U.S. Holidays and Observances 2025: What to Celebrate and When

U.S. Holidays and Observances 2025: What to Celebrate and When

As 2025 approaches, it’s important to know the key holidays and observances in the United States. From federal holidays to cultural observances and state-specific celebrations, the U.S. offers a diverse range of special days to honor history, traditions, and people.

Whether you’re planning ahead for time off, celebrations, or simply want to learn more about the significance of each day, this guide covers what to celebrate and when in 2025.

U.S. Holidays and Observances

Here’s the complete list of Holidays and Observances in the United States in 2025 as requested, with additional dates and details:

U.S. Holidays and Observances 2025: What to Celebrate and When
Date  Holiday/Observance Type Details
1 Jan New Year’s Day State Holiday, Federal Holiday Celebrates the start of the new year with parties, fireworks, and resolutions.
2 Jan Last Day of Chanukah Jewish Holiday The final day of the eight-day Festival of Lights, commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
6 Jan Epiphany Christian Celebrates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, symbolizing Jesus’ manifestation to the Gentiles.
7 Jan Orthodox Christmas Day Orthodox Observes the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar.
7 Jan Estelle Reel Day State Observance (Wyoming) Honors Estelle Reel, the first woman to hold a national public office as Superintendent of Indian Schools.
8 Jan Battle of New Orleans State Legal Holiday (Louisiana) Commemorates the final major battle of the War of 1812, led by Andrew Jackson.
10 Jan  Asarah B’Tevet Jewish Holiday A Jewish fast day mourning the siege of Jerusalem by Babylonian forces.
13 Jan Stephen Foster Memorial Day Observance Celebrates Stephen Foster, composer of classic American folk songs like “Oh! Susanna.”
14 Jan Orthodox New Year Orthodox Marks the start of the Julian calendar year.
19 Jan Robert E. Lee’s Birthday State Legal Holiday (FL), State Holiday (AL, MS) Commemorates the birthday of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
19 Jan Confederate Heroes’ Day State Holiday (Texas) Honors individuals who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War.
20 Jan Martin Luther King Jr. Day State Holiday, Federal Holiday Celebrates the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
20 Jan Idaho Human Rights Day State Holiday (Idaho) Celebrates human rights and equality, coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
20 Jan Civil Rights Day State Holiday (Arizona, New Hampshire) Honors the Civil Rights Movement and its leaders.
20 Jan Inauguration Day Federal Holiday (DC, MD*, VA*) Occurs every four years when the U.S. President is inaugurated.
27 Jan Isra and Mi’raj (Tentative Date) Muslim Commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to the heavens.
29 Jan Kansas Day State Observance (Kansas) Celebrates Kansas’ admission to the Union as the 34th state in 1861.
29 Jan Lunar New Year Observance Celebrated across Asian communities to mark the start of the lunar calendar year.
1 Feb National Freedom Day Observance Commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States.
1 Feb First Day of Black History Month Annual Monthly Observance A month dedicated to recognizing African-American history and achievements.
2 Feb Groundhog Day Observance A folklore tradition predicting the length of winter based on whether a groundhog sees its shadow.
4 Feb Rosa Parks Day Local Observance (CA, MO), State Observance (NY) Honors civil rights icon Rosa Parks and her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
5 Feb National Girls and Women in Sports Day Observance Celebrates the achievements of female athletes and promotes girls’ participation in sports.
6 Feb Ronald Reagan Day State Observance (California) Honors former President Ronald Reagan’s legacy.
7 Feb National Wear Red Day Observance Raises awareness of heart disease in women by encouraging people to wear red.
9 Feb Super Bowl Sporting Event The championship game of the NFL, watched by millions globally.
12 Feb Lincoln’s Birthday State Holiday (CT, IL, MO, NY) Celebrates the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, who led the nation through the Civil War.
14 Feb Valentine’s Day Observance A day to celebrate love and affection, typically with cards, flowers, and gifts.
14 Feb Statehood Day Local Observance (Arizona) Marks the day Arizona became a U.S. state in 1912.
15 Feb Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday State Observance (CO, FL, NY, WI) Honors Susan B. Anthony, a key figure in the women’s suffrage movement.
16 Feb Elizabeth Peratrovich Day State Observance (Alaska) Honors Elizabeth Peratrovich, a civil rights leader for Alaska Natives.
17 Feb Presidents’ Day Federal and State Holiday Celebrates U.S. Presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
17 Feb Daisy Gatson Bates Day State Holiday (Arkansas) Honors Daisy Gatson Bates, a civil rights activist and mentor to the Little Rock Nine.
25 Feb African-American Scientist and Inventor Day State Observance (Virginia) Celebrates African-American contributions to science and invention.
25 Feb George Rogers Clark Day State Observance (Indiana) Honors George Rogers Clark, a Revolutionary War hero.
1 Mar St. David’s Day Observance, Christian Celebrates St. David, the patron saint of Wales.
1 Mar First Day of Women’s History Month Annual Monthly Observance A month dedicated to honoring women’s contributions to history, society, and culture.
1 Mar First Day of Irish American Heritage Month Annual Monthly Observance Celebrates the heritage and contributions of Irish Americans.
2 Mar Texas Independence Day State Holiday (Texas) Commemorates the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico.
3 Mar Casimir Pulaski Day State Observance (Illinois, Indiana) Honors Casimir Pulaski, a Revolutionary War hero of Polish descent.
3 Mar Read Across America Day Observance Promotes reading and literacy, celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss.
