America's favorite and least favorite holidays

What do Americans really think about their holidays? In February 2024, YouGov surveyed opinions on 21 holidays, and the results revealed sharp divides. Some celebrations, cherished by many, are surprisingly unpopular with others — sometimes even stirring up political or generational rifts. Curious to see which ones made the list? Let’s dive in!

The third Monday in February celebrates the birthday of George Washington, but for Americans, it’s pretty “meh.” Only 11% say it enjoyed more than the average day. For 32% of Black Americans, it's even enjoyed less than the average day.

Previously only known as Columbus Day, Joe Biden officially recognized Indigenous People’s Day, also on Oct. 11. Some states have actually renamed Columbus Day entirely. Anyway, it’s not one of the most beloved, with just 10% saying they enjoy it more than the average day. Around a quarter of Black and Hispanic Americans say it’s actually more of a bummer than a regular day.

There’s not a lot of love for this celebration of Irish heritage either. While 22% say it's better than the average day, it’s actively disliked by around 13% of US adults too – even more so among Black, Hispanic Americans, and 18-29-year-olds.

This relatively new federal holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the US. Almost half of Americans are indifferent to it, but it also gets a lot of hate. Nearly 30% of White Americans and a whopping 42% of Republicans say they would take an average day over Juneteenth, even though it is a day off. In total, 14% of Americans say it’s the worst day of the year.

This global holiday created in 1970 to raise awareness about environmental issues happens every April 22. It was started by American activists, but, of course, it's polarizing. While 58% say it is enjoyed as much as the average day, 23% of Republicans say they enjoy a regular day more than Earth Day.

For 4% of Americans, this is the best day of the year, and 19% like it more than the average day. But it also gets a lot of hate, with 8% saying it is the worst day of the year. Black Americans hate it the most, with 35% of that group saying they would prefer a regular day, compared to 18% of white Americans or 29% of Hispanic Americans.

While 57% of Americans like this federal holiday as much as any other day. Yet, of course, there are detractors. The survey found that 17% of White Americans and 19% of Hispanic Americans say they prefer a regular day over MLK Day.

While it’s a big deal for advertisers and sports fans, nearly 24% would take an average day over Super Bowl Sunday, making it the second-most polarizing day of the year after Juneteenth. According to the survey results, slightly more men really don’t like the day than women. Could that have something to do with the snacks and halftime show?

While there isn’t a lot of hate for Veterans Day, with just 8% of respondents saying they’d prefer an average day, there isn’t a lot of love for it either. Just 6% say it's the best day of the year, and nearly half of Americans say they like it just as much as a regular day.

Now things are starting to get better. This federal holiday to honor military personnel who died while serving the country (versus all veterans for Veterans Day), is a little more liked. In fact, 7% say it's their favorite day of the year and 33% say they like it more than an average day.

Not a day off work but a day to celebrate one’s father or paternal bonds is sweetly enjoyed by 38% of Americans who like it or love it. While 44% are neutral on the day, just 12% are against it.

Photo: Tim Mossholder/ Unsplash

While Valentine’s Day may get a lot of hate in the media, Americans are generally fans of Feb. 14th. Even 8% say it's their favorite day of the year, while 23% say it's better than the average day. However, it does get its fair share of hate, of course. Another 8% say it is their LEAST favorite day of the year.

The weather is good, the fireworks are getting lit and hotdogs are roasting, this federal holiday to commemorate the day the US won its independence is one of the more enjoyed days of the year. Yes, a whopping 54% of Americans say they love or like this day — a rare positive consensus.

While people may make fun of resolutions and high expectations related to this party-filled date, it is still generally loved by Americans. Of those surveyed, 12% even said it was their favorite day of the year. Perhaps surprisingly, this night gets relatively little hate, with just 11% saying it’s worse than an average day or the worst of the year.

This dark horse holiday came in stronger than one may have expected, what with its reputation for throbbing headaches and regrets from the night before. But just as many people love this day as New Year’s Eve and fewer people hate it. However, most of the haters come from the Hispanic group, of which 17% say it's worse than the average day.

Sorry dads, but Mother’s Day gets significantly more love — though that still probably doesn’t even things out when one considers childbirth. In fact, this day is the favorite of the year of 13% of Americans and thoroughly enjoyed by another 34%. You might guess that the day is much more preferred by women, but the split is pretty even. Lots of good sons out in the USA!

Photo: George Dolgikh/Pexels

Whether celebrating the resurrection of Jesus or more focused on the Easter Bunny dropping chocolates around the home, this spring holiday is loved or liked by just as many people as Mother’s Day. However, it is sliiightly less hated, with only 3% saying it's the worst day of the year (compared to 4% who really get bummed out on Mother’s Day).

Photo: George Dolgikh/Pexels

With that crispness in the air, kids running around and asking for candy and all the wonderful costumes — it's spooky, it's fun and for 15% of Americans, it’s the best day of the year. But of course, its association with the dark arts also wins it a fair number of haters. That’s right, 9% say it's the worst day of the year and another 9% say it's worse than the average day. The strongest haters come from the over-65 group — perhaps that also has to do with the first part of “trick or treat!”

This Holiday is also much maligned in the press, conjuring images of politically tinged screaming matches between uncles and nieces. But in reality, 23% say this holiday focused on gratitude, family and turkey is the best day of the year, and another 47% generally like it. One small caveat: just 5% of Republicans don’t like it, while twice as many Democrats say it's a drag.

This one probably isn’t surprising at all. Christmas involves presents, coming together with friends and families, Santa Claus, children filled with awe and excitement, and beautiful Christian ceremonies about birth. For 36% of Americans, it's the single best day of the year. Though, of course, the holiday can be especially depressing for some people. When asked, 5% of Americans say it's their least favorite day of the year and another 5% said it's worse than the average day.

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