What are the 7 main holidays?
The seven main holidays celebrated by most people across the United States are New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Easter Sunday.
These holidays mark major cultural, historical, or religious events that bring families together and are often recognized as federal holidays or major public observances.
List of the 7 Main Holidays in the United States
1. New Year’s Day – January 1st
The first main holiday every year is New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1.
It marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year, a global symbol of new beginnings, fresh resolutions, and reflection on the past year.
Most people celebrate with fireworks, countdowns, and traditions like watching the Times Square Ball Drop or making New Year’s resolutions.
2. Memorial Day – Last Monday in May
Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
It’s observed on the last Monday of May, creating a three-day weekend known as the unofficial start of summer.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it began after the Civil War and later became a federal holiday in 1971.
It’s also a popular weekend for family gatherings, barbecues, and parades honoring veterans.
3. Labor Day – First Monday in September
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September to recognize the achievements and contributions of American workers.
It symbolizes the end of summer and serves as a national tribute to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the workforce.
Many people use this long weekend for vacations or back-to-school preparation.
From an HR or business calendar perspective, it often aligns with fiscal planning and Q4 kickoff periods.
4. Independence Day – July 4th
Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
It’s one of the most patriotic holidays in the U.S., marked by fireworks, parades, concerts, and family barbecues.
Since it’s a fixed-date holiday (July 4), it always lands on the same day but may shift weekday-wise—so if it falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, expect extended weekends.
5. Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday of November
Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.
It originated as a harvest festival and today is centered around gratitude, family gatherings, and traditional meals featuring turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
For many, Thanksgiving weekend signals the start of the holiday shopping season, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday—important dates for marketers and retailers.
6. Christmas Day – December 25th
Christmas Day, on December 25, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and has become a global holiday emphasizing generosity, joy, and togetherness.
It’s both a religious and cultural celebration, featuring decorations, gift-giving, and family reunions.
For time planners, it’s the final major holiday of the year, capping off the annual cycle of observances and influencing school and business closure schedules.
7. Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is a central Christian holiday.
Unlike most holidays, its date changes yearly—it falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox (between March 22 and April 25).
This date variation means many churches and calendars rely on computus—the ancient calculation method—to determine the correct date.
Easter also sets the schedule for related observances like Good Friday and Palm Sunday.
Summary Table
| Holiday Name | Typical Date | Type | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Fixed Date | Start of the new year |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday of May | Federal | Honors fallen military service members |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Federal | U.S. independence from Britain |
| Labor Day | First Monday of September | Federal | Celebrates American workers |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday of November | Federal | Gratitude and family gathering day |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Federal | Birth of Jesus / family holiday |
| Easter Sunday | Varies (March–April) | Religious | Resurrection of Christ |
Conclusion
Understanding the 7 main holidays isn’t just about marking days off—it’s about connecting with culture, community, and shared traditions.
Also see: List of American Holidays in Order