American holidays

Many government offices and some private businesses close on annual federal holidays. If the holiday falls during the weekend, the government may observe it on a different day.

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Third Monday in January)
• Inauguration Day (January 20, every 4 years following a presidential election)
• Washington's Birthday (Also known as Presidents Day; third Monday in February)
• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
• Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)
• Independence Day (July 4)
• Labor Day (First Monday in September)
• Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
• Veterans Day (November 11)
• Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day

On Memorial Day, America honors those who died while serving in the military. On Veterans Day, the country celebrates everyone who has served in the military.

States and the District of Columbia may recognize their own holidays, such as Emancipation Day or Indigenous Peoples Day. These holidays recognize events and people important to a state’s history and culture.

Some holidays honor specific groups and events, such as Flag Day and Halloween. These are not federal holidays. Some holidays and observances receive presidential proclamations.

Various ethnic and religious groups in the United States celebrate days with special meaning to them. These holidays include Easter and Christmas for Christians, the High Holy Days for Jews, Ramadan for Muslims, Day of Vesak for Buddhists, and Diwali for Hindus.