The US government recognizes 12 federal holidays each year. Individual states may also observe additional holidays. but not every university or company closes for all federal holidays. Likewise, each school sets its own sets of holidays, so students should check their school’s academic calendar for more accurate information.
Here are the 12 federal holidays in the United States.
1. New Year's Day – January 1
The first day of the new year is celebrated worldwide. New Year traditions date back thousands of years across many civilizations, representing hope for a fresh start. In 1870, January 1 became a federal holiday in the US.
At midnight, Americans gather with family or friends for New Year’s Eve parties and fireworks. One of the most famous events is the countdown at Times Square in New York, where millions gather to watch the crystal ball drop, marking the start of a promising new year.
2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Third Monday of January
This holiday honors Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader of the American civil rights movement. He is known for his speech, “I Have a Dream,” and his nonviolent movements to fight for the equality of African Americans.
It became a federal holiday in 1983, recognizing King’s contributions to fighting against racial discrimination and promoting social justice.
Communities across the US commemorate this day by holding speeches, volunteer activities, and celebratory events. This is also an opportunity for people, especially the youth and international students, to learn more about the civil rights movement and the human values that MLK was advocating for.
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3. Inauguration Day – January 20
The inauguration of the US President and Vice President happens every four years, right after the presidential election. This isn’t a standard official holiday, but it is significant because it marks the transfer of power in the US.
The first inauguration took place in 1789 when George Washington undertook the oath to become the first US President. Since then, Inauguration Day has become a formal and traditional ceremony.
To welcome the new President and Vice President, Washington D.C. typically hosts major events including the swearing-in ceremony, a parade on Pennsylvania Avenue, inaugural balls, and other symbolic activities.
4. Presidents' Day – Third Monday of February
Presidents’ Day pays tribute to the US presidents, especially George Washington, the first president, and Abraham Lincoln, who led the country during the Civil War.
Originally, this day celebrated George Washington’s birthday. But over time, its meaning has expanded to honor all presidents who contributed to US history and development.
On Presidents’ Day, commemorative activities and community events take place across the country. Many stores and shopping centers offer large discounts at this time of year.
5. Memorial Day – Last Monday of May
Memorial Day honors the US soldiers who had died during wars. The holiday began after the American Civil War when people started holding memorial activities for their fallen comrades and loved ones. It was then officialized as an official federal holiday in 1971.
On this day, Americans visit cemeteries and memorials, place flowers on soldiers’ graves, and participate in solemn parades. Beyond its symbolic commemoration, Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial start of summer, when many families begin organizing picnics, gatherings, or community events. For students, this often marks the official start of summer vacation.
6. Juneteenth National Independence Day – June 19
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the US. The event dates back to June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that “all slaves are free.” Two years prior, President Lincoln had established the Emancipation Proclamation which instituted the independence of the oppressed from slavery.
The holiday is also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, or Black Independence Day. Across the US, Juneteenth is marked with parades, cultural performances, food festivals, and community discussions. It is not just a historical commemoration, but also a time to reflect on the meaning of freedom, equality, and justice in American society.
7. Independence Day – July 4
Independence Day commemorates the United States’s independence from Britain. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was officially instituted, marking an important historical milestone in the formation of the United States.
Independence Day is one of the biggest and most festive holidays in the US. Cities across the country host spectacular fireworks displays, street parades, and outdoor BBQ parties where families and friends gather and celebrate. It is also a time to express patriotism and national pride.
8. Labor Day – First Monday of September
Labor Day honors the achievements of American workers. The holiday began with the labor movement in the late 19th century, when workers fought for better rights and working conditions. In 1894, Labor Day became an official federal holiday.
Labor Day often marks the end of summer in the US. Many communities hold festivals, parades, and entertainment activities. It’s also when families enjoy picnics, BBQs, or short trips before the new school year and work season begin.
9. Columbus Day – Second Monday of October
Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s discovery of America in 1492. The holiday started being celebrated in the late 19th century and became part of US holiday history.
