USA long weekends provide an excellent opportunity for rest, travel, and spending quality time with loved ones. In 2025, several U.S. federal holidays create natural three day weekends, while others offer opportunities to extend the break by taking an extra day off. Whether you’re planning a vacation, a road trip, or just some downtime at home, this guide provides a detailed look at all the USA long weekends in 2025 and how to make the most of them.
What Are Long Weekends?
USA Long Weekends occur when a public holiday falls on a Friday or Monday, providing a three-day break. In some cases, a holiday may fall on a Tuesday or Thursday, allowing workers to extend their weekend by taking an extra day off.
Long weekends are essential for:
- Reducing stress and burnout by providing extended time off.
- Spending quality time with family and friends.
- Exploring travel destinations without taking excessive leave.
- Enjoying local events, shopping, and entertainment.
With that in mind, let’s explore all the long weekends in 2025 and how you can plan your time effectively.
USA Long Weekends Calendar 2025
| Holiday | Date | Long Weekend | Time Off Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Wednesday, Jan 1 | Sat, Dec 28 – Wed, Jan 1 | Take Mon, Dec 30 & Tue, Dec 31 off |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, Jan 20 | Sat, Jan 18 – Mon, Jan 20 | None |
| Presidents’ Day | Monday, Feb 17 | Sat, Feb 15 – Mon, Feb 17 | None |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 26 | Sat, May 24 – Mon, May 26 | None |
| Independence Day | Friday, Jul 4 | Fri, Jul 4 – Sun, Jul 6 | None |
| Labor Day | Monday, Sep 1 | Sat, Aug 30 – Mon, Sep 1 | None |
| Columbus Day | Monday, Oct 13 | Sat, Oct 11 – Mon, Oct 13 | None |
| Veterans Day | Tuesday, Nov 11 | Sat, Nov 8 – Tue, Nov 11 | Take Mon, Nov 10 off |
| Thanksgiving & Black Friday | Thurs–Fri, Nov 27–28 | Thurs, Nov 27 – Sun, Nov 30 | None (Many employers give Fri off) |
| Christmas Day | Thursday, Dec 25 | Thurs, Dec 25 – Sun, Dec 28 | Take Fri, Dec 26 off |
New Year's Day – January 1 (Wednesday)
Suggested Long Weekend: Saturday, December 28, 2024 – Wednesday, January 1, 2025 (Take Monday and Tuesday off)
Extended Option: Through Friday, January 3, for a full 7-day holiday
Overview:
New Year’s Day marks a fresh beginning and is widely celebrated with midnight parties, fireworks, and meaningful resolutions. Falling mid-week in 2025, it provides an excellent opportunity to stretch into a 5 or even 7-day holiday.
How to Spend It:
Ring in the New Year at world-famous events in NYC’s Times Square or Las Vegas.
Hit the slopes in Colorado or Vermont for a snow-filled escape.
Relax in tropical warmth in Florida, Hawaii, or Southern California.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 20 (Monday)
Long Weekend: Saturday, January 18 – Monday, January 20
Overview:
This federal holiday honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his work toward equality and civil rights. It’s also a national day of service, encouraging people to give back to their communities.
How to Spend It:
Participate in local volunteer efforts or MLK commemorative events.
Explore important Civil Rights landmarks in Atlanta, Birmingham, or Memphis.
Enjoy a winter retreat to snowy destinations like Lake Tahoe or Park City.
Presidents’ Day – February 17 (Monday)
Long Weekend: Saturday, February 15 – Monday, February 17
Overview:
Presidents’ Day commemorates the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and more broadly celebrates the legacy of all U.S. presidents.
How to Spend It:
Take advantage of major retail sales on furniture, electronics, and clothing.
Plan a cozy mountain cabin trip or weekend at a ski resort.
Visit D.C.’s monuments, presidential libraries, or museums for a patriotic outing.
Memorial Day – May 26 (Monday)
Long Weekend: Saturday, May 24 – Monday, May 26
Overview:
Memorial Day honors fallen U.S. service members and unofficially marks the start of summer with parades and barbecues.
