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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:

HolidayDateDayDetails
New Year’s DayJan 1WednesdayKick off the year with resolutions and gifts like planners or fitness gear.
Martin Luther King Jr. DayJan 20Monday3rd Monday in January, honor civil rights with books or donations.
Washington’s BirthdayFeb 17Monday3rd Monday in February, also called Presidents’ Day; shop for patriotic items.
Memorial DayMay 26MondayLast Monday in May, honor fallen soldiers with flags or memorial gifts.
JuneteenthJun 19ThursdayCelebrate freedom with cultural books or event tickets.
Independence DayJul 4FridayCelebrate with BBQ gear, flags, or festive apparel.
Labor DaySep 1Monday1st Monday in September, shop for workwear or relaxation gifts.
Columbus DayOct 13Monday2nd Monday in October, explore history-themed gifts.
Veterans DayNov 11TuesdayHonor veterans with military-themed keepsakes or care packages.
Thanksgiving DayNov 27ThursdayGather and gift kitchenware or cozy home decor.
Christmas DayDec 25ThursdayCelebrate with toys, electronics, or personalized gifts.
Inauguration DayJan 20MondayEvery 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.HolidayTypeDateDayDetails
1Asarah B’TevetJewish HolidayJan 2ThursdayGift spiritual books or candles for this Jewish fast day.
2EpiphanyChristianJan 6MondayShop for religious icons or children’s gifts for the Magi’s visit.
3Orthodox ChristmasOrthodoxJan 7TuesdayBuy traditional ornaments or treats for Orthodox Christians.
4Stephen Foster Memorial DayObservanceJan 13MondayGift music-themed items for this songwriter’s day.
5Orthodox New YearOrthodoxJan 14TuesdayCelebrate with festive decor or cultural gifts.
6Lunar New YearObservanceJan 29WednesdayShop for red envelopes, lanterns, or Asian-inspired gifts.
7National Freedom DayObservanceFeb 1SaturdayGift history books or donate to freedom-focused causes.
8Groundhog DayObservanceFeb 2SundayBuy fun weather-themed toys or decor.
9National Wear Red DayObservanceFeb 7FridayPurchase red clothing or heart-health accessories.
10Super BowlSporting EventFeb 9SundayGet team jerseys, snacks, or party supplies.
11Valentine’s DayObservanceFeb 14FridayShop for chocolates, jewelry, or romantic gifts.
12Mardi GrasObservanceMar 4TuesdayBuy beads, masks, or festive party supplies.
13Ash WednesdayChristianMar 5WednesdayGift prayer books or religious items for Lent.
14St. Patrick’s DayObservanceMar 17MondayShop for green apparel, Irish decor, or shamrock gifts.
15Ramadan StartsMuslimMar 1SaturdayBuy dates, prayer rugs, or Islamic books.
16HoliHindu HolidayMar 14FridayGift colorful powders or Indian sweets for the festival of colors.
17Passover (first day)Jewish HolidayApr 12SaturdayShop for Seder plates or kosher gift baskets.
18Good FridayChristianApr 18FridayGift crosses or religious books.
19Easter SundayChristianApr 20SundayBuy Easter baskets, candy, or spring-themed gifts.
20Eid al-FitrMuslimMar 31MondayShop for new clothes or sweet treats to celebrate.
21Tax DayObservanceApr 15TuesdayGift financial planners or stress-relief items.
22Arbor DayObservanceApr 25FridayBuy plants, gardening tools, or eco-friendly gifts.
23Mother’s DayObservanceMay 11SundayShop for flowers, jewelry, or spa gift cards for moms.
24Armed Forces DayObservanceMay 17SaturdayGift military-themed apparel or donations to veteran causes.
25ShavuotJewish HolidayMay 30FridayBuy dairy treats or religious books for this harvest festival.
26Father’s DayObservanceJun 15SundayShop for tools, gadgets, or personalized gifts for dads.
27Eid al-AdhaMuslimJun 7SaturdayGift new clothes or charitable donations.
28Rosh HashanahJewish HolidaySep 22MondayBuy honey, apples, or Jewish New Year cards.
29Yom KippurJewish HolidayOct 1WednesdayGift prayer shawls or reflective journals.
30DiwaliHindu HolidayNov 1SaturdayShop for lamps, sweets, or festive decor.
31HalloweenObservanceOct 31FridayBuy costumes, candy, or spooky decorations.
32All Saints’ DayChristianNov 1SaturdayGift candles or religious keepsakes.
33Election DayObservanceNov 4TuesdayShop for civic-themed stickers or books on democracy.
34Chanukah (first day)Jewish HolidayDec 14SundayBuy menorahs, dreidels, or gift coins.
35Kwanzaa (first day)ObservanceDec 26FridayShop 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

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