Regardless of the season, traveling is always a great option, isn't it? But when we choose a date that coincides with a national holiday or a celebration of where we're going, it can become an even more incredible experience!
If you're thinking of traveling to the United States to enjoy it, there are some events that can give you a great trip. Not to mention the fact that you'll learn the best of American culture by experiencing up close what they do.
With this in mind, I've listed the main popular holidays in the country to help you make your itinerary and, who knows, choose where you want to go. Stay tuned to Happy Tours and check out the tips below!
What are the big celebrations in the United States to know?
We've selected a few holidays and commemorative dates that you need to have on your list in order to have incredible experiences when you travel to the United States. I'm sure you've heard of some of them, but if you haven't, we'll show you, so take note of each tip below. Let's go?
1. Super Bowl final
The NFL (National Football League) final is undoubtedly one of the most watched sporting events in the United States, and it's just as important in the rest of the world. The Super Bowl takes place on the first Sunday in February and each year a different city hosts it.
The Super Bowl has become such a tradition, given the huge audience, that it moves people's eyes to the sport. and certainly influences the economy with its special programming that attracts the attention of advertisers from all over the world.
At half-time, there's always a special performance by some big name in music, to provide a complete experience for those watching, whether in the stadium or on TV. Names such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, the Rolling Stones, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry have all appeared on stage.
It's not exactly a holiday, but because it's always on a Sunday, it's very common for people to get together to watch the event, either at home or in bars. If you're planning to travel at this time of year, here are some tips on some great bars:
- Foley's NY Pub & Restaurant in New York;
- Bar 40/40 Club in New York;
- Ace's Bar in San Francisco;
- Professor Thom's Bar in New York;
- Bar Bounces Sporting, in New York.
2. Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day in the United States is celebrated on Valentine's Day, February 14th. It's not specifically a holiday, but it's certainly one of the most celebrated dates in the USA. Just like in Brazil, the date is celebrated by exchanging romantic gifts, going out to restaurants and doing all sorts of creative things to celebrate love.
A curious fact is that in the United States, love and friendship are celebrated, so it's quite common to find romantic cards and also cards from friend to friend, father to son, grandson to grandfather. Pretty cool, isn't it? A very romantic date to travel to!
3. Spring break
Another date in the United States that isn't necessarily a holiday, but we can't stop talking about it, is Spring Break, which is like "Spring Vacation", to celebrate the end of winter and the start of school vacations - they usually take place between the months of February and April in the United States.
It's a time of lots of parties, music and drinks, when young people go to the beaches to party. So if you're looking for fun and excitement, this is the ideal time. Some cities to go to during this period are:
- Orlando:
One of the most famous places in the USA at this time of year, it is full of teenagers and this attracts more excitement and animation in various places, such as bars, shopping malls and, of course, Disney itself.
- Los Angeles:
With lots of parties by the sea, with DJs and lots of drinks, you can take the opportunity to get away from the parties and visit Hollywood Studios, but you can also go to Santa Monica beach and enjoy the parties. Anything goes!
Read also: What to do in Los Angeles? Check out the travel itinerary!
- Las Vegas:
How about combining partying with the incredible hotels and casinos of Las Vegas? It's possible to experience high adventure. And, of course, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, right?
No matter which one you choose, you're sure to have a lot of fun, parties and excitement! These cities are usually very busy at any time of year, but this one is even more so!
4. St Patrick's Day
Although it is a date rooted in Irish culture, in the USA St Patrick's Day (March 17) is very much celebrated as a tradition, in which even the rivers are painted green, the color that marks the event's festivities.
All over the country there are festivals, parades, lots of music and beer , and Irish pubs are packed with people wearing green. Check out some of the cities that have special programs to celebrate the date:
- New York City;
- San Francisco, California;
- Chicago, Illinois;
- Savannah, Georgia.
5. Independence Day
July 4 is the United States' independence holiday and is one of the country's most important dates, as it became independent from England in 1776 in Philadelphia.
Obviously, it's celebrated everywhere and reinforces the strong feeling of patriotism among Americans. There's no shortage of events such as parades, festivals, firework shows and you'll find American flags all over the country.
You can explore some destinations to experience in person the festivities of this date, taking a true history and culture lesson. Among the list of countries to visit at this time are:
- Washington DC:
In the city you can enjoy the National Independence Day Parade, with floats, lots of music and exuberant parades. Another very interesting attraction is the symphony concert and fireworks display over the Capitol building.
