Holidays & Special Events

You should consider national holidays and other cultural celebrations when planning your trip. It is important to remember that U.S. schools, government offices and most businesses are closed on these days, so many attractions, museums and events may be busier or closed as a result. Airfare is often more expensive around holidays.

Below is a list of the major U.S. national holidays:

• New Year’s Day: Jan. 1
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Third Monday in January
• Presidents’ Day: Third Monday in February
• Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
• Independence Day: July 4
• Labor Day: First Monday in September
• Columbus Day: Second Monday in October
• Veterans Day: Nov. 11
• Thanksgiving: Fourth Thursday in November
• Christmas Day: Dec. 25

There are also many other unofficial holidays and special annual events in the U.S., which can make for fun and exciting travel experiences. While most businesses remain open, some services might be limited and travel could be more expensive.

• Super Bowl Sunday: Typically the first Sunday of February, this annual American football game decides which professional team is the winner of the National Football League.
• Valentine’s Day: Feb. 14 is a day dedicated to celebrating love and loved ones.
• St. Patrick’s Day: March 17 is a celebration of Irish culture, with many sporting green and enjoying Irish music, food and drink.
• Halloween: Oct. 31 is commonly celebrated by children who dress in costumes and receive candy or other treats by going door-to-door to people’s houses. Adults celebrate by dressing up and attending parties.
• Spring Break: In March or April, students receive a week of vacation. Beach and ski destinations are usually more crowded around this time.
• Summer Break: June to August, when most schools are out of session.