Holidays in English cover a wide range of vocabulary for talking about celebrations, traditions, and special days. This includes words for different types of holidays, common activities, and important terms to help you describe your plans and experiences.

Common Holiday Types

This section covers the most common types of holidays and celebrations in English, from birthdays to national holidays.
English Holiday TypeEnglish ExampleEnglish Example (Plural)English Example (Sentence)English Example (Example Sentence)English Example (Example Sentence)
BirthdayBirthdayBirthdaysWe celebrate my sister's birthday.I received many gifts on my birthday.Birthdays are usually very fun!
ChristmasChristmasChristmasesChristmas is in December.We decorate the tree at Christmas.Christmas is a time for giving.
New Year'sNew YearNew YearsWe make resolutions for New Year's.The New Year's party was amazing.Fireworks light up the sky on New Year's.
EasterEasterEastersEaster is in spring.We hunt for eggs at Easter.Easter symbolizes new life.
ThanksgivingThanksgivingThanksgivingsThanksgiving is in November.We eat turkey on Thanksgiving.Families gather for Thanksgiving dinner.
HalloweenHalloweenHalloweensHalloween is on October 31st.Kids dress up on Halloween.We carve pumpkins at Halloween.
WeddingWeddingWeddingsThey had a beautiful wedding.Weddings are happy celebrations.I wore a suit to the wedding.
VacationVacationVacationsWe're going on vacation next week.Vacations are a time to relax.I love beach vacations the most.
National HolidayNational HolidayNational HolidaysJuly 4th is a national holiday in the U.S.Many people travel on national holidays.National holidays often include parades.
FestivalFestivalFestivalsThe music festival was loud and fun.Festivals celebrate culture and tradition.We ate great food at the festival.

Holiday Activities

This section includes common activities people do during holidays, from traveling to gift-giving.
English ActivityEnglish ExampleEnglish Example (Plural)English Example (Sentence)English Example (Example Sentence)English Example (Example Sentence)
TravelTravelTravelsWe plan to travel in the summer.Traveling broadens your horizons.Many people travel during holidays.
Gift-givingGiftGiftsI bought a gift for my friend.Gift-giving is common at Christmas.She wrapped the gift beautifully.
DecoratingDecorationDecorationsWe hang decorations for the party.Decorating the house is fun.There are colorful decorations everywhere.
CookingCookingCookingsCooking a big meal takes time.My mom loves cooking for holidays.We cooked turkey and pies.
PartyPartyPartiesWe're having a party on Friday.Holiday parties are full of joy.The party lasted until midnight.
RestRestRestsI need rest after a long trip.Holidays are a time for rest.Rest helps you feel refreshed.
VisitingVisitVisitsWe visit our grandparents on holidays.Visiting friends is common during festivals.She visits museums when she travels.
PhotographyPhotographyPhotographiesPhotography captures special moments.I took photos at the wedding.Photography is a popular hobby.
ShoppingShoppingShoppingsHoliday shopping can be stressful.I love shopping for gifts.Shopping centers are very busy.
SingingSingingSingingsSinging carols is a Christmas tradition.She enjoys singing at parties.Singing brings people together.

Holiday Vocabulary

This section includes important nouns, verbs, adjectives, and phrases commonly used when talking about holidays.
English WordEnglish ExampleEnglish Example (Plural)English Example (Sentence)English Example (Example Sentence)English Example (Example Sentence)
CelebrationCelebrationCelebrationsThe celebration lasted all night.We joined the street celebrations.Every country has unique celebrations.
TraditionTraditionTraditionsIt's a tradition to exchange gifts.Family traditions are special.Some traditions go back centuries.
FestivalFestivalFestivalsThe festival draws thousands of visitors.Festivals often include music and dance.We enjoyed the food festival.
ParadeParadeParadesThe parade was colorful and lively.Children watched the parade happily.Parades are common on national holidays.
FireworksFireworkFireworksFireworks light up the night sky.We watched fireworks on New Year's Eve.Fireworks are very loud and bright.
GiftGiftGiftsI wrapped the gift carefully.Gifts are exchanged on Christmas.She received many gifts for her birthday.
FeastFeastFeastsThe Thanksgiving feast was delicious.We prepared a feast for the festival.Feasts bring families together.
CostumeCostumeCostumesThe kids wore scary costumes.Costumes are popular on Halloween.She made her own costume.
GreetingGreetingGreetingsWe sent holiday greetings to friends.Simple greetings can brighten someone's day.Holiday greetings are often written in cards.
RelaxationRelaxationRelaxationsI enjoy relaxation by the beach.Holidays are a time for relaxation.Relaxation helps reduce stress.
Holidays vocabulary helps you describe your plans, traditions, and experiences with confidence. Use these words and examples to talk about celebrations in English.

Flashcards (1 of 30)

    • English Holiday Type: Birthday
    • English Example: Birthday
    • English Example (Plural): Birthdays
    • English Example (Sentence): We celebrate my sister's birthday.
    • English Example (Example Sentence): Birthdays are usually very fun!

    Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025

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