57 Holidays and Events Americans Ranked Highest

There are the holidays nearly everyone knows, like Christmas and Thanksgiving, and then there are the events people get excited about for entirely different reasons. Some gather families around a dinner table. Others bring fans into stadiums, movie theaters, or convention halls. And a few are so specialized that you might be surprised to see them on the same list.

To see which occasions Americans viewed most favorably, 24/7 Tempo reviewed an earlier snapshot of YouGov's U.S. events ratings. In YouGov's terminology, fame is the percentage of people who have heard of an event, while popularity is the percentage who hold a positive opinion. The two measures are not interchangeable. A famous event isn't necessarily a well-liked one.

A note about the data: These are the percentages and ranking positions from the original article's historical YouGov snapshot, not updated 2026 poll results. YouGov updates its public ratings quarterly, so today's numbers and even the events included can differ. The list also includes sports leagues and entertainment organizations, not only traditional holidays. We've retained the original order while updating the background on events that have changed.

Here are 57 holidays, competitions, festivals, and annual traditions from that ranking, counting down to the one that originally scored highest.

Fame: 39% | Popularity: 23%

For more than a decade, the World Padel Tour helped bring professional padel to audiences around the globe. The racket sport resembles a fast-paced combination of tennis and squash, with enclosed courts that keep the ball in play. This particular tour is now part of the sport's history: its final season was in 2023, and the professional circuit was consolidated under the Premier Padel banner in 2024. Its inclusion here reflects the older YouGov ranking, not an active 2026 tour.

Fame: 38% | Popularity: 24%

Premier Padel features elite players competing in doubles matches on enclosed courts where rebounds off the walls are part of the strategy. The circuit grew rapidly as padel's popularity spread beyond its established European and Latin American fan bases. In 2024, Premier Padel became the unified leading global tour after the former World Padel Tour was acquired and combined with it. For casual U.S. viewers, the sport may still be unfamiliar, but its professional events have an increasingly international audience.

Fame: 44% | Popularity: 27%

Professional padel isn't limited to individual tournaments. The Pro Padel League organizes team-based competition, bringing together players from different countries to represent clubs in North America. The format adds a familiar team-sports element to a game that's usually played in pairs. Padel courts are smaller than tennis courts and surrounded by walls, which makes for quick rallies and surprising rebounds. It's a developing sport in the United States, helping explain why recognition was comparatively limited in this older YouGov snapshot.

Fame: 45% | Popularity: 27%

If you enjoy the sound of roaring engines and the sight of cars sliding around dirt corners, World of Outlaws is probably worth knowing. The racing organization is especially associated with sprint cars and late-model dirt-track competition, with events hosted at tracks across the country. Races are often run under the lights on short oval circuits, putting fans close to the action. The series has a devoted motorsports following, although it doesn't enjoy the same mainstream recognition as NASCAR or Formula 1.

Fame: 45% | Popularity: 27%

Nitrocross set out to make rallycross even more spectacular with steep jumps, mixed-surface tracks, and high-powered race cars. Associated with action-sports star Travis Pastrana, the championship featured head-to-head battles and later an electric racing class. The series also illustrates why older rankings need context: organizers halted the remaining rounds of the 2024-25 season in October 2024, and it hasn't continued on its original schedule. The YouGov figures here describe the earlier competition, not a current racing calendar.

Fame: 57% | Popularity: 28%

The Miami Open brings many of the world's best tennis players to South Florida every spring. This combined men's and women's tournament is part of the sport's most important annual events outside the four Grand Slams. Since 2019, it has taken place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, where a temporary stadium court is built inside the football venue. The event mixes high-level tennis with Miami's atmosphere, drawing fans who want more than a typical day at the courts.

Fame: 66% | Popularity: 28%

Major League Pickleball takes one of America's fastest-growing recreational sports and gives it a team-based professional format. Players compete in men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles, with team results determining the outcome. Part of pickleball's appeal is its accessibility: the court is smaller than a tennis court, and the rules are relatively easy to learn. That recreational familiarity doesn't automatically translate to knowing the professional league, which helps put its ranking in context.

Fame: 64% | Popularity: 28%

The Professional Pickleball Association, generally called the PPA Tour, showcases top players competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. It's a different format from the team-centered Major League Pickleball, even though both serve the growing professional side of the sport. Fans see quick exchanges, strategic placement, and the soft shots known as dinks that help make pickleball distinctive. As with other emerging sports, recognition of the game itself can be much higher than recognition of its specific professional organizations.

