Dreaming of visiting the skyscrapers of New York, the beaches of California, or the theme parks of Florida? Planning your trip to the United States at the right time is the secret to an unforgettable experience, and American holidays are your best guide. They define shopping seasons, major event periods, and the best opportunities to explore the country.
More than just a list of dates, this is your strategic guide to using the American calendar to your advantage. Whether to enjoy the magic of Christmas, the promotions of Black Friday, or to take a road trip during a long weekend, we show you the key dates to turn your dream trip into reality.
The Major Holiday Seasons in the USA: When to Travel?
The American calendar is marked by "seasons" of celebration. Understanding the atmosphere of each is essential to choose the best date for your trip.
The Year-End Marathon (October to December)
This is the most magical and bustling time in the USA, ideal for those who love shopping and the festive atmosphere.
- Halloween (October 31): Although not a holiday, it transforms the country with decorations and parties. Great for those traveling with children.
- Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday of November): The most important family holiday. It is a day of great parades (like Macy's in NY) and the start of the shopping season.
- Black Friday: The Friday after Thanksgiving. It is the day with the biggest discounts in retail, perfect for those who want to shop.
- Christmas (December 25): Cities like New York and Chicago become spectacularly decorated, with ice skating rinks and Christmas markets.
The American Summer (May to September)
Ideal for road trips, national parks, and outdoor activities. The weather is warm and the country is in vacation mode.
- Memorial Day (Last Monday of May): Marks the unofficial start of summer, with many community events and promotions.
- Independence Day (July 4): The biggest civic celebration in the country, with spectacular fireworks displays in all major cities.
- Labor Day (First Monday of September): Marks the end of summer. It is the last opportunity for a big summer trip.
USA Federal Holidays Calendar 2025
These are the official holidays observed by the federal government. They are days when banks and public services close, and many lead to long weekends.
| Date in 2025 | Federal Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's Day (New Year) |
| Third Monday of January | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| Third Monday of February | Presidents' Day |
| Last Monday of May | Memorial Day |
| June 19 | Juneteenth |
| July 4 | Independence Day |
| First Monday of September | Labor Day (Labor Day) |
| Second Monday of October | Columbus Day |
| November 11 | Veterans Day (Veterans Day) |
| Fourth Thursday of November | Thanksgiving Day (Thanksgiving) |
| December 25 | Christmas Day (Christmas) |
Want the full view? Access the Annual Calendar for 2025 for the USA to see all the dates and organize your year.
Essential Tips for Traveling on American Holidays
- Book EVERYTHING (Well) in Advance: During American holidays, prices skyrocket. To avoid surprises, use comparators like Booking.com or Expedia for hotels. For cars, compare prices on aggregators like Rentalcars.com, which includes rental companies like Hertz and Avis, booking at least 3 months in advance.
- Think Beyond the Car on Thanksgiving: The day before Thanksgiving has the worst traffic of the year. For flights, search platforms like Skyscanner for promotions from airlines like American Airlines or Delta. For travel between nearby cities (like NY and Washington), the train from Amtrak is an excellent alternative.
- Plan Holiday Day (and the Next Day): On Christmas and Thanksgiving, almost everything closes. However, the day after, Black Friday, is a shopper's paradise. Keep an eye on online deals from giants like Amazon, and stores like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Macy's.
Conclusion: The USA, a Year-Round Destination
The USA Holiday Calendar is your map to unlock the best experiences the country has to offer. Using these dates as a guide for your trip ensures that you enjoy not only the places but also the vibrant American culture at its peak.
