Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving Day: A day for shopping in anticipation of future holidays, like Christmas. It is a busy shopping day and is a holiday in some states.

Hanukkah/Chanukah or Festival of Lights, December 13 to December 20: Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish observance that remembers the Jewish people's struggle for religious freedom.

Christmas Day, December 25: The annual holiday of the Christian church commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Many people decorate Christmas trees, have a feast, visit family or friends, and exchange gifts. As Christianity is widespread across the U.S., this is a federal holiday.

Kwanzaa, December 26 to January 1: Kwanzaa is a holiday honoring the culture and traditions of people of African origin. It is celebrated by people from a range of African countries and their descendants.

New Year's Eve, December 31: This is the last day of the year in the United States. It is a major social holiday and many parties are held, particularly in the evening.