US Calendar for All 12 Months: Full List of Holidays and Celebrations
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| The Most Popular Federal Holidays and Festivals 2024 In The US |
| Table of Contents |
The 50 states that comprise the federal country of the United States each have their own government. So, both the federal and local governments decide which days off people get, and these decisions may differ by state.
National Holidays in the United States 2024:
Besides the eleven federal holidays that are always observed, each state can add its own holidays.
The US Calendar for 12 Months in 2024: Full List of Holidays and Celebrations
January - February - March - April - May- June - July - August - September - October - November - December
What is a Federal Holiday?
Here in the US, a federal holiday is one that is recognized by Congress and written into Title V of the U.S. Code 6103, "Holidays," gives Congress the power to make federal institutions' own holidays.
For federal holidays, all federal offices that aren't necessary and a lot of banks are closed. Federal holidays are often celebrated across the country, but they are not "national holidays." It is up to each state to decide if it is legal to observe a federal holiday. In fact, many states do honor most or all federal holidays, but the federal government can't make it a law that they have to. Also, cities and towns in different states can celebrate holidays that aren't recognized by the federal government.
| • Most people who work for the government work from Monday to Friday. • So if a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is celebrated on the Friday before. • When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a holiday. |
When was the US's First Federal Holiday?
In 1870, Congress made the first federal holidays. On New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, federal workers in the District of Columbia were given paid time off. John Adams' birthday was added in 1880. Congress made some holiday pay available to all federal workers in 1885. Even though Thanksgiving Day was in the first holiday bill, it wasn't until 1941 that Congress made November 4th the official day of the holiday.
Most Popular Federal Holidays and Festivals 2024 In The US
NEW YEAR’S DAY
January 1, 2024, Monday
On New Year's Day, people have parties, go to special events, or spend time with their family and friends.
The day of Martin Luther King Jr.
READ MORE: Top 100 Best New Year Wishes & Quotes For Teachers
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
Monday, January 15, 2024
On this federal holiday, we remember the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., who worked for civil rights. Today we honor his life, think about what he taught us, and celebrate the progress made in the civil rights movement.
PRESIDENT’S DAY
Monday, February 19, 2024
President's Day will be on Monday, February 19, 2024.
In the law, this day is called "Washington's Birthday," but most people call it "President's Day."
In the United States, it is a federal holiday that honors the office of the President and all past presidents.
MEMORIAL DAY
Monday, May 27, 2024
Monday, May 27, 2024, is Memorial Day.
We remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military on this day.
A lot of people go to cemeteries and memorials to honor those who have served our country. A lot of places also hold other events to honor veterans and remember their service.
JUNETEENTH
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
The 19th of June 2024 will be Juneteenth, which is also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.
To remember the end of slavery in the United States, today is December 13. A lot of people get together to work for social justice, celebrate freedom, and learn about this important event in U.S. history.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Thursday, July 4, 2024
The Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This is known as Independence Day, or the 4th of July.
On this day, people usually have barbecues, picnics, fireworks shows, and parades to celebrate.
READ MORE: Top 10 Most Popular Holidays In January In The World
LABOR DAY
Monday, September 2, 2024
The date of Labor Day in 2024 is September 4, 2024.
Workers' rights day is a paid holiday that honors the important role workers play in American society.
Parades, barbecues, and other events happen all over the country to honor the holiday. At this point, many people take it easy, hang out with family and friends, and enjoy one last summer break before going back to school.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY / COLUMBUS DAY
Monday, October 14, 2024
Columbus Day for Indigenous Peoples will be held on October 14, 2024.
People from indigenous groups are honored for their history and culture on Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Columbus Day is celebrated on the same day every year to remember when Christopher Columbus came to America in 1492.
VETERANS DAY
Monday, November 11, 2024
The year 2024 Veterans Day falls on a Monday, November 11.
This federal holiday honors all the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Parades, events, and services are held to commemorate their service and sacrifice.
THANKSGIVING DAY
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Thanksgiving Day 2024 falls on Thursday, November 28.
This national holiday celebrates the harvest season and is traditionally celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and parades. People often take this time to reflect on what they are thankful for and spend quality time with their loved ones.
CHRISTMAS DAY
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Christmas Day 2024 falls on Wednesday, December 25.
A lot of people in the US and many other countries around the world celebrate this holiday.
To celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, most people give each other gifts and go to religious services. Some other fun holiday activities are decorating homes and Christmas trees, singing carols, and going to events to mark the occasion.
THESE HOLIDAYS LAND ON THE SAME DAY EACH YEAR
| Federal Holiday | Day of the year |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | The third Monday in January |
| President’s Day | The third Monday in February |
| Memorial Day | The last Monday in May |
| Juneteenth | June 19 |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | The first Monday in September |
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day / Columbus Day | The second Monday in October |
| Veterans Day | November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | The fourth Thursday in November |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES IN 2024
Here are some other important days/popular holidays you might like to add to your calendar:
• Valentine’s Day – Wednesday, February 14, 2024
• St. Patrick’s Day – Sunday, March 17, 2024
• Good Friday – Friday, March 29, 2024
• Easter Sunday – Sunday, March 31, 2024
• Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 12, 2024
• Father’s Day – Sunday, June 16, 2024
• Halloween – Thursday, October 31, 2024
2024 is a leap year, so there are 29 days in February. The February 29, is called Leap Day.
