Holidays are a fantastic time to relax, celebrate meaningful events, and show love to family and friends through thoughtful gifts and purchases. The US federal government recognizes 12 holidays, but there are many other special days to enjoy and shop for memorable presents. Here’s a simple guide to the US holidays in 2025, with tips for gift-giving and shopping.
1. US Federal Holidays 2025
These are the 12 federal holidays recognized by the US government, perfect for planning celebrations and shopping for gifts:
| Holiday | Date | Day | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 | Wednesday | Kick off the year with resolutions and gifts like planners or fitness gear. |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Jan 20 | Monday | 3rd Monday in January, honor civil rights with books or donations. |
| Washington’s Birthday | Feb 17 | Monday | 3rd Monday in February, also called Presidents’ Day; shop for patriotic items. |
| Memorial Day | May 26 | Monday | Last Monday in May, honor fallen soldiers with flags or memorial gifts. |
| Juneteenth | Jun 19 | Thursday | Celebrate freedom with cultural books or event tickets. |
| Independence Day | Jul 4 | Friday | Celebrate with BBQ gear, flags, or festive apparel. |
| Labor Day | Sep 1 | Monday | 1st Monday in September, shop for workwear or relaxation gifts. |
| Columbus Day | Oct 13 | Monday | 2nd Monday in October, explore history-themed gifts. |
| Veterans Day | Nov 11 | Tuesday | Honor veterans with military-themed keepsakes or care packages. |
| Thanksgiving Day | Nov 27 | Thursday | Gather and gift kitchenware or cozy home decor. |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 | Thursday | Celebrate with toys, electronics, or personalized gifts. |
| Inauguration Day | Jan 20 | Monday | Every 4 years after a presidential election (next in 2029); shop for civic-themed items. |
2. Other US Holidays & Observances 2025
Beyond federal holidays, the US has many other holidays and events ideal for shopping and gifting. Here are some highlights:
| No. | Holiday | Type | Date | Day | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asarah B’Tevet | Jewish Holiday | Jan 2 | Thursday | Gift spiritual books or candles for this Jewish fast day. |
| 2 | Epiphany | Christian | Jan 6 | Monday | Shop for religious icons or children’s gifts for the Magi’s visit. |
| 3 | Orthodox Christmas | Orthodox | Jan 7 | Tuesday | Buy traditional ornaments or treats for Orthodox Christians. |
| 4 | Stephen Foster Memorial Day | Observance | Jan 13 | Monday | Gift music-themed items for this songwriter’s day. |
| 5 | Orthodox New Year | Orthodox | Jan 14 | Tuesday | Celebrate with festive decor or cultural gifts. |
| 6 | Lunar New Year | Observance | Jan 29 | Wednesday | Shop for red envelopes, lanterns, or Asian-inspired gifts. |
| 7 | National Freedom Day | Observance | Feb 1 | Saturday | Gift history books or donate to freedom-focused causes. |
| 8 | Groundhog Day | Observance | Feb 2 | Sunday | Buy fun weather-themed toys or decor. |
| 9 | National Wear Red Day | Observance | Feb 7 | Friday | Purchase red clothing or heart-health accessories. |
| 10 | Super Bowl | Sporting Event | Feb 9 | Sunday | Get team jerseys, snacks, or party supplies. |
| 11 | Valentine’s Day | Observance | Feb 14 | Friday | Shop for chocolates, jewelry, or romantic gifts. |
| 12 | Mardi Gras | Observance | Mar 4 | Tuesday | Buy beads, masks, or festive party supplies. |
| 13 | Ash Wednesday | Christian | Mar 5 | Wednesday | Gift prayer books or religious items for Lent. |
| 14 | St. Patrick’s Day | Observance | Mar 17 | Monday | Shop for green apparel, Irish decor, or shamrock gifts. |
