Monthly Celebrations
Let's Celebrate!
I hope you like to celebrate, because I'm highlighting an event to celebrate each month with where in the US to celebrate it and gifts for it too.
January
Lunar New Year - Las Vegas
The Lunar New Year begins on February 10 as the first New Moon of the new year and lasts for 15 days. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, which is a symbol of good luck, strength & health. Where better to test out good luck than Las Vegas? Explore the beautiful Lunar New Year arrangements at the Bellagio Conservatory. Then enjoy special dishes to celebrate the New Year at Mott 32 in the Venetian. The full Las Vegas guide is here and Lunar New Year gifts here.
February
Mardi Gras - New Orleans
Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday (February 13, 2024) marking the last hurrah for Carnival celebrations before Lent begins. New Orleans is the US birthplace of Mardi Gras starting in ~1700 when French explorers arrived. Celebrations are marked with parades featuring elaborate floats, costumes, and beads colored in purple, green and gold. Check out the New Orleans guide here and be sure to get some King Cake and other Mardi Gras gifts here.
March
St. Patrick's Day - Chicago
Chicago's county actually has the largest Irish-American population by number per county. As a result, St. Patrick's Day is a full-out celebration in Chicago with the main festivities taking place the Saturday before on March 16, 2024. The coolest sight is the Chicago River dyed green beginning at 9 am followed by a parade at 12:30 pm on Columbus from Balbo. The full Chicago Guide is available here and St. Patrick's Day gifts for some Luck of the Irish here.
April
Spring - Washington, DC
April is the first full month of Spring when flowers start to bloom and temperatures start to warm up. The beginning of Spring is a great time to visit Washington, DC, particularly when the cherry blossom trees are in bloom and the National Cherry Blossom Festival occurs from late March into early April. The cherry blossom trees represent friendship as a gift from Japan to the US in 1912. The full Washington, DC Guide is available here and Spring Gifts here.
May
Mother's Day - Charleston
Mother's Day is celebrated in many countries the second Sunday in May (the 12th, 2024), providing a great opportunity for a weekend getaway. Charleston, SC is the perfect spot for it. The weekend can be spent having afternoon tea at Cameillas followed by a sailboat ride. Spend Mother's Day having brunch at Iron Rose followed by a horse-drawn carriage ride​. For ideas on where to stay and gifts to give, check out the Charleston Guide and Mother's Day Gifts.
June
Father's Day - Lake Geneva
Piggy backing off Mother's Day comes Father's Day the third Sunday in June (the 16th, 2024). Lake Geneva, WI is a great place to celebrate Father's Day Weekend. Stay and play golf at the Grand Geneva or Lake Lawn Resort in nearby Delavan both with golf courses on site. Rent a boat or take a boat tour from Lake Lawn followed by their BBQ lawn party. Or go bowling followed by waterfront dining at Pier 290 or Mars Resort. More ideas on what to do and gifts to give are available in the Wisconsin Guide and Father's Day Gifts.
July
Fourth of July - Rhode Island
Rhode Island was the first colony to call for a Continental Congress and renounce its allegiance to Great Britain on May 4, 1776 - 2 months before the Declaration of Independence was adopted (source). It also has America’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in Bristol, along with celebrations throughout the state, including Providence, Newport, Block Island & others listed here. For ideas on where to stay & what to do, plus more to enjoy time in Rhode Island, head to the Rhode Island Guide and the 4th of July Gifts.
August
Summer Vacation - Michigan
With the largest fresh water coastline in the US at over 3,000 miles, Summer is a great time to visit Michigan to enjoy beaches and boating. Michigan has a wide variety of summer fun throughout the state from stepping back in time at the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, taking in a Tigers baseball game with a Coney dog in Detroit, and exploring the Frederick Meijer Sculpture Park and breweries in Grand Rapids. For more ideas on where to stay, what to do, & more, head to the Michigan Guide and check out the Summer Vacation Gifts.
September
Labor Day - Maine
Labor Day Weekend is a great time to visit Maine to enjoy the nice weather, beautiful coastline, stunning sunrises, and of course nosh on some lobsters. The fresh air and relaxing energy of Maine is the perfect place to rest & recharge. The Maine Guide outlines how to get there, where to stay, activities to do, and where to eat & drink for a great Labor Day Weekend. Also, Gifts to make the most of your Labor Day Weekend are highlighted here.
October
Halloween - Salem
Famous for its 1692 witch trials, Salem, Massachusetts is a great place for a Halloween getaway. Located just 16 miles NE of Boston, Salem is easily reachable by car, train, or ferry from Boston. Salem hosts tons of daily activities in October part of its Haunted Happenings. There are also tours like this one to provide history of the area, witch trials, and point out sights of interest. To add more fun & fright to your Halloween, check out the Halloween Gifts too.
November
Thanksgiving - At Home
Where better to celebrate Thanksgiving than at home with family and/or friends? Use the weekend for a Staycation to enjoy quality time before the winter holidays ramp up! Take advantage of holiday sales and check out my Gift Guide for great gift ideas! Also, take a look at Thanksgiving Gifts to help host or gifts for the host this Thanksgiving!
December
Winter Holidays - New York City
New York City is a fabulous place to celebrate the Winter Holidays. Between Afternoon Tea at The Plaza, Ice Skating at Wollman Rink, The Rockettes, a Carriage Ride in Central Park with roasted chestnuts, 5th Avenue decorations, and holiday markets, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the Winter Holidays in NYC. For more ideas to plan a Winter Holiday Getaway in NYC, head to the New York City Guide and check out Winter Holiday Gifts!