You are going to want to scroll down through all of these worksheets around those special occasions. We cover literally every type of celebration that schools and teachers focus on. If we are missing one, please let us know. Whether secular or religious, historical anniversaries or awareness raising campaigns, there are many occasions to celebrate and events to commemorate every month of the year. The links below contain worksheets and activities that explore most of the bigger celebrations, offering explanations of their origins, goals, and rituals. And while most of these events are central to the United States, many are celebrated in some form or fashion by people all over the world.
This section of our site is jumping all around just days before every major event takes place. These worksheets and printables were designed to provide students with a bit of a challenge. These definitely differ from just about every other worksheet site out there.
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The topics are listed below in alphabetic order. Just click and print away!
What Holidays are Celebrated in the United States?
The United States has always been a melting pot of cultures and traditions. This constant influx of new people from around the world has resulted in several holidays celebrated here each year. In the United States, there are dozens of holidays that honor individuals, religious affiliations, ethnicities, and other interests and needs of American citizens and residents alike.
It's important to know about each of these holidays when you live in America - because you don't want to be in the dark if any given holiday is approaching and you haven't made any plans! This list will detail the most popular holidays observed in the United States and some lesser-known ones that might be celebrated only by certain regions or groups of people within the country's borders.
Here are the 8 holidays that are thought to be the most recognized and celebrated by American citizens. We listed them by month.
1. Presidents' Day (Mid-January)
January 16 is celebrated as Washington's Birthday, which celebrates George Washington's Birthday. The holiday was initially known as Washington's Birthday and officially became President's Day in 1971. However, despite its official recognition, it is not always recognized by federal employees or observed by federal agencies and banks.
2. St. Patrick's Day (March)
If you're looking for a way to showcase your Irish roots, St. Patrick's Day is a great holiday to celebrate and honor those you may be related to. St. Patrick was born and raised in Britain before moving across to Ireland as a Christian missionary in 432 A.D. His feast day—March 17—is celebrated with festive parades, shamrocks, and many green-colored items.
3. Easter Sunday (March/April)
Easter is one of America's most important religious holidays. Easter celebrates Jesus Christ's Resurrection, which occurred after his crucifixion by Roman soldiers around A.D. 30. Christians believe that when Jesus was resurrected, he broke free from death and proved himself to be a Messiah or savior. Most Americans still consider themselves Christian, so they celebrate Easter by attending church services and observing one of Christianity's holiest days with family.
4. Mexican Independence Day (May)
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration observed each year on May 5. It celebrates Mexico's triumph over France in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This conflict was a critical step toward statehood for Mexico. To many individuals living in Mexico and Central America, Cinco de Mayo is more significant than Independence Day (September 16) since it marks a national triumph against foreign powers.
5. Memorial Day (May)
This national holiday is celebrated every year on May 30. Memorial Day honors the memory of those who gave their lives in the service of their country, notably during the American Civil War. It's common for Americans to visit graves or participate in parades, memorial ceremonies, or backyard barbeques on Memorial Day (typically held after church).
Other popular celebrations include classic Memorial Day weekend festivities (rallies, firework shows) throughout local communities across the country.
6. 4th of July - Independence Day
The Fourth of July is an official national holiday for Americans and is celebrated with fireworks, parades, concerts, picnics, and cookouts all across the country. Independence Day commemorates when Congress adopted a resolution declaring independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. This was later recognized as one of America's most important historical events.
7. Labor Day (September)
Labor Day in the U.S. falls on the first Monday in September, anywhere from the 1st to the 7th of September. On this day, Americans celebrate workers and their accomplishments. All industries, from construction to tourism and others, that contribute to America's economic strength through their diligent labor are acknowledged. Businesses around America honor their hardworking employees on Labor Day with a three-day weekend. Many families enjoy picnics and barbecues while they reflect on their blessings.
8. Christmas - December 25
According to Christian tradition, Jesus was born on December 25. As a result, Christmas is a federal holiday for most government workers in America. When you work at a business that stays open through Christmas, you'll usually have to work on December 25 and possibly New Year's Day, January 1. Most businesses close for two days over Christmas-either on December 24 or December 26-and most reopen around January 2nd or 3rd.
Wrapping Up
Americans have a variety of traditions and holidays to celebrate, so it's important to learn about each one. From Christmas to the Fourth of July, Independence Day, there are many ways to experience some great celebrations and memorable moments with friends and family. Understanding how we got here as a country will help you enjoy these days even more.
