Understanding American holidays can help immigrants and visitors become more familiar with U.S. culture, traditions, and community life. Many of these holidays are celebrated with gatherings, special meals, and widely recognized customs. Below are 10 of the most celebrated holidays in the United States!
New Year’s Eve features parties, music, and countdowns to midnight. In many cities, public celebrations and fireworks mark the beginning of the new year. New Year’s Day follows the late-night celebrations of New Year’s Eve. It is common for people to make personal goals called “resolutions” which they intend to follow going into the new year.
Valentine’s Day is a holiday focused on expressing love and affection. People often give cards, flowers, chocolates, or small gifts to their special loved ones. Schools may also host card and candy exchanges among children.
A Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Customs include church services, Easter egg hunts, and festive meals. Children often receive candy-filled baskets and many families dye their own eggs. Spring season motifs such as flowers, eggs, and rabbits are commonly used to decorate for Easter.
Memorial Day is a patriotic holiday intended to honor fallen U.S. military members who died in service to the country. It is an occasion marked by ceremonies, parades, church services, and the decoration of graves with flags and flowers. Many Americans utilize the long weekend for family gatherings and outdoor activities.
Also referred to as the Fourth of July, Independence Day is a patriotic holiday to celebrate the United States’ Declaration of Independence from Great Britain which took place on July 4, 1776. Common traditions include parades, fireworks, outdoor barbecues, and prominent displays of the American flag. It is common for cities to provide their own local fireworks displays for its residents.
A day recognizing American workers, often celebrated with a long weekend of rest, outdoor activities, and family time. It also marks the unofficial end of summer.
A holiday where people dress in costumes and children go door-to-door saying “trick or treat” to receive candy. Adults typically attend costume parties or decorate the home with spooky or seasonal motifs such as pumpkins, fall leaves, skeletons, ghosts, or black cats. In regions with a larger Mexican population such as in Southern California or South Florida, Halloween is often celebrated in conjunction with Día de los Muertos, which is a Mexican holiday taking place at the same time of year with the intent to honor relatives past.
Veterans Day, like Memorial Day, is a patriotic holiday intended to honor military veterans and their service. It is observed with parades, ceremonies, church services, and flag displays. Some schools and communities hold special events to recognize local members who have served.
Thanksgiving is a major holiday focused on gratitude and family. Traditions include a large meal served with turkey, stuffing, and pie. Watching parades and football games is also commonplace.
Celebrated as both a Christian religious holiday and a cultural holiday, Christmas includes decorating homes with lights and trees, exchanging gifts, and gathering for festive meals. Many attend church services in recognition of the birth of Jesus.
