U.S. Holidays

2nd of February - Groundhog Day

Each year, a folklore tradition is carried out around the United States (and Canada).  According to the tradition, if the groundhog (a small rodent) emerges from its burrow and does not see its shadow, it will exit the burrow, and winter weather will soon be gone.  If the groundhog does see its shadow, it will retreat back into the ground and there will be six more weeks of winter.  There are festivals around the country to celebrate this day, but you should not expect business in Orlando to be closed to to alter their opening times.

First Sunday of February - Super Bowl Sunday

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in the United States.  After the end of a tough regular season and playoff season, the two last remaining American Football teams are pitted against each other a battle for glory and a place in the history books.  This is one of the most widely televised events on the planet, and although not everyone will care about the outcome of the game, almost everyone will be celebrating the event at Super Bowl parties and bar events around the country.  If you're in town for the event, we'd suggest heading to a bar in Orlando who is hosting an event, as this is not a sight to be missed.

14th of February - Valentines Day

This holiday celebrates love and affection between couples. On this day couples often do something special together and single people hit the bars looking for love.

Third Monday in February - Presidents Day

This day falls close to the birthday of George Washington the General of the United States' revolutionary army and our first president, but today the holiday is meant to honor all U.S. past and present presidents.

April Fools' Day is a day of pranks and jokes, and a whole lot of fun.  People will do their best to trick their friends in many different kinds of ways.  After doing so they'll proudly exclaim "April Fools'!!" to the embarrassment of the other people.  You should not expect any business closures but do expect a joke or two.

Friday Before Easter - Good Friday

Christians mourn the death of Jesus Christ on this day.

Between March 22nd and April 25th - Easter Sunday

Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Many U.S. families also celebrate the date with another tradition that involves a little folklore.  Children are treated to easter egg hunts where they will hunt through their yards or neighborhood parks in search of eggs filled with candy and surprises that have been laid out during the night by the Easter Bunny.

22nd of April - Earth Day

Earth Day is an international holiday that has been gaining more widespread attention each year.  The goal of the day is to bring national awareness to the world about our precious resources and how to protect our planet.

Last Friday in April - Arbor Day

All around the country, people who are environmentally aware take the time to plant a tree to help towards the betterment of our planet.

14th of June - Flag Day

Each year we celebrate the adoption of the current U.S. flag in 1777.

Third Sunday in June - Father's Day

Similar to Mother's Day, in May, but to celebrate and appreciate Fathers everywhere.  Children usually give gifts to their fathers, and sometimes family activities are planned around the father's interests, like going golfing!

First Monday in September - Labor Day

Labor Day is very similar to International Workers' Day and is a day off of work when many locals enjoy going to the beach or participating in outdoor activities.

11th of September - Patriot Day

Patriot Day is a day set aside to remember all of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in New York City, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C.  Nearly 3000 people died in the attacks including businessmen and women, hundreds of firefighters, and thousands of everyday American citizens.

November

11th of November - Veterans Day

Known as Armistice Day or Remembrance day in other parts of the world, this holiday celebrates all military veterans of the U.S.

Fourth Thursday in November – Thanksgiving

Originally a harvest festival, this day has evolved into an American favorite. It is a very family oriented holiday that normally centers around a meal of turkey or ham.

The Day After Thanksgiving - Black Friday

Black Friday is a yearly day of extreme sales and discounts in stores around the United States.  The discounts and offers given by these stores are usually planned months in advance, and some of them are so good that people actually camp overnight to be first in line to get them.  It is one of the biggest bargain shopping days in the country, but expect busy roadways, packed malls and outlet shopping areas, and intense crowds as everyone tries to find the best deals.