However, Columbus Day remains controversial today because it is tied to colonization and its consequences for Native Americans. As a result, many states and cities have replaced or observed it alongside “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” to honor the culture and contributions of native communities.
On this day, some places still hold traditional parades and commemorative events, while others organize educational, artistic, and community activities to raise awareness about the multi-faceted histories.
10. Veterans Day – November 11
Veterans Day honors the US veterans who served in the military to protect the country.
Originally, this day was called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. Later, its meaning expanded to honor all those who served in the military, and it was renamed Veterans Day.
On this day, many cities across the US hold parades, memorial events at Arlington National Cemetery, and other activities to express gratitude to veterans.
11. Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday of November
Thanksgiving Day is a traditional US holiday that celebrates family togetherness and gratitude. The holiday originated from a 1621 feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native American community, when they celebrated a bountiful harvest together.
During the holiday, families gather and enjoy traditional feasts with turkey and other characteristic dishes. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York is also a prominent event, attracting millions of viewers on television or in person. This is a great time for international students to experience American culture, to celebrate with host families, or to even organize a Thanksgiving dinner with friends, also known as “Friendsgiving.”
Additionally, “Black Friday” happens right after Thanksgiving and is the largest shopping day of the year because all brands offer their largest discounts and promotions for the year. Often, these sales carry over to the weekend after Thanksgiving, allowing for more time to find deals and to shop.
12. Christmas Day – December 25
Christmas Day marks the birth of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. The holiday has been celebrated for centuries and is associated with rich cultural customs. It is a major and important holiday in many Western countries, including the US.
During Christmas, Americans typically decorate pine trees (whether real or plastic), hang colorful lights and decorations, exchange gifts with loved ones and friends, and gather with family over dinner. It’s also an excellent time for international students to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, participate in community events, or organize cozy gatherings with international friends.
One notable event students can participate in during the Christmas season is the tree-lighting ceremonies, usually held in early December, in city squares or downtown areas across the US.
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13. Winter Break
Winter Break is the vacation between the fall and spring semesters at US universities, usually starting in mid-December and lasting until early or mid-January. It’s a valuable time for students to rest, recharge, spend time with family, and prepare for the upcoming spring term.
Specific schedules and lengths for the Winter Break may vary per school and academic system (semester or quarter), so we recommend that students check their academic calendar for exact dates.
American students typically spend Winter Break visiting family for Christmas and New Year’s. Many international students in the US also often return home to visit family.
14. Spring Break
Spring Break is a vacation for American students, usually occurring after midterm exams. It’s a time to step away from academic pressure, relax, recharge, and fully enjoy free time.
Spring Break timing varies by school, but usually happens in March. It typically lasts one week.
The origins of Spring Break date back to ancient Greece, when people held festivals celebrating spring and honoring Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility. In the US, Spring Break as we know it today began in the 1930s, when college swim teams would travel to Florida for training. Over time, this tradition developed into the popular vacation it is today.
During Spring Break, students often travel to beaches or other resort destinations to relax and have fun while the weather is sunny and pleasant.
15. Summer Break
Summer Break is the longest vacation in the US academic year, usually lasting about two to three months, from mid-May to late August. However, specific timing may vary depending on each school’s academic calendar and system (semester, quarter, or trimester).
Summer Break provides an opportunity for students to rest and recharge after a stressful academic year. It also offers many opportunities for personal development. Students can participate in internships to gain experience, join community projects or volunteer activities, work on personal projects, or even travel to explore different countries and regions. Many US universities also offer summer sessions for students who want to get ahead in their program, spend more time on difficult courses, or retake courses to improve their grades.
The length of university breaks in the US depends largely on the academic system and the overall academic calendar of each school. To plan for these breaks, students should carefully check the schedule published by their school at the beginning of the academic year. Local and international students especially need to pay attention to the break schedule because internships often need to align with their curriculum’s prescribed time period for semesters.
For international students, US holidays and breaks are excellent opportunities to both rest and explore American culture, history, and society. Make the most of these times to relax, enrich your study abroad experience, and create memorable moments with friends.
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