There are some rules when it comes to holidays and observances in the United States. A federal holiday is a day off, but it varies from state to state in the US and sectors. If a public holiday falls on a non-working day (Saturday/Sunday), the holiday is usually observed on the preceding Friday (if the federal holiday falls on a Saturday) or on the following Monday (if the federal holiday falls on a Sunday). Below we present a national calendar of the US holidays in 2022.
US Holidays 2022: the first half
New Year’s Day
January 01
The United States uses the Gregorian calendar, so January 01 is the first day of the new year. There are many events organized – concerts, firework displays, and lavish dinners.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 17
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is sometimes referred to as “Civil Rights Day” or “Human Rights Day.” The federal holiday in King’s honor was created in 1983 and first observed in January 1986. On that day, Americans can volunteer in citizen action groups.
President’s Day
February 21
President’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February. This holiday is legally designated as “Washington’s Birthday,” though it also honors other US presidents. The traditional dish of this day is cherry pie.
Memorial Day
May 30
Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May. It honors all women and men that have died in military service for the United States of America. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, hold picnics and family gatherings.
Juneteenth
June 19 – June 20 (observed)
Juneteenth in the US is an opportunity to celebrate freedom and equal rights. It was on June 19 when Union soldiers enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all remaining slaves. Many public, private, and community events are held, such as sports games, parties, displays, and ceremonies.
US Holidays 2022: the second half
Independence Day
July 04
The Fourth of July is the anniversary of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. There are many parades, public events, fireworks displays, and more.
Labor Day
September 05
Labor Day is a holiday celebrating labor unions and their contributions to the United States’ economy. Labor Day is the last chance for students to take a break before school starts. It also typically opens football season in the US.
Columbus Day
October 10
Columbus Day originated as a celebration of Italian American heritage. It is said that Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas on October 12, 1492, and the holiday commemorates that. There are parades and celebrations, especially in the Italian American community.
Veterans Day
November 11
Veterans Day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended World War I. It honors military personnel who served the United States in all wars.
Thanksgiving Day
November 24
Thanksgiving Day in the US is a holiday on the fourth Thursday of November, right before Black Friday. It is a day for family gatherings and expressing gratitude over a meal, typically that includes a roasted turkey and pumpkin pie. Many people take a long four-day weekend for Thanksgiving.
Christmas Day
December 26 (observed) – December 25
Christmas Day celebrates Jesus Christ’s birth. It is the time to visit friends and families and exchange gifts. Christmas Day becomes a more and more commercialized holiday, and not only in the US.
Non-federal US Holidays 2022
Here is a list of (non-federal) holidays in the US in 2022:
- Valentine’s Day: February 14, 2022
- Tax Day: April 18, 2022
- Administrative Professionals Day: April 27, 2022
- Mother’s Day: May 08, 2022
- Father’s Day: June 19, 2022
- Halloween: October 31, 2022
- New Year’s Eve: December 31, 2022
Check the holidays in other countries!