Fame: 49% | Popularity: 28%

Eid al-Adha is one of the most important observances in Islam. The holiday commemorates the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim, or Abraham, to obey God, and it takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, alongside the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Many Muslim families attend prayers, gather for meals, and share food with relatives and people in need. Its date shifts on the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic calendar follows lunar months. This ranking measures general U.S. opinion, not the holiday's importance to those who observe it.

Fame: 59% | Popularity: 28%

The BAFTA Film Awards are Britain's best-known annual movie honors, celebrating achievements in filmmaking from the United Kingdom and around the world. Presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, the awards recognize acting, directing, screenwriting, technical work, and other disciplines. They often take place in the weeks leading up to the Oscars, which makes the winners especially interesting to movie fans following awards season. The ceremony is based in Britain but attracts plenty of attention from American audiences.

Fame: 64% | Popularity: 28%

Professional arm wrestling is considerably more technical than a casual contest across a kitchen table. The World Arm-Wrestling League, or WAL, helped showcase athletes competing in organized matches that depend on leverage, timing, grip, and endurance. Its televised events introduced viewers to a surprisingly intense competitive scene. Other promoters and international organizations have also staged major matches, so WAL shouldn't be confused with the entire sport. This entry reflects the league's appearance in the source's historical list, not a verified current WAL schedule.

Fame: 57% | Popularity: 31%

Street League Skateboarding was created to bring elite street-style skating into a structured competition with major venues, professional judging, and big-name athletes. Instead of racing around a track, skateboarders perform technical tricks on rails, steps, ledges, and other street-inspired obstacles. A single successful trick can change the standings dramatically. For viewers who grew up watching skateboarding videos or the X Games, Street League offers a closer look at the sport's competitive side and the precision behind seemingly effortless tricks.

Fame: 57% | Popularity: 35%

The James Beard Awards are among the highest-profile honors in American food and hospitality. Named for the influential cookbook author and television personality, they recognize outstanding restaurants, chefs, and other contributors to the culinary world. Winning can introduce a neighborhood restaurant to a national audience, while a nomination alone can bring welcome attention to a chef's work. Unlike a cooking competition with a single televised final, the awards celebrate achievements across a broad range of dining and food-media categories.

Fame: 82% | Popularity: 36%

Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims around the world, marked by fasting, prayer, reflection, and charitable giving. Many observant adults abstain from food and drink between dawn and sunset, then break the fast with an evening meal known as iftar. The month commemorates the revelation of the Quran and concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Ramadan moves through the seasons over time. Its meaning extends well beyond the foods and celebrations that may be most familiar to outsiders.

Fame: 78% | Popularity: 38%

New York Fashion Week turns the city into an international showcase for designers, models, stylists, celebrities, and fashion buyers. Runway presentations introduce upcoming collections, while smaller events help emerging labels find attention. Major fashion weeks are typically held around February and September, with collections shown ahead of the seasons when they reach stores. The outfits on the runway may be bold, but the impact extends to everyday clothing trends, retail displays, and what eventually appears in closets across the country.

Fame: 80% | Popularity: 39%

The X Games helped push action sports into the mainstream by giving top athletes a highly visible competitive stage. Events have featured skateboarding, BMX, motocross, and other disciplines built around technical tricks and fearless performances. A successful run can become an instant highlight reel, especially when an athlete lands a maneuver that once seemed impossible. The games have helped build careers for some of action sports' biggest names and introduced millions of viewers to sports they might otherwise never watch.

Fame: 70% | Popularity: 39%

Founded in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, New York's Tribeca event began as the Tribeca Film Festival and became a major stop for independent filmmakers. It now uses the broader name Tribeca Festival, reflecting programming that extends beyond movies into television, music, games, podcasts, and immersive storytelling. Premieres and filmmaker conversations remain central attractions. The name in the original YouGov list is an older one, but the festival itself continues to celebrate new creative work and the audiences eager to discover it.

