Holidays in the United States There are many American holidays celebrated that you will get to be a part of during your time here. Some of these may be familiar to you, while others will be new! Either way, they are a great way to experience American culture, and an excellent way to share your culture with your host family. Many of these holidays are nationally recognized, which means that schools, banks, etc., will be closed; others are more personal holidays, such as Mother’s Day and April Fools Day.

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January

New Year's Eve, on December 31, is typically celebrated with friends and family, and often includes big parties and, occasionally, fireworks. New Year's Day, which is January 1st, is a national holiday, so most people have the day off of work.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the third Monday in January, and it is a day when Americans honor the famous civil rights leader.

February

Valentine's Day is February 14th. While not a national holiday, it is commonly celebrated by giving loved ones gifts in the form of cards, flowers and/or chocolates.

Presidents' Day is the third Monday of February, and is in honor of all American presidents.

March

St. Patrick’s Day is March 17th, and is a day when Americans of Irish descent celebrate and are celebrated. Many people wear green on this day because of an old tradition that says that if you do not wear green, you will get pinched!

April

April Fools' Day is a small holiday where people play small tricks on their friends and family.

Easter and Passover are religious holidays that usually fall during the month of April.

Spring Break is when schools get a week off, usually during the month of April. Schools will often have their Spring Break around the same time as Easter or Passover.

May

Mother's Day is the second Sunday in May. This is a day when families will typically do something special for Mom.

Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. This is a national holiday, in memory of soldiers who died in battle. Memorial Day is traditionally the kick-off of summer.

June

Summer Break, which usually starts in June, is when most schools close for the summer and summer vacation begins. This usually runs through August or September.

Father's Day is the third Sunday in June. On this day, many families will typically do something special for Dad.

July

Independence Day/4th of July is in memory of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This day is celebrated with fireworks, barbeques, and picnics!

September

Labor Day is a National Holiday celebrated the first Monday in September to honor the American worker. This day usually marks the end of summer, and kids will go back to school around this time.

October

Columbus Day, on October 12th, celebrates the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492.

Halloween is October 31st, and is celebrated by people dressing up in all sorts of costumes. Children will go “trick-or-treating” by ringing the doorbells of their neighbors and asking for treats (candy).

November

Veteran’s Day on November 11 is in honor of all American war veterans.

Thanksgiving Day, which falls on the last Thursday in November, is when Americans celebrate everything they are thankful for. Originally, this holiday was to celebrate a successful harvest, but it is now a day for families to get together and celebrate each other. Families will prepare a huge meal traditionally of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

December

Hanukah and Christmas are both celebrated in the end of December. Usually gifts are exchanged with friends and loved ones.

Winter Break, which usually happens around the same time as Hanukah and Christmas, is when children will usually get 1-2 weeks off from school.