Celebrate Fall holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving and all the fun national days in between that bring joy to the whole family!
Fall is such an exciting time of year, filled with colorful leaves, cooler weather, and tons of holidays to celebrate with family and friends.
From the official start of fall with the autumn equinox to pumpkin spice everything, this season is packed with festive holidays, creative crafts, and delicious food. Let’s dive into all the ways you can celebrate fall’s fun, with everything from federal holidays to national holidays and seasonal activities!
Federal Holidays in the Fall
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Fall is home to some important federal holidays that bring families together for reflection, gratitude, and celebration.
- Veterans Day (November 11) honors the brave men and women who have served in the military. Families can show their appreciation by attending local parades or making thank-you cards for veterans.
- Columbus Day (the second Monday in October) marks the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas. It’s a perfect time to explore history through crafts, fun facts, and activities.
- Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday in November) is one of the most beloved holidays of the year. With delicious feasts, family traditions, and gratitude at the center, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and reflect on all the things you're thankful for.
National Holidays in Fall
Fall is also packed with fun national holidays that encourage creative and tasty celebrations!
September Holidays
September is the month that brings the transition from summer to fall, filled with crisp air, changing leaves, and fun celebrations to welcome the new season. It's also a time to honor important observances and enjoy some quirky national days that are perfect for the whole family.
Fun National Days in September
- National Grandparents Day (First Sunday after Labor Day) – A day to show love and appreciation for grandparents.
- National Cheese Pizza Day (September 5) – The perfect excuse to indulge in a cheesy slice of pizza!
- National Teddy Bear Day (September 9) – Celebrate with cuddles and crafts centered around everyone's favorite stuffed friend.
- Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19) – Get ready to "Arrr!" your way through a day full of pirate-themed fun.
- National Pancake Day (September 26) – Stack ‘em high and enjoy this tasty day with family and friends.
October Holidays
October is full of excitement as the fall season kicks into full gear with pumpkins, costumes, and spooky fun! It’s a time for both traditional and quirky celebrations that bring people together.
Fun National Days in October
- National Pumpkin Spice Day (October 1) – Celebrate fall’s favorite flavor with some pumpkin spice treats!
- National Taco Day (October 4) – Tacos for everyone! Enjoy a taco feast with your family.
- National Dessert Day (October 14) – The perfect excuse to treat yourself to something sweet.
- National Cat Day (October 29) – Celebrate your furry friends with cuddles and cat-themed crafts.
- Halloween (October 31) – The spookiest day of the year! Dress up, carve pumpkins, and enjoy candy-filled fun.
November Holidays
November is all about family, thankfulness, and getting ready for the winter season. With big celebrations like Thanksgiving, it's a month full of warmth, food, and festive spirit.
Fun National Days in November:
- National Sandwich Day (November 3) – Craft the ultimate sandwich and enjoy it with family.
- National STEM/STEAM Day (November 8) – A day to celebrate all things science, technology, engineering, art, and math!
- Veterans Day (November 11) – Honor and thank the veterans who have served the country.
- National Pickle Day (November 14) – Celebrate this crunchy treat with a pickle snack or craft.
- Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday in November) – Gather with family for a feast and give thanks for the year’s blessings.
The Autumn Equinox
The autumn equinox marks the official start of fall, typically occurring on September 22 or 23. On this day, day and night are roughly equal in length, and it's the perfect time to celebrate the change of seasons. Welcome fall by spending time outside, enjoying nature walks, collecting colorful leaves, and crafting with nature! Leaf rubbings, wreaths, and painted pumpkins are all great ways to honor the autumn equinox.
Other Notable Fall Celebrations
In addition to federal and national holidays, there are some other exciting celebrations that take place in the fall.
- Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Hindu holiday celebrated with lights, fireworks, and delicious treats. Families light oil lamps and share sweets, making it a fun and joyful celebration.
- Yom Kippur is a Jewish holiday that focuses on reflection and forgiveness. It’s a special day for families to come together in observance and mindfulness.
- Fall is also full of harvest festivals, where communities gather to celebrate the season’s bountiful crops. Pumpkin patches, hayrides, and corn mazes are fun ways to enjoy the fall harvest with your family!
Fall Crafts and Activities
Fall is a season made for creativity! With so many beautiful colors and natural materials around, you can easily make your own leaf crafts, like garlands or leaf crowns. Or get ready for Halloween and Thanksgiving with pumpkin decorating, DIY costumes, and Thanksgiving centerpieces. These crafts are not only fun but a great way to spend quality time with family while embracing the spirit of the season.
Fall Printables and Games
What better way to pass the time on a chilly fall afternoon than with some fun and festive printable activities? Fall-themed coloring pages, word searches, and puzzles are perfect for keeping kids entertained, and they also make great party activities. Whether it's a Thanksgiving word search or a pumpkin-themed puzzle, these printables add extra fun to your fall celebrations.
Seasonal Recipes for Fall Holidays
No fall celebration would be complete without some yummy seasonal treats! Whether you're whipping up a classic Thanksgiving dinner or making spooky Halloween snacks, fall recipes are full of comfort and flavor. Try out some delicious pumpkin muffins, apple crisps, or a turkey-shaped veggie platter for a healthy and festive snack. It’s the tastiest way to enjoy the season!
Fall is a season bursting with joy, creativity, and celebration! From federal holidays like Thanksgiving to national days like Pumpkin Day, there are so many ways to enjoy this magical time of year. Whether you’re crafting with the kids, baking up a storm, or exploring the great outdoors, fall is the perfect time to embrace all things cozy, colorful, and fun!
Happy Fall Holidays!
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Fall Holidays
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