Fame: 77% | Popularity: 40%

World's Strongest Man puts some of the planet's most powerful athletes through a series of exhausting challenges. Competitors may lift enormous stones, pull heavy vehicles, carry loaded implements, or hoist weights that would be impossible for most people to move. The tests reward different kinds of strength, not just a single spectacular lift. Since beginning in 1977, the competition has turned strongmen into international sports personalities and made feats of raw power a recognizable television spectacle.

Fame: 89% | Popularity: 40%

The BET Awards recognize achievements in music, acting, sports, and entertainment, with particular emphasis on Black artists and culture. The annual show often combines major award presentations with live performances, reunions, tributes, and memorable red-carpet moments. Presented by BET, it has become an important fixture on the summer entertainment calendar. For viewers, part of the appeal is that the performances can generate as much conversation as the trophies, especially when legendary and emerging musicians share the same stage.

Fame: 70% | Popularity: 41%

The NFL's Salute to Service initiative recognizes military service members, veterans, and their families through football-related events, partnerships, and community programs. Fans may notice special sideline clothing, tributes during games, or stories highlighting organizations that support military communities. The initiative is not a standalone sports league or championship, but a league-wide recognition and charitable program. Its appearance in the ranking reflects how familiar and positively regarded the campaign was among people surveyed at the time.

Fame: 91% | Popularity: 42%

The Tour de France is cycling's most famous stage race, sending competitors across challenging routes that typically include mountains, flat roads, and individual time trials. Riders race for daily stage victories while also fighting for the lowest overall elapsed time. The leader wears the famous yellow jersey, one of the most recognizable symbols in international sports. Although the race takes place primarily in France, its history, spectacular scenery, and demanding mountain climbs attract viewers from around the world.

Fame: 76% | Popularity: 42%

San Diego Comic-Con began as a gathering for comic-book enthusiasts and evolved into a huge celebration of pop culture. Fans travel to see artists, buy collectibles, wear elaborate costumes, and attend panels devoted to comics, movies, television, games, and more. Major studios have used the event to reveal trailers and new projects, although its comic-book roots remain central to its identity. Whether someone attends for superhero announcements or hard-to-find artwork, Comic-Con offers an entire world of fandom under one roof.

Fame: 87% | Popularity: 43%

The FIFA Women's World Cup is the biggest tournament in international women's soccer, bringing together national teams for weeks of high-stakes matches. Held every four years, it has helped introduce new generations of fans to world-class players and unforgettable moments on the pitch. The United States has been especially prominent in the competition's history, winning the title four times. Beyond the trophy, the event has played a major role in elevating women's soccer and its visibility around the world.

Fame: 76% | Popularity: 43%

New York Comic Con transforms the Javits Center into a sprawling gathering of fans, creators, performers, and entertainment brands. Cosplay, comic-book signings, merchandise booths, and discussions with actors fill the event's schedule. It shares plenty of interests with San Diego Comic-Con, but the New York convention has its own identity and East Coast audience. For many attendees, the best part isn't a major announcement. It's getting to meet people who are every bit as enthusiastic about the same stories and characters.

Fame: 89% | Popularity: 43%

The Country Music Association Awards, better known as the CMA Awards, celebrate major achievements in country music. The annual ceremony recognizes performers, songwriters, albums, and songs, often bringing together Nashville veterans and newer stars for collaborative performances. Broadcast nationally, the show can serve as both an awards ceremony and a snapshot of where country music is heading. Even viewers who don't follow the genre closely may recognize the artists and songs featured during the night's biggest moments.

Fame: 87% | Popularity: 43%

The National Women's Soccer League is a top-tier professional soccer league in the United States, featuring clubs and international-caliber players competing through a regular season and playoffs. Its growth has helped expand the audience for women's soccer beyond occasional national-team tournaments. Fans have also seen the league develop young talent who later become important members of international squads. The NWSL is an ongoing league rather than a single annual holiday or event, another reminder of how wide-ranging YouGov's category was.

Fame: 94% | Popularity: 44%

Few music awards shows produce as many instantly recognizable pop-culture moments as the MTV Video Music Awards. Since the 1980s, the VMAs have honored music videos while also giving artists a stage for elaborate performances, unpredictable speeches, and bold fashion choices. The show's Moon Person trophy is a familiar symbol of the event. Even people who don't follow every current hit may remember unforgettable moments from past ceremonies, which have helped keep the VMAs part of the wider entertainment conversation.

