Name two national U.S. holidays.

Why This Matters

The United States has ten major national holidays, also called federal holidays, and you need to name two of them to answer this question correctly. These holidays honor important people, events, and values in American history. On federal holidays, government offices and many businesses close, giving people a day to celebrate, remember, or reflect.

The ten national holidays are New Year's Day (January 1), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Presidents' Day (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Columbus Day (second Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas (December 25). Each holiday has its own meaning. Memorial Day honors soldiers who died in service. Veterans Day honors all who served in the military. Labor Day celebrates American workers. Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and family meals.

These holidays are part of the rhythm of American life. Schools close, families gather, and communities hold events. Some holidays, like Independence Day and Thanksgiving, involve big traditions, fireworks on July 4 and turkey dinners on Thanksgiving. Others, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, include ceremonies at cemeteries and memorials. Learning these holidays helps you participate in the shared culture of the United States and understand what Americans value: freedom, service, family, and gratitude.

Key Facts

• There are ten major national U.S. holidays, and you need to name two
• The holidays are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
• Federal holidays mean government offices are typically closed
• Memorial Day honors those who died serving in the military; Veterans Day honors all who served
• Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November

Common Mistakes

• Naming only one holiday when the question asks for two, always give two
• Naming holidays that are not on the federal list, such as Valentine's Day, Halloween, or Easter, these are popular but not national holidays
• Confusing Memorial Day with Veterans Day, Memorial Day is for those who died in service, Veterans Day is for all veterans

Study Tip

Pick the two holidays you know best and practice saying them together. A safe and easy pair is "Independence Day and Thanksgiving", almost everyone knows July 4 fireworks and November turkey dinner. Say your two holidays out loud several times so they come naturally during the interview. Two is all you need.