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
It is the city considered the "Cradle of America" and there you can enjoy many cultural attractions such as symphony concerts, the famous readings of the Declaration of Independence, which are staged in cultural spaces, fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art and much more.
We can't fail to highlight the historical sites that can be visited, such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House (who sewed the first American flag) and other attractions, it's worth it!
As well as visiting the state, you can make the most of your time there to get to know the entire east coast of the United States.
- New York:
How can you not celebrate July 4th in the city that never sleeps? New York 's big landmark is the Macy's fireworks display on the East River, where there are more than 40,000 explosions, lasting around 25 minutes, with more than 3 million people watching.
It's certainly one of the biggest fireworks displays in the world. To give you an idea, some people usually arrive at 11am to wait for the show, which starts at 9pm.
You have several options for watching the fireworks. The best places are in Brooklyn Bridge Park or in Lower Manhattan between the Manhattan Bridge and the Staten Island Ferry terminal.
You can also choose to watch the fireworks during a dinner cruise or with a night boat trip and you can even watch them from the Empire State Building, with a premium open bar and appetizers.
6. Labor Day
The Workers' Day holiday is celebrated in the first week of September. It was created to celebrate and honor workers, as a thank you for all the services they provide.
It's a long holiday that marks various events such as the end of summer and the start of the American soccer championship, which is very popular in the country.
Americans celebrate this date with delicious barbecues in their homes or picnics in the parks, to enjoy the open air and the season's pleasant weather. It's certainly a delicious tradition to get to know!
7. Halloween
Who hasn't heard the phrase "Trick or treat?" in a US movie? Yes, although it's not a holiday, a great option for traveling to the United States is during October, when Halloween is celebrated on the 31st.
It's a very important time for Americans, who decorate their homes with dark themes and dress up to celebrate with their friends.
Of course, it's a great time for children, who are also dressed up and, on the 31st, go from house to house asking the most famous Halloween question: "Trick or Treat?" . Fun is guaranteed for everyone, anywhere in the country.
8. Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November and is also one of the most famous holidays in the USA, as we see in movies and TV series. It's not a religious holiday, but its origins are linked to the pilgrims who arrived in the country and on this day they give thanks for the bountiful harvests.
It is a very strong culture and its commemoration is basically based on gathering family and friends for an abundant supper, where the main dish is turkey, accompanied by mashed potatoes and other typically American delicacies.
If you plan to travel there at this time of year, you can take the opportunity to visit some of the cities that celebrate with parades, restaurants with typical food and, of course, take advantage of the black friday offers: New York, Bloomington in Minnesota, Seattle and Santa Fe in New Mexico, for example.
9. Black Friday
It's not a public holiday either, but many people travel at this time of year to take advantage of the promotions and do some cost-effective shopping. It usually takes place on the fourth Friday in November.
10. Christmas
We can't stop talking about the Christmas charms of every place in the USA. One of the passions and traditions of North Americans is to celebrate the date with lots of lights, incredible decorations inside and outside the house, exchanging gifts and, finally, a big, hearty lunch on December 25th.
Who has never thought of making a snowman and decorating it, just like in the movies? And skating on the ice rinks? There are several cities that can help you fulfil these and more dreams and deliver you an amazing Christmas experience in the USA. It's worth keeping an eye out for:
- Washington DC;
- Chicago;
- Austin, Texas;
- Asheville, North Carolina;
- Denver, Colorado;
- New York City;
- St. Louis, Missouri;
- New Orleans, Louisiana;
- Seattle, Washington;
- St. Augustine, Florida.
How many public holidays does the United States have?
There are currently 10 national holidays, some with famous celebrations, but not so hectic, and those that are more famous around the world. The holidays in the United States are:
- January (01) : New Year's Day;
- January (18): Martin Luther King, Jr. Day;
- February (15): Washington's Day (Presidents' Day);
- May (31): Memorial Day;
- July (04): Independence Day;
- September (first week): Labor Day;
- October (11): Columbus Day (Christopher Columbus Day);
- November (11): Veterans Day;
- November (Fourth Thursday of the month): Thanksgiving Day;
- December (25): Christmas Day.
In addition to the holidays, there are the commemorative dates that you can see in our list, which - without a doubt - you need to include in yours too if you want to enjoy the best celebrations in the country!
So, did you like our tips for enjoying the main US holidays and experiencing a bit of American culture? We hope so! Keep following our blog until the next post.
