US Holidays Reference

Complete reference guide to major US holidays throughout the year. Essential for business planning, marketing campaigns, and cultural awareness.

HolidayDateTypeDescriptionBusiness Impact
New Year's Day
January 1FederalCelebration of the beginning of the new yearMajor shopping season, new year promotions
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Third Monday in JanuaryFederalHonors civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.Federal holiday, banks and government offices closed
Groundhog Day
February 2PopularTraditional weather prediction dayCultural event, limited commercial impact
Valentine's Day
February 14CommercialDay of love and romanceMajor retail holiday for gifts, flowers, and dining
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in FebruaryFederalHonors all US presidents, especially Washington and LincolnFederal holiday, major sales events
St. Patrick's Day
March 17PopularIrish cultural celebrationPopular for themed merchandise and celebrations
Easter Sunday
First Sunday after first full moon after March 21ReligiousChristian celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrectionMajor holiday for family gatherings and gift-giving
April Fool's Day
April 1PopularDay of pranks and jokesMarketing opportunity for humorous campaigns
Earth Day
April 22PopularEnvironmental awareness dayEco-friendly product promotions
Mother's Day
Second Sunday in MayCommercialDay to honor mothersMajor retail holiday for gifts and dining
Memorial Day
Last Monday in MayFederalHonors military personnel who died in serviceStart of summer season, major sales events
Father's Day
Third Sunday in JuneCommercialDay to honor fathersMajor retail holiday for gifts
Independence Day
July 4FederalCelebrates US independence from BritainMajor patriotic holiday, summer celebrations
Labor Day
First Monday in SeptemberFederalHonors American workersEnd of summer, back-to-school season
Columbus Day
Second Monday in OctoberFederalCommemorates Christopher Columbus's arrival in AmericasFederal holiday, some controversy in recent years
Halloween
October 31PopularTraditional costume and candy holidayMajor retail holiday for costumes, candy, and decorations
Veterans Day
November 11FederalHonors military veteransFederal holiday, patriotic observances
Thanksgiving
Fourth Thursday in NovemberFederalTraditional harvest celebration and family gatheringMajor travel and food holiday, start of Christmas season
Black Friday
Day after ThanksgivingCommercialMajor shopping day with significant salesBiggest shopping day of the year
Cyber Monday
Monday after ThanksgivingCommercialOnline shopping day with digital dealsMajor e-commerce sales event
Christmas Day
December 25FederalChristian celebration of Jesus Christ's birthBiggest retail holiday of the year
New Year's Eve
December 31PopularCelebration of the end of the yearParty supplies, resolutions, and celebration items

Holiday Types

Federal

Official government holidays with federal employee time off

Popular

Widely celebrated cultural or traditional observances

Religious

Faith-based celebrations and observances

Commercial

Retail-focused holidays with significant shopping activity