Most Popular Festivals 2024 In The US
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January
Sundance Film Festival
Park City, Utah
The Sundance Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film competitions in the U.S. It takes place in Park City at the end of the month. The event lasts for ten days, from January 18th to January 28th, and shows the best independent films of the year, from short films to full-length features. You can see movie screenings and see famous people in Park City, Salt Lake City, and all over the Wasatch Mountains. You can go to the movies, hit the slopes, shop downtown, and relax in your Vacasa cabin with a view of the mountains in between.
February
Daytona 500
Daytona Beach, Florida
If you like NASCAR, you should plan to stop along Daytona Beach on February 18 for the Daytona 500. It is one of the most important races on the NASCAR calendar, and about 150,000 racing fans usually show up.
March
ULTRA Music Festival
Miami, Florida
It's time to have fun at the beach after a long winter. Get your tickets to the ULTRA Music Festival in Miami, Florida. It is known as the best electronic music festival in the world. Some of the best artists and DJs, like Zedd, David Guetta, and Grimes, will put on amazing shows at ULTRA from March 22–24.
April
JazzFest
New Orleans, Louisiana
JazzFest in New Orleans is a great way to welcome spring. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival runs from April 25 to May 5. Bring your dancing shoes. Enjoy shows on several stages with a great group of musicians of all sizes. The Who, Stevie Nicks, Willie Nelson, and other artists have played at festivals in the past. It's a great time to visit New Orleans during JazzFest because there is great food and music.
May
Rose Festival
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon’s Rose Festival brings an end to the month with a parade, floats, carnival games, and amusement park rides. From May 24–June 8, the Tom McCall Waterfront Park transforms to host fairground-style fun, with an array of food vendors, music stages, local art, and stunning floral arrangements. Kick off Memorial Day weekend in the City of Roses.
June
Pride Month
Have a great Pride month! There are lots of Pride events in June, like marches, fairs, music, floats, and dancing. Join the fun in the cities that know how to do it right. Pride festivals in San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Miami, and the San Francisco Bay Area are all known for being great. They usually happen in the last two weeks of June.
July
National Cherry Festival
Traverse City, Michigan
Michigan is more than just beautiful lakes and snowy winters. The state has a huge crop of tart cherries in the summer, and the National Cherry Festival is held in Traverse City to celebrate. From June 29 to July 6, this exciting food festival has carnival rides, live music, food vendors, cherry wine and beer tents, pie-eating contests, activities for the whole family, and a Cherry Queen pageant.
August
Washington Midsummer Renaissance Fair
Bonney Lake, Washington
This year's Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire in Bonney Lake is a great way to celebrate the end of summer. There are pirates, elves, fairies, and knights having a good time. Put on your corset, toast some ales, watch professional jousters, and take a walk around the grounds with a turkey leg in your hand. It takes place just outside of Tacoma and is open to everyone. It runs the first three weekends of August.
September
Oktoberfest
Fall is here!
Oktoberfest doesn't really start until the end of September, even though the name might make you think otherwise. There is so much to see, do, and eat that you won't want to miss it. The first Oktoberfest was held in Munich in 1810. Since then, the tradition has spread all over the world. For the best German food, music, and beers, go to a town in Bavaria, such as Helen, Leavenworth, or Fredericksburg. Good luck!
October
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Take a trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and be amazed. If you go southwest, you can see brightly colored hot air balloons filling the wide blue sky. A lot of people go to New Mexico every year to enjoy music, food, and the beautiful sight of 500 hot air balloons floating in the sky at the world's largest hot air balloon festival. You can easily get to Albuquerque from Santa Fe by shuttle, bus, or train, so you can enjoy the festival while also seeing the sights. The festival dates for next year aren't out yet, but it's always a good idea to start making plans for your trip early.
November
Florida Seafood Festival
Apalachicola, Florida
Next, go to the Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola, Florida, to eat fresh fish, shellfish, and oysters that were caught that day. Two nights of seafood fun are planned, with live music, arts and crafts shows, blue crab races, and an oyster eating contest. Not a big fan of seafood? Not a problem. There will be more than 20 different kinds of food vendors at the festival, so you're sure to find something tasty.
December
Village of Lights Festival
Leavenworth, Washington
Folk festivals like the Village of Lights Festival in Leavenworth are also held all over the country. Every year, people from all over the world come to this well-known Christmas town to see the more than 500,000 string lights sparkle in the snow. Of course, that's not the end of the holiday fun. You can listen to carolers, shop at German-style Christmas markets, and see the Nutcracker. If you're traveling with kids, the petting zoo and sleigh rides are sure to make your trip magical.
Summary
Before you go to the US or make business plans, make sure you know when the holidays are and plan your trip around them. Business and stock trades can both be affected by days off. Do not be shocked by any holiday that comes up out of the blue.
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