Annual Observances ‑ Videos

This Day in History Video: What Happened on November 26

This Day in History Video: What Happened on February 27

This Day in History Video: What Happened on April 1

More to History: Armed Forces Day Began With the Stroke of a Pen

What did it finally take to get a day to celebrate all of our active‑duty armed forces members?

More to History: A Disaster for Veterans on Labor Day

What started as a goodwill program to help veterans in need became one of the darkest moments in how America treats its heroes.

Chinese New Year in San Francisco

New Year’s traditions in China are thousands of years old, but across the Pacific, the holiday took on a life of its own.

Daylight Saving Time

While Daylight Saving is fairly harmless today, its origins lie in one of the most violent episodes of world history.

St. Patrick’s Day and the American Revolution

St. Patrick’s Day in 1776 was more than just an Irish‑American celebration… it was also a step towards freedom.

The White House Easter Egg Roll

The Easter Egg Roll is an annual White House tradition dating back over a century, but how did presidents start hosting this egg racing ritual?

Mardi Gras in New Orleans Came from a Secret Society

New Orleans is known for its Mardi Gras celebrations, but its history is much more mysterious than you might think.

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

We all watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve, but the ball has its own history that began well before Times Square.

How Nutcrackers Became A Holiday Icon

Wooden nutcracker soldiers are staples of the holiday season, but what do they actually have to do with Christmas celebrations?