| 15 | Ramadan Starts | Muslim | Mar 1 | Saturday | Buy dates, prayer rugs, or Islamic books. |
| 16 | Holi | Hindu Holiday | Mar 14 | Friday | Gift colorful powders or Indian sweets for the festival of colors. |
| 17 | Passover (first day) | Jewish Holiday | Apr 12 | Saturday | Shop for Seder plates or kosher gift baskets. |
| 18 | Good Friday | Christian | Apr 18 | Friday | Gift crosses or religious books. |
| 19 | Easter Sunday | Christian | Apr 20 | Sunday | Buy Easter baskets, candy, or spring-themed gifts. |
| 20 | Eid al-Fitr | Muslim | Mar 31 | Monday | Shop for new clothes or sweet treats to celebrate. |
| 21 | Tax Day | Observance | Apr 15 | Tuesday | Gift financial planners or stress-relief items. |
| 22 | Arbor Day | Observance | Apr 25 | Friday | Buy plants, gardening tools, or eco-friendly gifts. |
| 23 | Mother’s Day | Observance | May 11 | Sunday | Shop for flowers, jewelry, or spa gift cards for moms. |
| 24 | Armed Forces Day | Observance | May 17 | Saturday | Gift military-themed apparel or donations to veteran causes. |
| 25 | Shavuot | Jewish Holiday | May 30 | Friday | Buy dairy treats or religious books for this harvest festival. |
| 26 | Father’s Day | Observance | Jun 15 | Sunday | Shop for tools, gadgets, or personalized gifts for dads. |
| 27 | Eid al-Adha | Muslim | Jun 7 | Saturday | Gift new clothes or charitable donations. |
| 28 | Rosh Hashanah | Jewish Holiday | Sep 22 | Monday | Buy honey, apples, or Jewish New Year cards. |
| 29 | Yom Kippur | Jewish Holiday | Oct 1 | Wednesday | Gift prayer shawls or reflective journals. |
| 30 | Diwali | Hindu Holiday | Nov 1 | Saturday | Shop for lamps, sweets, or festive decor. |
| 31 | Halloween | Observance | Oct 31 | Friday | Buy costumes, candy, or spooky decorations. |
| 32 | All Saints’ Day | Christian | Nov 1 | Saturday | Gift candles or religious keepsakes. |
| 33 | Election Day | Observance | Nov 4 | Tuesday | Shop for civic-themed stickers or books on democracy. |
| 34 | Chanukah (first day) | Jewish Holiday | Dec 14 | Sunday | Buy menorahs, dreidels, or gift coins. |
| 35 | Kwanzaa (first day) | Observance | Dec 26 | Friday | Shop for African-inspired gifts or unity cups. |
3. FAQs
Are there 12 federal holidays?
Yes, the US has 12 federal holidays. See the list above for dates and gift ideas.
Is October 13 a federal holiday?
Yes, it’s Columbus Day, celebrated on the second Monday in October. Shop for history books or exploration-themed gifts to mark the day.
Is Juneteenth a paid holiday?
Since 2021, Juneteenth (June 19) is a federal holiday, so federal employees get a paid day off. Banks, post offices, and some schools may close. Celebrate with cultural gifts or event tickets.
What are the “big 6” holidays?
Over 96% of US businesses give paid time off for these six holidays, perfect for shopping:
- New Year’s Day: Gift planners or fitness gear.
- Memorial Day: Buy flags or outdoor gear.
- Independence Day: Shop for patriotic decor or BBQ supplies.
- Labor Day: Get workwear or relaxation gifts.
- Thanksgiving Day: Gift kitchenware or cozy decor.
- Christmas Day: Shop for toys, electronics, or personalized presents.
What are the 4 major holidays?
The four biggest US holidays are:
- Christmas Day: Perfect for gifts like electronics or cozy apparel.
- New Year’s Day: Shop for planners or wellness items.
- Thanksgiving Day: Buy kitchen gadgets or home decor.
- Independence Day: Get flags, apparel, or party supplies.
This 2025 holiday guide is your go-to for planning celebrations and shopping for the perfect gifts. Make every holiday special with thoughtful purchases for family and friends