How to Spend It:
Attend a Memorial Day ceremony or parade in cities like D.C. or Chicago.
Take a beach vacation to Myrtle Beach, the Outer Banks, or the Gulf Coast.
Enjoy hiking, camping, or a lakeside getaway with family and friends.
Independence Day – July 4 (Friday)
Long Weekend: Friday, July 4 – Sunday, July 6
Overview:
America’s birthday is a celebration of freedom filled with parades, fireworks, concerts, and patriotic displays. Falling on a Friday, it forms a natural three-day weekend.
How to Spend It:
View fireworks over the National Mall or New York Harbor.
Road trip to a scenic national park like Glacier or Yosemite.
Host a patriotic backyard cookout with games, music, and sparklers.
Labor Day – September 1 (Monday)
Long Weekend: Saturday, August 30 – Monday, September 1
Overview:
Labor Day recognizes the contributions of workers and also signals the unofficial end of summer.
How to Spend It:
Attend music festivals, street fairs, or Labor Day parades.
Plan a last-minute beach or camping trip.
Host or join a farewell-to-summer barbecue with friends and family.
Columbus Day – October 13 (Monday)
Long Weekend: Saturday, October 11 – Monday, October 13
Overview:
Observed in many states as Columbus Day and in others as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, this holiday offers a great chance to enjoy the early fall.
How to Spend It:
Embark on a scenic foliage drive through Vermont or New Hampshire.
Visit historical sites in Boston, Philadelphia, or Williamsburg.
Sip seasonal wines at vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, or Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Veterans Day – November 11 (Tuesday)
Long Weekend Option: Saturday, November 8 – Tuesday, November 11 (Take Monday off)
Overview:
Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. armed forces and is marked by parades, ceremonies, and commemorations.
How to Spend It:
Attend solemn parades or visit military memorials like Arlington or the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Take a reflective retreat to a quiet mountain or lakeside location.
Explore U.S. history at military museums or memorial parks.
Thanksgiving & Black Friday – November 27-28 (Thursday & Friday)
Long Weekend: Thursday, November 27 – Sunday, November 30
Overview:
Thanksgiving brings people together to share meals, express gratitude, and celebrate family traditions. Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season.
How to Spend It:
Host or attend a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.
Shop early holiday deals either in-store or online on Black Friday.
Visit festive cities like New York or Chicago for Thanksgiving parades and seasonal cheer.
Christmas – December 25 (Thursday)
Long Weekend Option: Thursday, December 25 – Sunday, December 28 (Take Friday off)
Overview:
Christmas celebrates joy, family, generosity, and religious traditions. It’s a time for festive decorations, winter vacations, and meaningful gatherings.
How to Spend It:
Wander through Christmas markets in cities like Denver, NYC, or Chicago.
Book a snowy escape to a cozy lodge in Colorado, Utah, or the Adirondacks.
Spend quality time with loved ones enjoying holiday movies, baking, and gift-giving.
Best Destinations for Long Weekends in 2025
If you’re planning a trip, here are some excellent destinations to visit during these long weekends:
New York City, NY – Experience vibrant city life, Broadway shows, and iconic landmarks.
Los Angeles, CA – Enjoy Hollywood, beautiful beaches, and great weather.
Miami, FL – Perfect for beach lovers and those looking for a lively nightlife.
Las Vegas, NV – Great for entertainment, casinos, and concerts.
Washington, D.C. – A fantastic choice for history and museum enthusiasts.
Chicago, IL – Explore amazing architecture, food, and cultural attractions.
San Francisco, CA – Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Orlando, FL – A must-visit for theme park fans, including Disney World and Universal Studios.
Nashville, TN – Ideal for country music fans and vibrant nightlife.
Seattle, WA – Enjoy scenic landscapes, coffee culture, and Pike Place Market.
Tips for Planning Your Long Weekends
Book in Advance
USA Long Weekends are peak travel periods, and prices for flights, hotels, and rentals rise quickly. Booking early—ideally 2 to 3 months ahead—ensures better choices and savings, especially for popular destinations during summer and winter holidays.
