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Our American Holidays

Your go-to guide for US holiday dates, trivia, and printables.

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What Are Federal Holidays in the USA?

Federal holidays in the USA are official nationwide days off when the government, banks, and many businesses shut their doors — or at least shorten their hours. Here’s a quick rundown of all 12, what they honor, and when they usually pop up on your calendar:

  • New Year’s Day (January) — Cheers to fresh starts, confetti, and good luck brunches.
  • Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (January) — Honoring the civil rights leader with parades and a National Day of Service.
  • Washington’s Birthday (February) — Also called Presidents’ Day, celebrating George (and sometimes Abe) with mattress sales galore.
  • Memorial Day (May) — A day to remember fallen military heroes and officially kick off summer BBQ season.
  • Juneteenth National Independence Day (June) — Commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. and freedom for all.
  • Independence Day (July) — America’s birthday bash with fireworks, parades, and patriotic playlists.
  • Labor Day (September) — A salute to workers, unions, and that unofficial end-of-summer long weekend.
  • Columbus Day (October) — Marks Columbus’s arrival in 1492 (though many states now celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day too).
  • Veterans Day (November) — Honors all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces with parades and ceremonies.
  • Thanksgiving Day (November) — Family feasts, gratitude, and football — followed immediately by Black Friday chaos.
  • Christmas Day (December) — The big one: gifts, lights, and time with family (or untangling those outdoor decorations again).

From January to December, these federal holidays sprinkle a few well-earned days off throughout the year — so keep that printable holiday calendar handy and plan those long weekends wisely!

Just a heads-up: not every state or private business treats every federal holiday the same way — so always check your local calendar or workplace policy before planning that extra day off!

Strange or Forgotten American Holidays

America loves its official holidays, but we’ve got a soft spot for the weird ones too — like National Talk Like a Pirate Day or Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work Day. Some of these quirky observances were once real local holidays; others popped up as jokes but stuck around because, well, why not?


They’re fun trivia, conversation starters, and a reminder that not every holiday needs a bank closure and a day off. If you’re ever short on small talk, just sprinkle in a “Did you know there’s a National Nothing Day?” at your next cookout. You’ll be the star of the snack table.

Weird & Forgotten Holidays That Really Happened

  • National Talk Like a Pirate Day — September 19th: a playful day for pirate lingo and fun costumes.
  • National Nothing Day — January 16th: officially dedicated to doing absolutely nothing.
  • Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work Day — Second Wednesday in October: show off your childhood buddy at the office.
  • National Ferret Day — April 2nd: promoting ferret awareness and responsible ownership.
  • Sweetest Day — Third Saturday in October: a “mini-Valentine’s Day” once popular in the Midwest.
  • Victory Over Japan Day (V-J Day) — August 14th/15th: once big nationwide, now mostly a Rhode Island thing.
  • Evacuation Day — March 17th: Boston’s lesser-known Revolutionary War holiday.

How Do New Holidays Get Created in America?

Ever wondered how a regular day on the calendar turns into a federal holiday? Spoiler: it’s not as simple as just throwing a party and hoping for the best. Congress has to pass a law, and the President signs it — like when Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.

Holiday Creation Process

States can create their own holidays too, which is why you’ll see differences across the country. So while we love a three-day weekend, new holidays don’t just appear overnight. If you want your birthday to be a day off for everyone, better get those petitions ready!

Holiday Pay Laws: Do You Still Get Paid?

Here’s a fun one that pops up every time a holiday rolls around: “Do I get paid for this day off ?” Federal law doesn’t actually require private employers to pay you for holidays — it’s up to your company’s policy or union contract. Government employees? They’re good to go.


Some folks also get extra pay (time and a half) for working on a holiday. So next time you’re checking your paycheck, remember to check your HR handbook too. And if you’re the only one in the office on Christmas Eve? At least you get dibs on the leftover cookies.

Upcoming US Holidays: What’s Next on the Calendar?

Wondering, “Is today a federal holiday?” — we’ve got you covered.

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Free Printable US Holiday Calendars

Want to keep your holidays straight without sticky notes everywhere? Grab our free printable holiday calendars! Each PDF covers an entire year of federal holidays — perfect for your fridge, office corkboard, or that spot by the coffee maker. Just click, download, and plan ahead so you’ll always know when your next day off is. A simple way to stay organized (and brag that you’re never surprised by a three-day weekend again).

People Also Ask: Holiday FAQs

Is today a federal holiday in the USA?

Depends on the calendar! Federal holidays like Christmas, Independence Day, and Labor Day are fixed, but the day off can shift if the date falls on a weekend. Check our Upcoming Holidays and Printable Calendar to plan ahead!

How many federal holidays are there?

Right now, there are 11 official federal holidays in the United States, with some years adding a 12th — like Inauguration Day for federal employees in Washington, D.C. They run from New Year’s Day in January to Christmas Day in December.

Do private companies have to give holiday pay?

Nope! The federal government doesn’t require private employers to offer paid holidays — it’s up to your workplace policy or contract.

What happens if a holiday falls on a weekend?

If a federal holiday lands on Saturday or Sunday, the official day off usually moves to the closest weekday — so you don’t miss out on your break.

Where can I get a printable US holiday calendar?

We’ve got you covered! Check out our printables section for free, ready-to-download holiday calendars.