United States

United States : Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

Public Holidays in the United States

Public holidays in the United States are designated days where most businesses and government offices close to observe significant historical events, cultural traditions, or honor notable individuals. These holidays often feature celebrations, parades, family gatherings, and ceremonies that reflect the country's rich heritage and values.

• New Year's Day
  Origin: Marks the beginning of the new calendar year.
  Date: January 1
  Observance: Celebrated with fireworks, parties, and resolutions for the new year. It is a federal holiday.

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  Origin: Honors civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to racial equality.
  Date: Third Monday in January
  Observance: Ceremonies, volunteer activities, and educational events promote his legacy.

• Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day)
  Origin: Originally celebrated George Washington’s birthday; now honors all U.S. presidents.
  Date: Third Monday in February
  Observance: Parades, educational programs, and sales events occur nationwide.

• Memorial Day
  Origin: Commemorates military personnel who died in service.
  Date: Last Monday in May
  Observance: Memorial ceremonies, parades, flag flying at half-staff, and visiting cemeteries.

• Juneteenth National Independence Day
  Origin: Celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, marking the day Texas freed slaves in 1865.
  Date: June 19
  Observance: Festivals, educational events, and reflections on African American history and culture.

• Independence Day
  Origin: Commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
  Date: July 4
  Observance: Fireworks, barbecues, parades, and patriotic displays.

• Labor Day
  Origin: Honors the American labor movement and workers’ contributions.
  Date: First Monday in September
  Observance: Parades, picnics, and the unofficial end of summer celebrations.

• Columbus Day
  Origin: Commemorates Christopher Columbus’s landing in the Americas.
  Date: Second Monday in October
  Observance: Parades and cultural events, though some regions focus instead on Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

• Veterans Day
  Origin: Honors all U.S. military veterans.
  Date: November 11
  Observance: Ceremonies, parades, and moments of silence.

• Thanksgiving
  Origin: Celebrates the harvest and blessings of the past year, rooted in early colonial history.
  Date: Fourth Thursday in November
  Observance: Family meals, notably turkey dinners, parades, and football games.

• Christmas Day
  Origin: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, observed widely in the U.S. as a cultural holiday.
  Date: December 25
  Observance: Gift exchange, decorations, family gatherings, and religious services.

• New Year's Day (Observed)
  When January 1 falls on a weekend, the holiday is observed on the closest weekday, typically January 2.

• Independence Day (Observed)
  If July 4 falls on a weekend, the holiday may be observed on the preceding Friday or following Monday.

• Juneteenth National Independence Day (Observed)
  When June 19 falls on a weekend, the observance may be shifted to a weekday.

• Christmas Day (Observed)
  Adjusted observance when December 25 falls on a weekend, usually observed on the nearest weekday.

Site officiel de référence

• USA.gov - Federal Holidays