Fame: 90% | Popularity: 45%

Wimbledon is the oldest of tennis's four Grand Slam tournaments and remains one of the sport's most distinctive traditions. Played on grass courts at the All England Club in London, it is associated with predominantly white player attire, strawberries and cream, and decades of legendary matches. The tournament draws the game's biggest stars while attracting viewers who might watch tennis only a few times each year. Its combination of elite competition and tradition makes Wimbledon a major international summer event.

Fame: 89% | Popularity: 45%

The men's FIFA World Cup is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, bringing national soccer teams together for a tournament held every four years. Qualifying takes years, but the finals compress the drama into a few unforgettable weeks. Fans follow underdogs, historic rivalries, penalty shootouts, and the chase for the trophy. The 2026 tournament was hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, giving North American audiences an unusually close connection to the competition.

Fame: 92% | Popularity: 45%

The National Hockey League brings together professional hockey teams from the United States and Canada, with a regular season that leads to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Few trophies in American sports carry the same history as the Stanley Cup, first awarded in the nineteenth century. Hockey's speed, physical play, and sudden swings of momentum can turn an ordinary game into a thriller in seconds. The NHL is another entry that's a sports league rather than a single event on the calendar.

Fame: 97% | Popularity: 45%

The Grammy Awards recognize achievements in recorded music, from major pop releases to jazz, classical, country, and many other genres. Presented by the Recording Academy, the show is known for unusual artist pairings, elaborate live performances, and debates about who should have won. Winning Album of the Year or another major Grammy can shape an artist's legacy, but the ceremony also honors behind-the-scenes professionals. For many viewers, the performances are the main reason to tune in.

Fame: 97% | Popularity: 45%

Television gets its own major awards spotlight through the Emmys, which honor achievements in series, performances, writing, directing, and production. The Primetime Emmy Awards are the most familiar televised ceremony, but the broader Emmy system also includes other programming categories. Competition between prestige dramas, beloved comedies, and breakout shows can spark plenty of arguments among viewers. As streaming has changed television, the Emmy Awards have also become a reflection of how widely audiences' viewing habits have evolved.

Fame: 83% | Popularity: 46%

Each spring, the Cannes Film Festival brings filmmakers, critics, stars, and industry executives to the French Riviera. World premieres, red carpets, and competition for the Palme d'Or give the event an outsized influence on global cinema. Cannes is especially known for championing ambitious international filmmaking, even as Hollywood celebrities attract much of the attention. The festival's American recognition reflects its status in the film world, despite most U.S. moviegoers experiencing its celebrated titles later in theaters or at home.

Fame: 83% | Popularity: 46%

The Sundance Film Festival has spent decades helping independent films find audiences and distributors. Long associated with Park City, Utah, the festival has showcased breakout movies, documentaries, and new directing talent. A major change is now on the calendar: after its final Utah edition in 2026, Sundance is moving to Boulder, Colorado, beginning January 21-31, 2027. For movie lovers, its appeal remains the chance to discover original stories before they become critical hits or mainstream favorites.

Fame: 95% | Popularity: 46%

The NBA Finals decide the champion of professional basketball's biggest North American league. The best-of-seven series delivers star matchups, dramatic fourth quarters, and the chance for a team to lift the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy. Legendary performances by players such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James helped make the Finals a television event even for casual fans. Every year brings new storylines, from dynasties defending their titles to younger teams trying to win their first championship.

Fame: 91% | Popularity: 47%

The Indianapolis 500 is a Memorial Day weekend tradition and one of motorsports' most famous races. Thirty-three drivers typically line up at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to complete 500 miles over 200 laps, with speeds that make even a small mistake costly. One of the event's most beloved rituals comes afterward, when the winner drinks milk in Victory Lane. First held in 1911, the race has produced generations of legends and remains the signature event of the IndyCar calendar.

Fame: 80% | Popularity: 47%

The Winter X Games take the action-sports approach to snow and ice, with elite snowboarders and skiers competing in events that reward enormous jumps, creativity, and precision. Halfpipe and slopestyle contests in particular have produced some of the most memorable tricks in winter sports. Unlike the traditional Winter Olympics, the X Games put a strong emphasis on individual style and pushing technical boundaries. Watching an athlete land a new trick after months of preparation can be every bit as dramatic as a close race.

