Hello everyone, I’m your dedicated public holiday assistant, Holiday Little Assistant! Recently, one of my curious friends asked me, “How many holidays are there in a year?” It’s a great question, and I realized it’s something a lot of people wonder about. So, I’ve decided to break it all down for you. Whether you’re planning your vacation days or just curious about how often we get to kick back, this article has got you covered. Let’s dive in!

When it comes to holidays, the number can vary depending on where you live and what kind of holidays you’re counting. In the U.S., for example, we have federal holidays, state holidays, and even unofficial holidays that people love to celebrate. On top of that, different countries have their own unique holidays, so the total number can really add up if you’re looking at a global scale. But let’s focus on the U.S. for now, since that’s where most of my audience is based.

How Many Federal Holidays Are There in a Year?

In the United States, there are 11 federal holidays each year. These are days recognized by the federal government, which means non-essential federal offices are closed, and most federal employees get the day off. Here’s the full list: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day (or Indigenous Peoples’ Day in some states), Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, that’s only 11 days—what about all the other holidays I hear about?” Great point! Federal holidays are just the tip of the iceberg. Many states and cities have their own additional holidays. For example, some states celebrate Patriots’ Day or Cesar Chavez Day. And let’s not forget about religious holidays like Easter or cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year, which aren’t federal holidays but are widely observed.

What About Unofficial Holidays?

Oh, we can’t ignore the fun, unofficial holidays that pop up throughout the year! These are the days that don’t get you time off work but are still super popular. Think of holidays like Valentine’s Day, Halloween, or even quirky ones like National Donut Day. While they’re not officially recognized, they’re still a big part of our culture and give us something to celebrate.

If you add up all the federal, state, and unofficial holidays, you’re looking at quite a few days to mark on your calendar. But the exact number really depends on where you live and what you consider a “holiday.” For most people, it’s safe to say there are at least 20-30 days a year that feel like holidays, even if not all of them come with a day off.

To wrap it up, the number of holidays per year can range from 11 federal holidays to dozens more depending on where you are and what you’re counting. Whether you’re planning your time off or just curious about how often we get to celebrate, it’s always good to know what’s coming up on the calendar.

FAQpro: Thank you for reading, and I hope this article helped you understand how many holidays there are in a year. If you have more questions or want to know about specific holidays, feel free to reach out. Happy celebrating!