Holidays of the United States
Photo: 2C2K Photography from Houston, TX, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The United States has a hodgepodge of national, regional, ethnic and religious holidays that can both delight and frustrate travellers – sometimes simultaneously – as they journey around the country. Holidays also can affect the availability of food and other consumer goods: some goods are more readily available or on sale during holidays; other goods are more difficult to acquire during holidays because there are runs on those goods.
The holiday season" Many people take vacations during this period and visit family and friends. Airports, roads, bus stations, and train stations are very crowded near the major holidays.
CalendarIndicates a federal holiday; government offices and many private businesses will be closed
Federal holidaysS. government as federal holidays. All federal government offices, post offices, banks and universities close on federal holidays, but private businesses may choose whether or not to observe them.
Other national holidaysThis annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL) is the most-watched sporting event of the year. Supermarkets, bars, and electronics stores are busy, and there are many football-watching parties.
Ethnic or religious holidaysVirtually all Christian communities do at least a little something to celebrate visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. Two places in the United States with particularly large celebrations are Puerto Rico and New Orleans.
Regional holidaysContinues to be observed in states of the former Confederacy, although nationwide has been supplanted by Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the same day. Characterized by Confederate Heritage celebrations.
Stay safeBe careful on the roads around major holidays, such as New Year's, Memorial Day, Independence Day or Thanksgiving, as well as the Super Bowl, St.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Holidays of the United States" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: 2C2K Photography from Houston, TX, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons