15 Surprising US Holiday Traditions
15 Surprising US Holiday Traditions
Every country has its unique customs and traditions that mark the celebration of holidays, but America takes it a notch higher with its wide array of holiday customs that seem both fascinating and strange to the rest of the world.
From watching a groundhog predict the weather to the grandeur of the Thanksgiving Day Parade, these traditions hold a special place in the hearts of Americans. Let’s explore some of these unique American holiday traditions and see how they stand out from what’s commonly observed around the globe.
1. Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in America is not just a holiday; it’s a grand celebration marked by immense feasting, elaborate parades, and exciting football games.
This tradition, deeply rooted in American history, involves gathering with family and friends to enjoy a meal that traditionally includes turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
Beyond the feast, Americans enjoy watching or attending huge parades, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and capping the day off with football games, an essential part of the Thanksgiving celebration.
2. Black Friday
Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving and is famously known for its unprecedented sales and the pandemonium of shopping it brings. Retailers offer massive discounts, attracting millions of shoppers who brave the early hours and long lines to snag deals.
This phenomenon is distinctly American and marks the unofficial beginning of the Christmas shopping season in the United States, a concept that has only recently begun to spread to other countries.
3. Fourth of July
The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is characterized by patriotic displays, including fireworks, barbecues, and parades. Across the United States, people don red, white, and blue to celebrate America’s independence from Britain.
The skies are lit with fireworks, and backyards are filled with families and friends enjoying barbecues. This day is a vibrant celebration of freedom and American pride.
4. Halloween
In the U.S., Halloween is celebrated with much more zest and elaborate customs than anywhere else. Endless varieties of costumes, house decorations that range from spooky to downright terrifying, and children going trick-or-treating around neighborhoods, add to the Halloween spirit.
Moreover, haunted houses and Halloween-themed events add another level of excitement that’s hard to find with such intensity in other countries.
5. Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is one of the more peculiar American traditions where a groundhog is said to predict the coming of spring by either seeing or not seeing its shadow.
Each February 2nd, crowds gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to see if the famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, will see his shadow. This quirky event draws international curiosity and is a unique feature of American culture.
6. Super Bowl Sunday
In America, Super Bowl Sunday feels like an unofficial holiday. It centers around the final championship game of the National Football League (NFL), and it’s a day filled with sports, hearty food, and lively social gatherings.
Families and friends host Super Bowl parties to watch the game, enjoy commercials, and indulge in an abundance of snacks and dishes that are as much a part of the tradition as the game itself.
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7. Easter Egg Hunts
Easter in the U.S. involves a fun tradition for children known as the Easter egg hunt. Kids search for eggs hidden around yards and parks, which can contain chocolates, candies, or small toys.
This tradition emphasizes a playful and family-oriented aspect of Easter, which, while observed in some other countries, is far less common.
8. Presidents’ Day Sales
Presidents’ Day in the U.S. is associated with another shopping phenomenon similar to Black Friday. Retailers offer significant sales, particularly on home goods and furniture, as Americans enjoy a long weekend filled with shopping for bargains.
This association of a historical observance with consumer sales is uniquely American.
9. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved holiday tradition in New York City. This spectacular event features giant floating balloons, intricate floats, marching bands, and a variety of performances.
It marks the start of the holiday season and is watched by millions both on the streets of New York and at home on television, making it a unique and cherished tradition.
10. Christmas Lights Displays
Americans love to decorate their homes with dazzling displays of Christmas lights during the holiday season. Some neighborhoods go all out, creating elaborate light shows that attract visitors from all over.
This tradition of decorating is not just about celebrating Christmas but also about community and sharing joy with spectacular visual displays.
11. New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
One of the most iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations occurs in Times Square, New York City, where a giant ball is dropped as the clock strikes midnight.
This event is televised and watched by millions around the globe, making it a significant American cultural moment that marks the beginning of the new year.
12. Valentine’s Day Commercialization
In the U.S., Valentine’s Day goes beyond just a celebration of romance. It involves extensive commercialization, with elaborate gifts, cards, and dates.
American businesses capitalize heavily on this day, promoting it as an occasion for expressing love not just to partners but to family and friends as well, making it a substantial economic event.
13. Labor Day Barbecues
Labor Day in the U.S. is often celebrated with barbecues and outdoor gatherings. This tradition marks the end of summer and is a popular time for Americans to enjoy one last party with grilled foods and family activities before the onset of fall. This distinctively American tradition emphasizes leisure and community.
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14. Memorial Day Parades
Memorial Day is a solemn holiday in the U.S., dedicated to honoring military personnel who died in service. It is observed with parades and ceremonies that reflect respect and remembrance. This day is also seen as the unofficial start to summer, with many using the long weekend as a time to gather with family and remember loved ones.
15. Arbor Day
Arbor Day is a day dedicated to planting and caring for trees, and it has been embraced more fervently in the U.S. than in many other countries. Schools, communities, and various organizations come together to plant trees and educate about the importance of conservation. This day underscores America’s commitment to environmental stewardness and community involvement.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.