Top 20 Most Celebrated Holidays in America (Ranked by Popularity)
This ranking is based on YouGov data reflecting the percentage of American adults who view the day positively.
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Thanksgiving (79%) – Focused on family meals, travel, and gratitude. (Nov 26, 2026)
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Christmas (79%) – Cultural and religious celebration involving gift-giving. (Dec 25)
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Veterans Day (78%) – Honoring military veterans. (Nov 11)s
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Halloween (76%) – Popular for costumes, candy, and parties. (Oct 31)
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Mother's Day (75%) – Honoring mothers and motherhood. (May 9, 2027)
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day (74%) – Honoring the civil rights leader. (Jan 18, 2027)
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Memorial Day (73%) – Commemorating military personnel and unofficial start of summer. (May 31, 2027)
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New Year's Eve (69%) – Welcoming the new year. (Dec 31)
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Independence Day (4th of July) (68%) – Fireworks, BBQs, and national pride. (Jul 4)
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Labor Day (67%) – Honoring the American labor movement. (Sep 6, 2027)
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Easter (66%) – Religious holiday and family celebrations. (Mar 28, 2027)
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Father's Day (65%) – Honoring fathers. (Jun 20, 2027)
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Saint Patrick's Day (63%) – Irish cultural celebration. (Mar 17)
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Cinco de Mayo (58%) – Celebration of Mexican heritage. (May 5)
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Black History Month (55%) – Commemoration of Black history. (Feb 1-28)
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Good Friday (55%) – Religious observation before Easter. (Mar 26, 2027)
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Mardi Gras (54%) – Carnival celebrations, particularly in New Orleans. (Feb 9, 2027)
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Presidents' Day (51%) – Honoring American presidents. (Feb 15, 2027)
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Valentine's Day (50%) – Celebration of romance and love. (Feb 14)
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Juneteenth (49%) – Commemorating the end of slavery in the US. (Jun 19)
Key Takeaways
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Top 3 Favorites: Lifeway Research notes that while Thanksgiving is a top favorite for many, Christmas still ranks first in overall engagement (spending and participation).
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Generational Differences: While older generations may prioritize veterans' days, younger generations (Millennials) show higher participation in Valentine's Day and Halloween.
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Most Celebrated Non-Federal Days: Halloween, Mother's Day, and Valentine's Day consistently rank high despite not being federal holidays.