Consider Your PTO (Paid Time Off)
Use your vacation days strategically to extend your weekends. For example, adding just one PTO day before or after a mid-week holiday can turn a single day off into a 4- or even 5-day USA Long Weekends. Review your work calendar early in the year to optimize your time off and avoid schedule conflicts.
Consider Staycations
Don’t underestimate the value of recharging at home. Explore local museums, nature reserves, or new restaurants in your city. Book a night at a boutique hotel nearby, or plan a spa day, game night, or themed dinner for a refreshing mini escape without the travel hassle.
Check the Weather in Advance
Weather can impact your trip more than expected, especially in winter or hurricane season. Always check the forecast and pack accordingly—layered clothing, umbrellas, sunscreen, or snow gear can all make or break your comfort.
Hunt for Deals and Discounts
Airlines, hotels, and travel apps often offer limited-time discounts around holidays. Sign up for fare alerts, look for promo codes, and compare travel bundles. Loyalty programs and credit card rewards can also help cover flights or hotels.
Reserve Activities Early
Tours, attractions, and restaurants fill up fast during long weekends. Avoid last-minute stress by booking your tickets or reservations in advance, especially for museums, national parks, popular eateries, or guided excursions.
Use Smart Travel Apps
Make your trip smoother with apps like Google Maps for real-time directions, Expedia or Booking.com for bookings, and TripAdvisor for reviews and must-see lists. Airline apps can simplify boarding and delay alerts, while weather apps keep you prepared on the go.
FAQ: Questions About 2025 Long Weekends
What counts as a “long weekend”?
Whenever a federal holiday falls on a Friday or Monday, it creates a natural 3-day break. When it lands on a Tuesday or Thursday, taking one extra adjacent day amplifies the weekend into four full days.
How can I maximize the New Year’s Day holiday in 2025?
Taking Monday, December 30, and Tuesday, December 31 turns January 1 (Wednesday) into a five-day break from December 28 to January 1. Adding Friday, January 3, turns it into a full week away.
What are unique ideas for Veterans Day 2025?
With the holiday on Tuesday, taking Monday off creates a four-day span (Nov 8–11). Attend patriotic ceremonies, follow with a peaceful national park visit or northern-lights trip, or spend a weekend in a cozy mountain cabin.
Which long weekend is most suited for road trips?
Memorial Day (May 24–26): ideal for beaches, campgrounds, and coastal drives.
Fourth of July (July 4–6): perfect for national park touring and outdoor celebration.
Labor Day (Aug 30–Sep 1): a relaxed send-off to summer, great for lakeside and mountainous escapes.
What are downsides to holiday travel?
Expect higher costs, crowded highways, limited lodging, and potential traffic delays. You can avoid this by traveling on off-peak days, exploring non-touristy destinations, or booking accommodations early.
Can staycations be worth it?
Absolutely. Discover overlooked local gems, museums, hidden hikes, speakeasy bars, or make time for relaxation activities like home-based cooking, pampering, and family games.
When should I actually book flights and hotels?
Standard advice is 8–12 weeks before summer and holiday weekends. If the destination is heavily booked (like national parks during Memorial Day or Disney during Christmas), book even earlier, ideally 4–6 months ahead.
What are the top money-saving tips for long weekend trips?
Use airline and hotel loyalty programs or cashback apps.
Travel during shoulder-season times or mid‑week departures.
Try alternative lodging, Airbnbs, boutique inns, or wellness retreats.
Ride-shares, bus tours, or budget airlines may offer great value.
Conclusion
USA Long Weekends are more than just a few extra days off; they’re golden opportunities to rest, recharge, and reconnect. Whether you’re escaping to a distant destination, enjoying a cozy staycation, or spending quality time with loved ones, thoughtful planning can transform these breaks into lasting memories.
With 2025 offering multiple built-in three-day USA Long Weekends and several chances to extend holidays with a well-placed PTO day, there’s no better time to start mapping out your adventures. From snowy slopes in January to sunny beaches in July, every season brings new travel possibilities.