New Year's Day (January 1)

New Year's Day marks the start of the calendar year in the United States and most other countries. This public holiday is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and resolutions for the coming year. Federal offices, banks, and many businesses close for this national holiday. Learn more about US public holidays from official sources.

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

This US public holiday honors the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Established in 1983 and first observed in 1986, it celebrates King's birthday and his contributions to American society. Many Americans use this holiday for community service, reflecting King's commitment to social justice. Visit the King Center website to learn about his legacy.

Lincoln's Birthday (February 12)

While not a federal holiday, Lincoln's Birthday commemorates the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Several states, including Illinois (Lincoln's home state), observe this day as a state holiday. Lincoln is remembered for his leadership during the Civil War and for signing the Emancipation Proclamation that began the process of ending slavery in America. Check our guide to American presidents for more information.

Presidents' Day (Third Monday in February)

Originally established to honor George Washington's birthday, this public holiday now commemorates all U.S. presidents. The holiday was moved to the third Monday in February as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971, creating a three-day weekend for workers while keeping it close to Washington's actual birthday (February 22).

Mardi Gras (March 4, 2025)

Also known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is the final day of the Carnival season, immediately preceding Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. While not a federal holiday, it's a significant cultural celebration, especially in New Orleans, Louisiana. The day is marked with parades, elaborate costumes, music, and festive street parties. Some southern states and cities declare it a legal holiday.

César Chávez Day (March 31)

This holiday honors the birthday and legacy of César Chávez, an American labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association. It's observed as a state holiday in California, Colorado, and several other states. The day celebrates Chávez's commitment to improving the working conditions and rights of farm workers in America.

Good Friday (April 18, 2025)

Good Friday is a Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. While not a federal holiday, it's recognized as a state holiday in some states like Connecticut, Delaware, and New Jersey. Many businesses observe shortened hours, and some schools close on this day. It falls two days before Easter Sunday in the Christian calendar. Learn more about religious holidays in the USA.

Patriots' Day (April 21, 2025)

Patriots' Day commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. It's observed as a state holiday in Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut. The day is most notably marked by the Boston Marathon, and in Massachusetts, many historical reenactments of the battles take place. The holiday celebrates American history and patriotism.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day honors military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. This US public holiday originated after the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Americans typically observe Memorial Day with cemetery visits, memorial services, and displaying the American flag at half-staff. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Memorial Day page.

Juneteenth (June 19)

The newest federal public holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021. See our guide to celebrating Juneteenth.

Independence Day (July 4)

This public holiday celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States as a nation independent from Great Britain. Independence Day is marked by patriotic displays, fireworks, parades, barbecues, and family gatherings across the country. Explore the original Declaration at the National Archives.

Pioneer Day (July 24)

Pioneer Day is a state holiday in Utah that commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. The day celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of these early settlers who trekked across the country seeking religious freedom. Festivities include parades, fireworks, rodeos, and reenactments of the pioneers' journey.

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day honors the American labor movement and the contributions workers have made to the nation's strength and prosperity. This public holiday originated during the labor movement of the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. For many Americans, it also symbolizes the end of summer. Read about the history of Labor Day in our special feature.

Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day (Second Monday in October)

Traditionally honoring Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas, this public holiday has evolved in many states and cities to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day instead, acknowledging the native populations who lived in the Americas before European colonization. The federal government still officially observes it as Columbus Day.

Nevada Day (October 31, 2025)

Nevada Day is a state holiday celebrating Nevada's admission to the Union on October 31, 1864. It's observed throughout Nevada, with the largest celebrations in Carson City, the state capital. The day features parades, contests, and various events that celebrate Nevada's history and cultural heritage. State offices close for this holiday, which recognizes Nevada as the 36th state to join the United States.

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day honors all U.S. military veterans who served in the Armed Forces. Originally established as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, this public holiday celebrates all veterans, living or deceased. Find resources at the Veterans Affairs website.

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

This US public holiday commemorates the harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621. Thanksgiving became a regular national holiday in 1863 when President Lincoln proclaimed it during the Civil War. Americans typically celebrate with family gatherings, festive meals featuring turkey, and expressions of gratitude. See our guide to Thanksgiving traditions.

Black Friday (November 28, 2025)

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and marks the unofficial beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Though not an official holiday, many workplaces give employees the day off as part of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The day is known for significant discounts and sales at retailers across the country, often starting early in the morning or even the evening of Thanksgiving Day itself.

Christmas Eve (December 24)

Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and holds both religious and cultural significance. While not a federal holiday, many businesses close early, and some states may designate it as a partial holiday. Families often gather for special meals, attend church services, exchange gifts, or participate in other holiday traditions like caroling or watching classic Christmas films.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day is a public holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed by Christians and non-Christians alike in the United States. While religious in origin, Christmas has evolved into both a sacred and secular holiday featuring gift-giving, decorations, Santa Claus, and family gatherings. Visit our guide to American Christmas traditions.

New Year's Eve (December 31)

New Year's Eve marks the final day of the calendar year and is celebrated with parties, gatherings, and special events across the country. The most famous celebration occurs in Times Square, New York City, where thousands gather to watch the ball drop at midnight. While not a federal holiday, many businesses close early, and people often take time off to prepare for evening festivities and to welcome the new year.

Inauguration Day (January 20, 2029)

Inauguration Day marks the swearing-in of the President of the United States. It's a federal holiday observed only in Washington D.C. and surrounding areas in years when a new president is inaugurated (every four years). The next Inauguration Day will be in 2029, as 2025 is not a presidential inauguration year. The day features ceremonies, parades, and speeches, with the central event being the presidential oath of office. Learn about the history of presidential inaugurations at the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Confederate Memorial Day (Varies by State)

Confederate Memorial Day honors soldiers who fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. It's observed in several Southern states on different dates. In Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina, it's an official state holiday. The observance remains controversial, with debates about its appropriateness in modern America continuing. Some states have renamed or removed this holiday from their official calendars in recent years.

Understanding US Holidays

Federal holidays in the United States authorize the closure of government offices and provide paid time off for federal employees. While private employers are not legally required to observe these holidays, many do provide time off or holiday pay. Each state may also designate additional public holidays not observed at the federal level. Check our comprehensive holiday pay calculator to understand your entitlements.

Beyond federal and state public holidays, there are numerous cultural, religious, and unofficial observances throughout the year that hold significance for various communities across America. Planning around these US holidays can help with scheduling vacations, understanding business closures, and participating in cultural celebrations that are significant to American society and history. For a printable calendar of all US public holidays, visit our downloadable calendar page.