A Guide to American Holidays for International Students

Moving to the United States for school is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of cultural differences. One of the best ways to understand American culture and connect with new friends is by learning about U.S. holidays.

Many holidays in the U.S. overlap with what you may be used to in your home country, but it’s useful to know what these holidays mean, when they occur and which you can expect to get off class for.

This article gives you a list of the major American holidays in chronological order – so you can know when they are and how you can join in the celebrations.

The Major American Holidays

1. New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day (January 1st)

Many Americans celebrate with family and friends on December 31st (New Year’s Eve) into the first day of the new year on January 1st. You’ll often hear New Year’s referred to as the “ball drop” to allude to the Times Square Ball that many people camp to watch drop in New York City. Take this time to throw a party with your friends and make memories during your winter break!

2. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)

This holiday honors the legacy of leader Martin Luther King Jr – who had major impact leading coalitions and marches during the U.S. civil rights movement in the 1950's-60’s. Many schools organize events or lectures highlighting his legacy, which can be a meaningful way for international students to learn about U.S. history.

3. Valentine’s Day (February 14th)

Though not a federal holiday, Valentine’s Day is a fun holiday to celebrate those in your lives you love – whether it be a significant other or other loved ones. People exchange cards, chocolates, and flowers with loved ones and friends. On campus, you may see student organizations hosting themed events or social gatherings.

4. Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

This day recognizes past U.S. presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. It’s a fairly lowkey holiday, but is a federal holiday that most universities provide a day off classes for. Many stores run big sales, so you may notice lots of shopping promotions.

5. Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17th)

Saint Patrick’s Day is a fun cultural holiday celebrated by many Americans with Irish ancestry. You’ll see people wearing green clothing and shamrock-themed accessories, and many cities host lively parades with music and dancing. Though it is an “Irish” holiday, all international students are welcome to join and celebrate.

6. Easter (March or April, date varies)

Easter is a Christian holiday, but it has cultural traditions celebrated nationwide, like Easter egg hunts and festive meals. Even if you don’t celebrate it religiously, you’ll likely see decorations and events in your community.

7. Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day honors U.S. military members who died in service. It’s also seen as the unofficial start of summer. People gather for barbecues, parades, and outdoor activities. For students, this may coincide with the end of the spring semester.

8. Juneteenth (June 19th)

Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S. It became a federal holiday in 2021 and is marked with community events, festivals, and educational programs. It’s a good opportunity to learn about African American history and culture.

9. Independence Day (July 4th)

The Fourth of July is one of the biggest U.S. holidays, celebrating the country’s independence in 1776. Expect fireworks, parades, and lots of red, white, and blue decorations. If you’re on campus during the summer, check for local fireworks shows, barbeques or concerts.

10. Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day honors American workers and is often seen as the end of summer. It’s also the first major holiday of the school year, giving students a three-day weekend. A majority of U.S. universities time their class start to start after labor day weekend.

11. Halloween (October 31th)

Halloween is hugely popular, especially among students. People dress up in costumes, decorate with pumpkins, and go “trick-or-treating” for candy by knocking on doors in their neighborhood. On college campuses, Halloween is often a major social event, so don’t be surprised to see themed events and parties.

12. Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving is one of the most important American holidays. In a commemoration of the first pilgrims who travelled to North America who fasted and “gave thanks” with the Native Americans, friends and Families gather for a large meal featuring traditional foods like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving is often marked with a four-day weekend, which for many universities, marks the start of final exams for the Fall semester.

13. Black Friday (Friday after Thanksgiving)

Black Friday is another unofficial holiday, but many students will get this day off class. Black Friday is major shopping holiday as people start their Christmas shopping. Most retailers offer huge deals and discounts for Black Friday, so take advantage of the deals.

14. Christmas (December 25th)

Christmas is both a religious and cultural holiday. Towns and campuses are decorated with lights, trees, and festive displays. While not everyone celebrates it religiously, the season is filled with music, movies, and traditions. Many international students enjoy the cultural side, such as gift exchanges or visiting decorated areas.

Tips for International Students

• Check your school calendar: Universities may or may not give time off for certain holidays, so always check your academic calendar to confirm.
• Sporting events: Sports culture is incredibly strong in the U.S. Keep an eye out for major football/basketball/etc. games to see how you can join the festivities.
• Join campus events: Student organizations often host holiday-themed activities where you can meet new people.
• Try American traditions: Whether it’s carving pumpkins for Halloween or attending a Thanksgiving dinner, participating can help you feel more connected.
• Share your culture: It’s important to stay attached to your roots and celebrate the holidays you are used to back home. Celebrate with your international student community and use it as a way to connect with domestic students.

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