Fame: 97% | Popularity: 49%

The Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, are Hollywood's most famous annual film honors. The ceremony recognizes achievements in acting, directing, writing, music, and the many technical disciplines required to make a movie. A Best Picture win can become a permanent part of a film's identity, but audiences also remember the emotional speeches, unexpected results, and occasionally chaotic live television moments. Even people who haven't seen every nominated movie often tune in for a little Hollywood spectacle.

Fame: 96% | Popularity: 53%

April Fools' Day arrives every April 1 with a simple invitation: don't believe everything you hear. Friends play jokes, coworkers set up harmless pranks, and brands sometimes release intentionally ridiculous product announcements. Of course, there's a fine line between a funny surprise and a prank that leaves someone genuinely upset. That unpredictability is part of the holiday's personality. You can enjoy it, dread it, or simply spend the day wondering whether the next unbelievable headline is actually true.

Fame: 95% | Popularity: 54%

Observed throughout February in the United States, Black History Month recognizes Black Americans' contributions to the nation's history, culture, and institutions. Schools, museums, libraries, and community organizations use the month to explore stories that haven't always received equal attention in traditional history lessons. It developed from Negro History Week, established by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. The observance is an opportunity for learning and reflection, not merely a calendar event or a celebration limited to famous individuals.

Fame: 96% | Popularity: 56%

The NFL has a reach that extends well beyond Sunday afternoons. With 32 teams, intense rivalries, and an enormous television audience, professional football is woven into American sports culture. The regular season builds toward the playoffs and the Super Bowl, but weekly games have their own traditions, from tailgating to fantasy football. The league isn't a holiday, of course, which shows that this historical YouGov list combines recurring celebrations with sports and entertainment organizations that fans follow year-round.

Fame: 94% | Popularity: 57%

Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The observance includes lighting candles on a nine-branched menorah called a hanukkiah, with an additional light kindled each night. Families may also enjoy foods fried in oil, exchange gifts, and play dreidel. Hanukkah's timing shifts on the Gregorian calendar because it follows the Jewish calendar. It's widely recognizable in the United States, although it has a different religious significance from major Jewish holy days such as Yom Kippur.

Fame: 97% | Popularity: 59%

Valentine's Day brings an annual rush of flowers, candy hearts, greeting cards, and dinner reservations every February 14. For many Americans, it's a chance to celebrate a romantic relationship, but friends and families also exchange small gifts and messages of appreciation. The holiday is named for Saint Valentine, though the history behind its romantic traditions is more complicated than a single origin story. Whether you love the occasion or find it overly commercial, it's difficult to ignore the sea of red and pink each February.

Fame: 98% | Popularity: 60%

The Super Bowl has evolved from a football championship into a major cultural event. Fans tune in for the final game of the NFL season, but the halftime show, celebrity-filled commercials, and watch parties are attractions of their own. Even people who rarely follow football may recognize the teams by kickoff. Its popularity is helped by the feeling that almost everyone is watching at the same time, something that's increasingly unusual in an era of streaming and personalized entertainment.

Fame: 96% | Popularity: 65%

The Winter Olympics bring together athletes for events that range from figure skating and alpine skiing to speed skating, snowboarding, and curling. Held every four years, the Games combine fierce national rivalries with stories of athletes whose sports seldom receive major television coverage. The 2026 edition took place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, with events at venues across northern Italy. The tradition of cheering for competitors who have trained for years to reach one moment is a big part of the appeal.

Fame: 97% | Popularity: 67%

Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated each March 17, honoring Ireland's patron saint while also serving as a widely enjoyed celebration of Irish heritage and culture. American traditions include parades, wearing green, and gatherings at pubs and community events. Cities such as Chicago and Boston are particularly known for their celebrations. The day has religious roots, but many festivities are secular. For some people it's a meaningful connection to family heritage; for others, it's simply an excuse to join the fun.

Fame: 97% | Popularity: 67%

New Year's Eve is less about a single tradition than the feeling of starting over. On December 31, Americans gather for parties, family dinners, fireworks, and the familiar countdown to midnight. New York City's Times Square ball drop is the country's best-known public celebration, but smaller gatherings can feel just as special. The arrival of a new year often brings resolutions, hopes, and a look back at everything that happened during the last twelve months. No wonder the occasion is so widely recognized.

