List of American (USA) Holidays and Celebrations

Many Americans spend holidays with their friends and family, enjoying food, parades and games
(both televised and otherwise). Though this country is still less than 250 years old, they have made
up for their youth with an assortment of holidays that they love to celebrate.

New Year's Day - January 1

Americans enjoy New Years Day just as many other countries do, though most have to work on
the 2 of January as well. Many watch the Rose Bowl which is an American football championship
game played by US colleges.

Inauguration Day - January 20

Inauguration Day only occurs once every four years when the new or remaining president is
inaugurated into office. This day will only change if it happens to be on a sunday. In those cases,
the following Monday is Inauguration Day.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Third Monday of January

On the third monday of January, Americans remember the life and death of Martin Luther King Jr.
and his fight for equal rights.

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Groundhog Day - February 2

Groundhog day in which a groundhog apparently comes out of his hole in the ground to decide
when spring will begin. If he is frightened by his shadow, he will retreat into his hole and there will
be six more weeks of winter.

Super Bowl Sunday - First Sunday in February

On this day, Americans gather to watch the Super Bowl, the championship of professional
American Football.

Valentines Day - February 14

Valentines Day in America is celebrated with the giving of flowers and chocolates. It is considered
a romantic holiday.

Presidents' Day - Third Monday in February

On the third Monday of February, Americans celebrate Presidents' Day in honor of the first
president, George Washington's birthday on February 22.

St. Patrick's Day - March 17

In celebration of St. Patick's Day, many people dress in green and pinch those who don't.

April Fool's Day - April 1

Americans tend to celebrate April Fool's Day by playing tricks and pranks on each other and then
declaring "April Fools!"

Earth Day - April 22

A day where Americans celebrate the earth and oceans and many do community service in
cleaning communities, roads and parks of debris.

Administrative Professionals' Day (Secretaries' Day) - Wednesday of the Last Full Week of
April

This is the day that many administrators show appreciation to those who make their lives easier at
the office by giving gifts to their assistants.

Arbor Day

National Arbor Day was proclaimed as the last Friday in April by President Richard Nixon in 1970.
A number of state Arbor Days are observed at other times of the year to coincide with the best tree
planting weather. The observance began in 1872, when Nebraska settlers and homesteaders were
urged to plant trees on the largely treeless plains.

Nurses' Day - May 6

A day to thank nurses for their hard work in doctors' offices and hospitals.

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National Day of Prayer - First Thursday in May

On this day, many people gather together to pray for their country, family or themselves.

Mother's Day - Second Sunday in May

A day for celebrating mothers. Many Americans bring their mothers chocolates or flowers or take
her out to lunch.

Memorial Day is observed the last Monday of May.

It originally honored the people killed in the American Civil War, but has become a day on which
the American dead of all wars are remembered.

Flag Day

Flag Day, celebrated June 14, has been a presidentially proclaimed observance since 1916.
Although Flag Day is not a federal holiday, Americans are encouraged to display the flag outside
their homes and businesses on this day to honor the history and heritage the American flag
represents.

Armed Forces Day

For remembrance and honor of both living and dead soldiers of the armed forces.

Juneteenth (Liberation of Slaves) - June 19

Juneteenth is a state holiday that is recognized by 32 of the 50 states. It celebrates when the
African American slaves were set free.

Father's Day - Third Sunday in June

A day for celebrating fathers. Many people celebrate by having a barbecued dinner.

Independence Day - July 4

On this day, Americans celebrate the day they became an independent nation. Many go to
parades and watch fireworks at night.

Parents' Day - Fourth Sunday in July

A day for celebrating both of your parents.

Friendship Day - First Sunday in August

On this day, people spend time with a friend they would like to honor as a good friend.

Labor Day - First Monday in September

Most Americans celebrate this holiday as the end of summer, rather than for historical reasons.

Grandparent's Day - Sunday After Labor Day

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A day dedicated to celebrating grandparents. Many families gather together to have picnics or
dinners.

Citizenship Day (Constitution Day) - September 17

Citizenship day marks the anniversary of when the constitution was ratified.

National Children's Day - Second Sunday in October

A day for celebrating children.

Columbus Day - Second Monday in October

The day commemorates October 12, 1492, when Italian navigator Christopher Columbus landed in
the New World. The holiday was first proclaimed in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Bosses' Day - October 16

On this day, some employees show appreciation to their bosses by giving them small gifts.

Sweetest Day - Third Saturday in October

A day for spreading joy and happiness to those who are in need.

Mother-in-Law's Day - October 26

A day to celebrate your mother-in-law (much like mother's day).

Navy Day - October 27

A day to celebrate the United States Navy.

Halloween - October 31

Halloween is often celebrated by children dressing up as fantasy characters and going door to
door to ask for candy by saying "Trick or Treat."

Veterans' Day - November 11

This holiday was originally called Armistice Day and established to honor Americans who had
served in World War I. It now honors veterans of all wars in which the U.S. has fought. Veterans'
organizations hold parades, and the president places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns at
Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Thanksgiving - Fourth Thursday in November

In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest. Many regard
this event as the nation's first Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving feast became a national tradition
and almost always includes some of the foods served at the first feast: roast turkey, cranberry
sauce, potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

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Christmas Eve/Christmas Day - December 24-25

Many Americans celebrate Christmas by opening presents that are placed under a Christmas tree
on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Kwanzaa - December 26-31

Kwanzaa is a week long celebration to celebrate the culture of African Americans and that of their
ancestors.

New Year's Eve - December 31

Commemorates the last day of the year.