From New Year’s fireworks to Christmas carols, holidays mark our calendars with joy, reflection, and tradition. For English learners, travelers, or anyone organizing international events, knowing how to write and say holiday dates correctly is essential. This guide provides a detailed list of major global holidays with their English names and standard date formats, ensuring clarity whether you’re scheduling meetings or sending festive greetings.

Fixed-Date Holidays

These holidays fall on the same date each year.

1. New Year’s Day – January 1
   Example: "We celebrate New Year’s Day on January 1 with a parade."

2. Valentine’s Day – February 14
   Example: "Rose sales peak on February 14 for Valentine’s Day."

3. International Women’s Day – March 8
   Example: "March 8 is dedicated to honoring women’s achievements worldwide."

4. April Fools’ Day – April 1
   Example: "Pranks are common on April 1 for April Fools’ Day."

5. Earth Day – April 22
   Example: "Environmental events are held globally on April 22 for Earth Day."

   

6. Labor Day (May Day) – May 1
   Note: In the U.S., Labor Day is observed on the first Monday of September.

7. Independence Day (U.S.) – July 4
   Example: "Fireworks light up the sky every July 4 for U.S. Independence Day."

8. Halloween – October 31
   Example: "Children go trick-or-treating on October 31 for Halloween."

9. Christmas Day – December 25
   Example: "Families exchange gifts on December 25 for Christmas Day."

Variable-Date Holidays

These holidays shift annually based on lunar cycles or specific rules.

Easter-Related Holidays

• Ash Wednesday – 46 days before Easter (February/March)
• Good Friday – Friday before Easter (March/April)
• Easter Sunday – First Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox (March/April)
• Easter Monday – Day after Easter (observed in many countries)

Example: "In 2025, Easter Sunday falls on April 20."

Thanksgiving (U.S. & Canada)

• U.S. Thanksgiving – Fourth Thursday of November
• Canadian Thanksgiving – Second Monday of October

Example: "American families gather for Thanksgiving on November 28 in 2024."

Other Movable Holidays

• Mother’s Day – Second Sunday in May (U.S.)
• Father’s Day – Third Sunday in June (U.S.)
• Memorial Day – Last Monday of May (U.S.)
• Labor Day – First Monday of September (U.S.)

Holidays with Cultural Variations

Some holidays share names but are celebrated differently worldwide.

1. Boxing Day – December 26 (Commonwealth countries)
   Example: "In the UK, Boxing Day on December 26 is a major shopping day."

2. Chinese New Year – January/February (Lunar calendar)
   Example: "Chinese New Year in 2025 begins on January 29."

3. Diwali – October/November (Hindu lunar calendar)
   Example: "Diwali, the Festival of Lights, falls on November 1 in 2024."

Writing Holiday Dates Correctly

In English, dates follow either "Month Day, Year" (U.S.) or "Day Month Year" (international) formats.

• U.S. Style: July 4, 2024 (Independence Day)
• International Style: 4 July 2024

For formal writing, spell out the month:

• "The conference runs from October 31 to November 2, 2024."

Avoid abbreviations like "Oct. 31" in professional contexts.

Why Accurate Dates Matter

Miswriting holiday dates can lead to missed events or cultural misunderstandings. For instance:

• Writing "25/12" instead of "12/25" may confuse Americans (where 25/12 suggests December 25, but in day-first formats, it reads as the 25th month).
• Missing the lunar adjustment for Eid al-Fitr could offend Muslim colleagues.

A well-maintained holiday calendar ensures inclusivity and precision, whether for business planning or personal greetings.

Understanding these terms helps bridge cultural gaps, whether you’re drafting an international newsletter or simply wishing a friend "Happy New Year" at the right time. Keep this guide handy—it’s more than dates; it’s a key to global connection.