Christmas Day in the United States
When is Christmas Day in United States?
Christmas Day in United States is on December 25, 2024. It falls on Wednesday.
How many days until Christmas Day in United States?
There are 242 Days left until Christmas Day in the United States.
Is Christmas Day a public holiday in United States?
Christmas Day is a worldwide celebration held on December 25th each year. It commemorates the day when Jesus Christ was born. In the United States a large part of the population follows the Christian faith, which is celebrated in different ways.
Christmas Day is declared as a federal holiday in the United States, thus, most of the country’s business establishments suspend operation. Government institutions, public offices, and schools close as well (though schools and universities usually have a holiday or winter break around Christmas time).
Christmas Origin
Christmas is one of the most highly anticipated holidays in the world. It is observed to commemorate the day when Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, was born. The word ‘Christmas’ came from the word Crïstes mæsse, meaning Christ’s Mass or Mass of Christ.
When did Christmas begin?
The first celebration of Christmas dates back on December 25, 336 in Rome. Although Christ’s birthdate is unknown, December 25th was chosen by Pope Julius I, the Bishop of Rome at that time, as it corresponds to the date of the winter solstice on the Roman calendar.
Christmas Traditions
In the United States, Christmas means a lot of things. The occasion is considered perfect for family gatherings, hosting feasts, giving gifts, traveling, shopping, and more.
Church Services
Though modern Christmas celebration is becoming more and more secular, special church services held on this day still plays an important part on the American traditions of Christmas celebration. Many Americans, especially regular Christian churchgoers make sure to attend church services or masses held for the day. Others also have their church visits the night before Christmas, on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Decorations
Americans love to decorate for Christmas, and it is clearly seen during the season. The Christmas tree is a common practice in most households. Fresh Christmas trees are either bought or cut down from Christmas tree farms. Sparkling lights are seen everywhere, from public areas to private establishments. Aside from lights, other decorations include garlands, lanterns, hollies, wreaths, snowmen, reindeers, Santa Claus figures, and nativity displays.
These decorations are also popular in other countries; however, the Americans take it to another level. Towns and cities from across the country are filled with bright Christmas lights, public Christmas trees, and various Christmas decorations.
Exchanging of Christmas gifts
American Christmas is incomplete without the traditional exchanging of gifts. These could be in between family members, relatives, friends, or even co-workers. Gift-giving is one of the reasons why American children love Christmas. Gifts are wrapped up prior to the celebration, and are usually placed under the decorated Christmas tree, to be opened early morning of Christmas Day. In many workplaces they will have gift exchanges such as Secret Santa.
Christmas Decorations
For the Americans, Christmas is the best day to enjoy a feast together with their loved ones. The occasion is treated as a family day; therefore, family gatherings are expected on this day. Families enjoy Christmas over tasty dishes. Though foods served vary depending on which part of the country one is residing, the traditional dishes typically seen at an American table include roasted or fried turkey, stuffing, roast beef, ham, gingerbread houses, mashed potatoes, pies, and Christmas pudding or fruitcake.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 25 | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
| 2025 | December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day |
| 2026 | December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 2027 | December 25 | Saturday | Christmas Day |
| 2028 | December 25 | Monday | Christmas Day |
| 2029 | December 25 | Tuesday | Christmas Day |
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Mother's Day | May 12, 2024 |
| Memorial Day | May 27, 2024 |
| Father's Day | June 16, 2024 |
Download or print free 2024 calendar which includes the list of holidays in United States. Free holiday calendar templates in more than 130 countries are provided in PDF, Excel, and Microsoft Word format. For those who like to get a calendar that starts on Monday, we also have ISO calendar.
The April 2024 monthly calendar for the United States shows the holidays for the month, which is helpful in planning schedule and events in reference to the upcoming holidays in the US. It is available in PDF, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel formats. You may select your preferred orientation and preferred start of week since we have Monday start calendar or Sunday start calendar.
If you are looking to print or download just a list of holidays in United States for the year 2024, we have that available in PDF, Word and Excel formats. This can be helpful for those who like to keep track of the holidays, be it for travel, work or any other purposes. It is free to use, just like the rest of our templates.