Most celebrated holidays in the United States

Meta description: From Thanksgiving to Christmas to the 4th of July, explore the most celebrated holidays in the US and how to send holiday money with Western Union.

Most celebrated holidays in the United States

The most celebrated holidays in the US bring together families, friends, and communities through traditions that have been shared for generations. Whether it’s gathering around a holiday meal, watching fireworks, exchanging gifts, or traveling to see family and friends, these special occasions create meaningful memories throughout the year.

For many immigrant families living in the United States, holidays are also a time to stay close with relatives overseas. Some families celebrate American holidays while continuing traditions from their countries of origin, creating unique celebrations that reflect both their heritage and their lives in the US.

No matter where your family and friends are, Western Union offers convenient ways to support them throughout the year through international money transfers.

Quick look at major US holidays

Holiday	When it is celebrated
New Year’s Day	January 1
Valentine’s Day	February 14
Easter	March or April
Independence Day	July 4
Thanksgiving	Fourth Thursday in November
Christmas	December 25

 

New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the calendar year. Across the United States, people celebrate with parties, fireworks, countdowns, and resolutions for the year ahead. Many families and friends gather on New Year’s Eve before welcoming the new year at midnight.

For families with roots in other countries, New Year’s celebrations may also include cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. Some prepare traditional foods, exchange well wishes, or spend time connecting with relatives living abroad.

Whether you’re helping those who matter most celebrate New Year’s or supporting family overseas, Western Union offers multiple ways to send money that fit your needs.

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day celebrates love, friendship, and appreciation. While flowers, chocolates, and greeting cards remain popular, many people also use the day to recognize the important relationships in their lives.

For families separated by distance, Valentine’s Day can be another opportunity to show support. Acts of kindness, thoughtful gifts, and meaningful conversations often play a bigger role than large celebrations.

Sending money can be just as meaningful as sending a gift. Begin a money transfer online in just a few steps.

Easter

Easter is one of the most widely observed religious holidays in the United States. Many families attend church services, organize Easter egg hunts, and gather for special meals with family and friends.

Families from different cultural backgrounds often combine Easter traditions from their home countries with American customs. These traditions can vary from special recipes and community gatherings to family celebrations that bring multiple generations together.

When those who depend on you prefer receiving funds digitally, Western Union offers international mobile wallet transfers where available.

Independence Day

Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Americans celebrate with fireworks displays, parades, concerts, barbecues, and community events.

For many people, July 4 is also a time to gather with neighbors, family members, and friends. Communities across the country host events that reflect both national traditions and the cultural diversity that helps shape modern American life.

The long holiday weekend often provides additional opportunities for families to reconnect and celebrate together.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished family holidays in the United States. The holiday focuses on gratitude, family gatherings, and traditional meals that often include turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Millions of people travel to reunite with family members, while holiday-related costs such as airfare, accommodations, meals, and shopping often increase.

For families with relatives living in other countries, sending money can help family and friends prepare holiday meals, travel to visit family, or manage seasonal expenses. The Western Union app makes it easy to send money virtually from almost anywhere using the international money transfer app.

Christmas

Christmas is among the most celebrated holidays in the US. It is widely recognized through gift-giving, festive decorations, charitable giving, family gatherings, and community celebrations.

The weeks leading up to Christmas are often one of the busiest shopping and travel seasons of the year. Families may spend money on gifts, meals, decorations, and transportation while preparing for holiday celebrations.

Many immigrant families blend American Christmas customs with traditions from their countries of origin. Some observe additional cultural or religious celebrations, prepare traditional foods, or follow different gift-giving customs that reflect their heritage.

The holiday season is also an important time for families supporting relatives abroad. According to World Bank remittance data, the United States remains one of the world’s largest sources of international remittances, with funds sent to countries around the world to support family needs and celebrations.

Whether you’re helping those who matter most celebrate Christmas or another meaningful occasion, Western Union offers reliable ways to send money internationally and support everyone you care about throughout the holiday season.

How immigrant communities celebrate US holidays

One of the defining characteristics of American holidays is their diversity. The United States is home to people from nearly every country, and many families celebrate traditional American holidays alongside cultural and religious celebrations that are important to their heritage.

Examples include:

• Serving traditional Thanksgiving dishes alongside recipes from their home country.
• Celebrating Christmas while also observing holidays such as Lunar New Year, Diwali, Eid, or Día de los Muertos during other times of the year.
• Sending gifts or financial support to relatives overseas so they can participate in local celebrations.

These celebrations help families honor their traditions while creating new memories together.

How families support those who matter most during the holidays

Holiday expenses can add up quickly. Beyond gifts, families may also pay for travel, meals, decorations, school breaks, and special events.

Sending money can be a practical way to support relatives and friends by helping with:

• Holiday travel expenses
• Gifts and seasonal shopping
• Grocery purchases and holiday meals
• Household bills
• Family celebrations
• New year preparations

Whether you’re sending funds within the United States or helping family overseas, having flexible money transfer options can make it easier to support the people who matter most.

Celebrate every holiday with Western Union

Holidays are about connection, community, and spending time with the people who matter most. Whether you’re celebrating New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another important occasion, being there for everyone you care about can make every celebration more meaningful.

With Western Union, you can send money online, use the mobile app, choose from multiple delivery options, and support family and friends across the globe throughout the year.