Federal holidays close government offices, banks and the post office, and many employers give the day off. Others are cultural and just change what’s in the stores.
| Holiday | Date | What people do |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 | Rest, brunch |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 3rd Monday in January | Service events, reflection |
| Presidents’ Day | 3rd Monday in February | Sales, long weekend |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Honoring fallen service members, start of summer |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Celebrating the end of slavery |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Barbecues and fireworks |
| Labor Day | 1st Monday in September | End of summer |
| Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day | 2nd Monday in October | Varies by state |
| Veterans Day | Nov 11 | Honoring veterans |
| Thanksgiving | 4th Thursday in November | Family meal, football |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 | Family, gifts |
Thanksgiving
If a colleague invites you, it’s a warm gesture. Bring a side dish, dessert or drinks, and expect a long, relaxed meal.
Not days off, but widely celebrated
Halloween, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
