Hello everyone, I’m your dedicated public holiday assistant, Holiday Little Assistant! Recently, one of our little friends asked me, “How many holidays are there in the US?” It’s a great question, and I’m here to break it all down for you. Whether you’re planning your year, curious about American culture, or just love celebrating, this article will give you all the details you need. Let’s dive in!

The United States has a mix of federal, state, and cultural holidays. Federal holidays are the ones recognized by the US government, and these are the ones most people think of when talking about “official” holidays. There are currently 11 federal holidays in the US. These include well-known days like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. On these days, federal employees get the day off, and most businesses and schools close too.

But wait, there’s more! Each state can also declare its own holidays. For example, some states celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day, or have unique holidays like Texas’s Independence Day. This means the total number of holidays can vary depending on where you live. On top of that, there are cultural and religious holidays like Easter, Hanukkah, and Diwali that many people celebrate, even though they aren’t federal or state holidays. So, if you count all of these, the number of holidays in the US can feel almost endless!

Questions Related to How Many Holidays Are There in the US

1. What are the 11 federal holidays in the US?
The 11 federal holidays are: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day (or Indigenous Peoples’ Day in some states), Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

2. Do all states observe the same holidays?
Not exactly. While federal holidays are observed nationwide, states can add their own holidays or choose to celebrate them differently. For example, some states don’t recognize Columbus Day, while others have added Juneteenth as a state holiday even before it became a federal holiday in 2021.

3. Are businesses required to close on federal holidays?
Nope! Federal holidays mainly apply to government employees. Private businesses can choose whether to close or stay open. Many retail stores, for example, stay open on holidays like Labor Day or Veterans Day, but might close on Christmas or Thanksgiving.

4. What’s the difference between federal and state holidays?
Federal holidays are recognized by the entire country and apply to federal employees. State holidays are specific to individual states and may only apply to state employees or residents of that state. For example, Massachusetts celebrates Patriots’ Day, which isn’t a federal holiday.

5. Are cultural and religious holidays considered public holidays?
Cultural and religious holidays like Easter, Hanukkah, or Diwali aren’t public holidays in the US, but they’re widely celebrated. Many people take time off or celebrate with family and friends, even though these days aren’t officially recognized by the government.

To sum it up, the US has 11 federal holidays, but the total number of holidays can vary depending on your state and personal traditions. Whether you’re marking your calendar for a long weekend or planning a big celebration, there’s always something to look forward to in the US!

Faqpro Thank you for reading, I hope this article can help you fully understand how many holidays are there in the US. If you have more questions, feel free to contact us. Happy holidays!