New Year’s Day (January 1) marks the beginning of the calendar year after lively New Year’s Eve celebrations with fireworks, countdowns, and parties. Families often spend the day relaxing, watching the Rose Parade in Pasadena or major college football bowl games. It is a federal holiday - banks, government offices, and most businesses are closed.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January) honors the legacy of the civil rights leader who fought for racial equality through nonviolent activism. Schools and communities host educational programs, parades, and volunteer initiatives. It is a federal holiday - federal offices, banks, and many schools are closed.

Lincoln's Birthday (February 12) remains a standalone state holiday in Connecticut, Illinois, Missouri, and New York, even though many states fold it into Presidents’ Day. State government offices, courts, and many public schools close in those states. It is not a federal holiday, so federal offices and the Postal Service remain open unless it coincides with Presidents’ Day.

Washington's Birthday, commonly known as Presidents’ Day (third Monday in February), originally celebrated George Washington’s birthday but now honors all U.S. presidents. Patriotic events, historical reenactments, and retail sales are common. It is a federal holiday - government offices and banks are closed, though many private businesses remain open.

Good Friday (the Friday before Easter) is not a federal holiday, but it is an official state holiday in a number of states such as Texas, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Indiana. It is also a nationwide financial observance: the NYSE and Nasdaq close. Most private businesses and federal services remain open.

Truman Day (May 8) is observed only in Missouri to honor the birthday of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd U.S. President. Missouri state government offices and courts close. If May 8 falls on a Saturday, it is typically observed on Friday; if it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on Monday. It is not a federal holiday.

Memorial Day (last Monday in May) honors U.S. military personnel who died in service. Families decorate graves, attend parades, and gather for barbecues and outdoor events that mark the unofficial start of summer. Federal offices and banks are closed; most retailers stay open.

Independence Day (July 4) commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Americans celebrate with fireworks, concerts, patriotic parades, and outdoor barbecues. Red, white, and blue decorations dominate towns and cities. It is a federal holiday - all federal offices and many businesses are closed.

Labor Day (first Monday in September) celebrates the contributions of American workers and labor movements. It is a time for family picnics, last summer vacations, and the start of football season. It is a federal holiday - schools, banks, and offices close, while many retailers hold big sales.

Columbus Day (second Monday in October) commemorates Christopher Columbus’s 1492 arrival in the Americas. In many states, it is observed instead as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, recognizing Native American history and cultures. Federal offices and banks are closed, though most private businesses remain open.

Veterans Day (November 11) honors all U.S. military veterans. Parades, ceremonies at memorials, and school programs highlight the day. It is a federal holiday - government offices, banks, and post offices close, while shops often offer discounts for veterans.

Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November) celebrates gratitude, harvest traditions, and family unity. Americans gather for a turkey feast with stuffing, pies, and cranberry sauce, watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and enjoy football games. It is a federal holiday - banks, schools, and most businesses close, though many retailers prepare for Black Friday sales the following day.

Christmas Day (December 25) is celebrated nationwide with decorated trees, gift exchanges, church services, and festive meals. Both religious and secular traditions are widespread. It is a federal holiday - federal offices, schools, and most businesses are closed.