4 Mar Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras State Holiday (AL, FL**, LA, MS), Christian Observance A celebration with parades and feasts before the Lenten season of fasting and reflection begins.
5 Mar Ash Wednesday Christian Marks the start of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance for Christians.
7 Mar Employee Appreciation Day Observance A day to recognize the contributions of employees across industries.
9 Mar Daylight Saving Time starts Clock change/Daylight Saving Time Clocks move forward one hour to make better use of daylight in the spring and summer months.
14 Mar Holi Hindu Holiday The “Festival of Colors,” celebrating the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
14 Mar Purim Jewish Holiday A joyous festival commemorating the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia.
17 Mar St. Patrick’s Day Observance, Christian Honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and is widely celebrated with parades and wearing green.
17 Mar Evacuation Day State Holiday (Massachusetts) Commemorates the British evacuation of Boston during the American Revolutionary War.
20 Mar March Equinox Seasonal Marks the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere when day and night are approximately equal in length.
25 Mar Maryland Day State Observance (Maryland) Celebrates the founding of Maryland in 1634.
26 Mar Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day State Holiday (Hawaii) Honors Prince Jonah Kūhiō, an advocate for Hawaiian rights and the creation of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.
29 Mar National Vietnam War Veterans Day Observance Honors Vietnam War veterans and their sacrifices.
30 Mar Doctors’ Day Observance Celebrates doctors for their contributions to healthcare.
31 Mar Seward’s Day State Holiday (Alaska) Commemorates the signing of the Alaska Purchase treaty in 1867.
31 Mar César Chávez Day State Holiday (CA, AZ, CO, NM, NV, TX, UT, WA) Honors civil rights leader César Chávez, who worked to improve conditions for farm workers.
2 Apr Pascua Florida Day Local Observance (Florida) Celebrates the naming of Florida by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in 1513.
6 Apr National Tartan Day Observance Honors Scottish heritage in the United States.
12 Apr Passover Eve Jewish Holiday The evening before Passover, commemorating the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.
13 Apr Palm Sunday Christian Marks Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, celebrated with the blessing of palm branches.
13 Apr Passover (First Day) Jewish Holiday The first day of the Jewish holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
15 Apr Tax Day Observance The deadline for filing annual income tax returns in the U.S.
16 Apr Emancipation Day State Holiday (DC) Celebrates the abolition of slavery in Washington, D.C., in 1862.
17 Apr Maundy Thursday Christian Commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples.
18 Apr Good Friday State Holiday (Multiple States) Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, often marked with solemn church services.
21 Apr Easter Monday Observance, Christian Celebrates the day after Easter, often a continuation of the Easter celebrations.
21 Apr Patriots’ Day State Holiday (MA, ME) Honors the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War.
21 Apr San Jacinto Day State Holiday (Texas) Celebrates the Battle of San Jacinto, where Texas won its independence from Mexico.
22 Apr Oklahoma Day Local Observance (Oklahoma) Commemorates the opening of the “Unassigned Lands” in Oklahoma in 1889.
23 Apr Yom HaShoah Jewish Commemoration Holocaust Remembrance Day, honoring the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust.
24 Apr Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day Observance A day for parents to bring their children to work to give them a glimpse of working life.
25 Apr Arbor Day State Holiday (Nebraska), State Observance (Multiple States) Celebrates tree planting and promotes environmental awareness.
26 Apr Confederate Memorial Day State Legal Holiday (Florida), State Holiday (AL, MS) Honors Confederate soldiers who died during the American Civil War.
1 May Yom Ha’atzmaut Jewish Holiday Celebrates Israeli Independence Day.
1 May National Day of Prayer Observance A day of prayer for the nation, observed by people of various faiths.
5 May Cinco de Mayo Observance Celebrates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
8 May Truman Day State Holiday (Missouri) Honors President Harry S. Truman, born in Missouri, and his contributions during and after World War II.
9 May Military Spouse Appreciation Day Observance Recognizes the sacrifices and support of military spouses.
11 May Mother’s Day Observance Celebrates and honors mothers and maternal figures.
26 May Memorial Day Federal Holiday Honors the men and women who have died in military service to the United States.
19 Jun Juneteenth Federal Holiday Celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, especially in Texas.
4 Jul Independence Day Federal and State Holiday Celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 with fireworks and patriotic displays.
11 Nov Veterans Day Federal Holiday Honors military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
28 Nov Thanksgiving Day Federal Holiday A day of gratitude, celebrated with feasts and gatherings with family and friends.
25 Dec Christmas Day Federal Holiday Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, often marked by gift-giving and festive meals.
26 Dec Kwanzaa (First Day) Observance A week-long celebration of African-American culture and heritage, focusing on seven principles of unity and self-determination.

Conclusion

Whether you’re celebrating religious observances, honoring historical moments, or simply enjoying festive traditions, the holidays and observances in the U.S. in 2025 offer a chance to reflect, celebrate, and come together as a community.

Keep this guide handy to stay informed on what’s happening and when, and make the most of each special day.

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