Fame: 95% | Popularity: 67%

For many Americans, Labor Day means one final long weekend of summer, but its origins are rooted in the nation's labor movement. Observed on the first Monday in September, the federal holiday honors workers and their contributions to the country. Parades, cookouts, and family trips have become familiar traditions, while some communities also focus on labor history and workplace rights. The three-day weekend is welcome, but the day itself is intended to recognize the people whose work keeps the country running.

Fame: 98% | Popularity: 69%

Halloween turns neighborhoods into costume parties every October 31. Children go trick-or-treating, families carve pumpkins, and haunted attractions invite visitors to scare themselves for fun. The holiday draws on older seasonal and religious traditions, but American celebrations have evolved into a mix of candy, decorations, movies, and elaborate costumes. Adults have plenty of reasons to participate, too, from themed parties to horror-film marathons. Whether someone likes the spooky side or just the sweets, Halloween offers a little something for almost everyone.

Fame: 95% | Popularity: 70%

Easter is Christianity's celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, making it one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar. Churches hold special services, while many families also gather for meals and familiar springtime traditions such as egg hunts and Easter baskets. The holiday falls on a different Sunday each year according to a calculation tied to the spring equinox and the moon. The combination of religious observance, family gatherings, and seasonal customs helps explain Easter's broad recognition in America.

Fame: 97% | Popularity: 70%

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and work of the civil rights leader whose advocacy helped transform the United States. Observed on the third Monday in January, the federal holiday celebrates King's commitment to racial equality and nonviolent protest. Communities mark the occasion through educational events, commemorations, and volunteer service. Calling it a 'day on' rather than a 'day off' reflects the holiday's emphasis on civic responsibility. The original slide mistakenly named King himself rather than the holiday, which is corrected here.

Fame: 96% | Popularity: 72%

Father's Day is an opportunity to thank fathers and other important father figures for their support, guidance, and everyday presence. Celebrated on the third Sunday in June in the United States, the holiday inspires everything from handmade cards and family breakfasts to backyard cookouts and phone calls across the miles. Not every family celebrates in the same way, and many people use the occasion to remember fathers they've lost. At its heart, the day is about appreciation rather than expensive gifts.

Fame: 96% | Popularity: 74%

Memorial Day is a time to remember members of the U.S. military who died while serving their country. Observed on the last Monday in May, the federal holiday is marked by cemetery visits, ceremonies, flag displays, and moments of remembrance. It also unofficially kicks off the summer travel season, which can sometimes overshadow its more solemn purpose. Unlike Veterans Day, which honors all U.S. military veterans, Memorial Day specifically focuses on those who lost their lives in military service.

Fame: 96% | Popularity: 75%

Veterans Day honors everyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces, whether in wartime or peacetime. Observed on November 11, the date traces back to the armistice that ended fighting in World War I. Communities hold parades and ceremonies, while many businesses and organizations offer special recognition to veterans. It's easy to confuse the holiday with Memorial Day, but the focus is different: Veterans Day recognizes the service of all veterans, living and deceased, with particular attention to thanking those still among us.

Fame: 97% | Popularity: 76%

Mother's Day consistently ranks near the top of America's favorite occasions, and it's easy to understand the appeal. Celebrated on the second Sunday in May, the day recognizes mothers and other people who have played a meaningful maternal role. Families mark it with brunches, flowers, cards, and time together, while others use the occasion to remember loved ones who have died. The modern American holiday was championed by Anna Jarvis in the early twentieth century, though its meaning now varies widely from family to family.

Fame: 96% | Popularity: 77%

Christmas is both a major Christian holiday and one of America's most elaborate annual cultural celebrations. Christians observe December 25 as the birth of Jesus, while many households also embrace traditions such as decorating trees, exchanging gifts, watching holiday movies, and gathering for special meals. Lights and festive displays can begin appearing weeks beforehand, and events like the Rockefeller Center tree lighting draw enormous attention. For many Americans, the strongest memories are less about presents than the people gathered around them.

Fame: 98% | Popularity: 79%

Thanksgiving claimed the top spot in the original YouGov snapshot, and its appeal is easy to see. Celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, the holiday centers on gratitude, family gatherings, and shared meals. Turkey, stuffing, pie, football, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade have become familiar parts of the day for many households. The holiday also carries a complex history involving Native Americans and European colonization, a history worth acknowledging alongside the festivities. However people spend it, Thanksgiving remains deeply embedded in American traditions.