Observances & Traditions
From religious and patriotic holidays to celebrations of ethnic pride, explore the history of Easter, New Year's Day, Veterans Day and more annual observances, plus traditions and rituals that take place all year long.
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Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each November to honor the history and culture of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Daylight savings time, when clocks "spring forward or fall back," has been controversial since it was first proposed in 1895.
Veterans Day is a US holiday dedicated to all veterans. Formerly called Armistance Day, Veterans Day 2026 occurs on Wednesday, November 11.
The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. In 2026, in the Northern Hemisphere, it takes place on December 21.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year in San Francisco
New Year's celebrations in China are thousands of years old, but across the Pacific, the holiday took on a life of its own.
3 Holidays Honoring U.S. Military Personnel
Armed Forces Day
Celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May, Armed Forces Day thanks those currently serving in the military for their service. It was created in 1949 by then-Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days.
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Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates the culture, history and contributions of Native Americans. The holiday is usually celebrated on Oct. 12.
Many rituals that mourn fallen U.S. soldiers originated in European battlefield customs.
Holi, often called the “festival of colors,” is a vibrant and joyful Hindu celebration that marks spring’s arrival.
The White House Easter Egg Roll is an annual Easter tradition dating back to 1878 and the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes.
Eid al-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is one of Islam’s most important holidays, honoring the Prophet Ibrahim's sacrificial offering.
January’s rich history includes a brilliant meteor shower, a candy-colored ice festival and the celebrations of Epiphany and Twelfth Night.
The traditional Bavarian festival began in the early 19th century.
Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, is the start of the Chinese calendar, and February 6, 2027, begins the Year of the Fire Goat (or Ram).
The solemn Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur falls in September or October depending on the year.
December 26 is a holiday known as Boxing Day in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries like Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
From the origins of "Auld Lang Syne" to traditional foods, find out more about the history of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Most New Year’s festivities begin on December 31, New Year’s Eve, and last into January 1, New Year’s Day. The holiday has ancient roots.
Kwanzaa is a one-week holiday that ends on New Years Day. Founded in 1966, Kwanzaa combines aspects of several African harvest celebrations.
Fasting is one of the essential traditions of the Jewish holiday.
The September holiday commemorates Mexico’s fight for independence from Spain.
The 8-day Jewish holiday known as Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt.
