and blessings of the past year. It is often viewed as a time to gather with family and reflect on what one is thankful for.

Historical Significance

• Pilgrim and Native American Roots: The holiday traces its origins to the 1621 feast shared between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in Plymouth. It became an official national holiday in 1863 during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency.
• Gratitude and Unity: Thanksgiving is a day to express gratitude for the harvest, blessings, and family.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Thanksgiving Dinner: Families gather for a traditional meal, usually featuring roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
• Parades: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is one of the country’s most iconic Thanksgiving events, featuring giant balloons, floats, and performances.
• Football: Watching football is a popular Thanksgiving tradition, with NFL games scheduled on Thanksgiving Day.
• Giving Back: Many people volunteer at shelters and food banks, or donate to those in need as a way of giving thanks.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day is celebrated across the U.S. as a federal holiday and marks the birth of Jesus Christ for Christians, though it is also widely celebrated in a secular way by people of various faiths and backgrounds.

Religious Significance

• Christian Celebration: For Christians, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important religious holidays of the year.
• Secular Celebrations: Many Americans who may not be religious also participate in Christmas traditions, focusing on family, togetherness, and generosity.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Christmas Trees and Decorations: Homes are decorated with Christmas trees, lights, wreaths, and ornaments.
• Gift-Giving: Exchanging gifts is central to Christmastrees, lights, wreaths, and ornaments.
• Gift-Giving: Exchanging gifts is central to Christmas celebrations, with many families gathering around the tree to open presents on Christmas morning.
• Religious Services: Many Christians attend Midnight Mass or Christmas Day services to commemorate the religious significance of the holiday.
• Family Meals: Traditional Christmas meals often include roast turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and various desserts like Christmas pudding or fruitcake.
• Santa Claus: Children look forward to the arrival of Santa Claus, who is believed to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve.