Get a Head Start with This Useful Calendar of US Holidays 2024

The new year is right around the corner, and with it comes a new set of holidays! Whether traveling abroad or staying in the US, peek into our list of the US holidays in 2024 to give your planning a headstart.

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Kicking off our list of US holidays in 2024 is one we're all familiar with–New Year's Day. Celebrated on January 1st, this holiday marks the first day of the year based on the modern Gregorian calendar used worldwide, making it the only global public holiday. Parties and concerts are huge during this time, like the Times Square Ball Drop in New York, which you wouldn't want to miss!

On January 15th, Americans remember Martin Luther King. In some states, it is called "Human Rights Day" or "Civil Rights Day" as it commemorates his role in the American Civil Rights Movement to end racism. Apart from the usual festivities, Americans celebrate "King Day" by volunteering in activities that help the less fortunate. 

Look back at the great leaders of the past this February 19th. Presidents’ Day is a US holiday in 2024 that celebrates the life of George Washington, the first US president. However, other famous leaders like Lincoln and Jefferson get to share in the limelight as Americans use this holiday to remember their favorite presidents. It is also on this day that the Purple Heart is given to soldiers who were injured in the line of duty.

Originally known as "Decoration Day," Memorial Day is a US holiday in 2024 for the fallen military personnel who died in service to their country. This holiday was created after the American Civil War in 1868 to reconcile the nation after years of fighting. Falling on May 27th, Americans decorate the graves of soldiers and hold memorials in cemeteries. Despite its sad context, Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial start of summer in the US. 

The newest one on this list, Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the abolishment of slavery in the US and will be considered a US holiday in 2024. Juneteenth is the newest holiday to date and will be part of the 2024 US public holidays list. The name was coined by combining the words "June" and "Nineteenth," which was the day Union Army general Gordon Granger set free the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas 1865. 

Nothing beats the smell of barbecue and the sound of parades on the Fourth of July! For many Americans, Independence Day is one of the most anticipated 2024 US holidays. It celebrates the Declaration of Independence of the US from Great Britain. But this holiday is famous for its extravagant fireworks displays that will take your breath away!

If Memorial Day marks the beginning of Summer, Labor Day marks its end. Held on the first Monday of September, Labor Day next year will fall on September 2nd. This 2024 US public holiday celebrates the workforce and their contribution to the nation’s prosperity. Many fall activities and sporting events happen during this time, but recently, it has become a holiday for shopping, as many stores go on sale. 

Celebrated on the second Monday of October, Columbus Day will be on October 14th next year. It is an interesting entry to our 2024 US holiday calendar commemorating Christopher Columbus' arrival in America in 1492. However, many Americans celebrate it as "Indigenous Peoples' Day" instead by honoring the Indigenous American people and celebrating their history and culture on that day. 

Veterans Day honors the men and women who served in the US Armed Forces. Originally called "Armistice Day," this 2024 US holiday will fall on November 11th with parades and social gatherings to show love to the veterans for their service. 

Known for its epic turkey feasts, Thanksgiving Day is among the few US public holidays in 2024 known worldwide. This holiday will fall on November 28th, as it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving, or "Turkey Day," celebrates the bountiful harvest and the blessings received in the past year as families come together during this special day.

What can be merrier than December 25th? Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is known worldwide. It is also the only holiday on this list celebrated across multiple days. This jolly holiday starts on Christmas Eve, which, for some, becomes the celebration itself, followed by Christmas Day. For many countries, the 26th is also bundled with the festivities, often called "St. Stephen's Day" or "Boxing Day."

Make the most out of your US holidays this 2024! Planning to travel during the holidays? Check out our itineraries for Thailand, South Korea, and Japan. Seize this opportunity to see the world.