American holidays

Ballerina holding nutcracker while dancing (© Derek Davis/Portland Portland Press Herald/Getty Images)

‘The Nutcracker’: A holiday classic in the U.S.

This ballet, which premiered in St. Petersburg in December 1892, is a favorite holiday tradition for millions of Americans.
President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy standing in front of Christmas tree (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum/Robert Knudsen)

First ladies’ White House Christmas traditions

Jacqueline Kennedy was the first to select a theme for the White House Christmas tree, picking "The Nutcracker.” Learn other holiday customs.
Visitors look at National Christmas Tree (© Jose Luis Magana/AP Images)

National Christmas Tree celebration turns 100

Cheers to the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony's 100th birthday! Read on to find out how the ceremony began and evolved over time.
2 people dressed as Pilgrims sitting atop turkey float in parade (© Charles Sykes/AP Images)

A photographic history of America’s Thanksgiving parade

Did you know that the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has European origins? Learn more about this and other interesting parade facts.
Hands adjusting medal around man's neck (© Andrew Harnik/AP Images)

Veterans Day recognizes U.S. military service, heroism

Honoring U.S. military veterans each year on Veterans Day is a tradition that began in 1954, when the federal holiday was created.
Children wearing costumes trick-or-treating (© David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

Halloweening for a special cause

Trick-or-treating goes digital in 2022 with UNICEF's campaign to raise money for children all over the world. Just scan the QR code and go!
Woman holding shofar as girl blows on it in front of mountain (© Nathan Bilow/AP Images)

A fall tradition: American Jews observe holy days

Learn about the Jewish holy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This is part of a series on the ways Americans observe religious holidays.
Graphic with photos of men and women representing workers in different fields (Photos: © Shutterstock.com. Graphic: State Dept./B. Insley)

It’s Labor Day, and unions are having a moment

Labor unions are seeing landmark victories as U.S. workers in warehouses, restaurants and coffee shops vote to unionize. What's going on?
Illustration of fireworks on the National Mall (State Dept./D. Thompson)

A lot of history happened on July 4

On July 4, 1776, America's Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. Do you know about other events in U.S. history that fell on the Fourth?