1

Competitive eating

Image: Gigi

Nathan’s Famous claims to have hosted its first Fourth of July hot dog-eating contest in 1916 at Coney Island. According to legend, four immigrants took part to prove who was the most patriotic . The winner, an Irishman, downed 13 hot dogs to claim the title.

Though this origin story was likely an invention for publicity, this quirky event has grown into the beginnings of what would become a long-standing American tradition.

2

Turkey pardoning

Image: Tyler Donaghy

The tradition of pardoning a turkey dates back to 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln reportedly spared a bird after his son Tad begged for its life . Originally meant for Christmas dinner, the turkey was saved thanks to Tad’s compassion.

While a few later presidents, including Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy, also chose to spare turkeys, it wasn’t until 1989 that President George H.W. Bush made the turkey pardon an official White House tradition.

3

Groundhog Day

Image: Camerauthor Photos

Groundhog Day centers around a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil , who is said to predict the weather each February 2nd . If Phil sees his shadow, it signals six more weeks of winter; if not, spring is supposedly on its way.

The tradition began when newspaper editor Clymer Freas pitched the idea to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club in the late 1800s. Despite its popularity, Phil’s weather predictions have only been accurate about 39% of the time, according to the National Climatic Data Center.

4

Pickle-shaped ornaments on Christmas trees

Image: Drew Geraets

The Christmas pickle tradition is believed to have started as a clever marketing move by Woolworths. After receiving a large stock of pickle-shaped ornaments , the store invented a festive game to help sell them.

They encouraged families to hide the pickle in their Christmas tree, with a small prize going to whoever found it first. What began as a sales tactic eventually became a quirky holiday tradition in many American homes.

5

Alaska's Nenana Ice Classic

Image: Ariane Frei

The tradition began in 1917, when a group of railroad engineers placed bets on when the ice on Alaska’s Nenana River would break . They wagered a total of $800, trying to predict the exact date, hour, and minute of the thaw.

What started as a friendly bet turned into an annual event known as the Nenana Ice Classic. Today, it’s a major Alaskan tradition that draws thousands of participants each year—and offers a jackpot that can exceed $300,000.

6

Cherry pit spitting

Image: Quaritsch Photography

During cherry season, cherry pit spitting contests pop up across the U.S., inviting participants to launch pits as far as they can —or even try to hit specific targets. These contests are famously held at events like the International Cherry Pit Spitting Championship in Eau Claire, Michigan, which began in 1974.

It’s a lighthearted test of skill that draws crowds in search of classic summer fun.

7

Tailgate parties

Image: Zachary Keimig

For many American sports fans—especially at football games—just attending isn’t enough. Hours before kickoff, parking lots fill with fans decked out in team colors , grilling food , and enjoying drinks as part of the pregame ritual known as tailgating.

Some tailgaters go all out, bringing TVs, sound systems, and even satellite dishes to create the ultimate game-day setup.

8

Black Friday shopping spree

Image: Erik Mclean

Just hours after Thanksgiving feasts wrap up, millions of Americans shift into shopping mode for Black Friday. This massive retail event kicks off a weekend spree that also includes Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday—newer traditions that have quickly gained traction.

9

Holiday family cards

Image: Community Archives of Belleville and Hastings County

One beloved holiday tradition in the U.S. is sending and receiving festive family photo cards . These often feature coordinated outfits and include a short update on the family’s highlights from the past year—even from people you may barely remember.

10

Ostrich racing

Image: Dominic Yegon

Ostriches were introduced to the U.S. in the 1880s, and it didn’t take long for people to start racing them. These unusual competitions sprang up in several states and quickly gained attention for their novelty.

Today, the most well-known event is the Chandler Ostrich Festival in Arizona , which has been running for decades. As of 2024, it marked its 36th year, continuing the quirky tradition with a modern twist.

11

Roadkill cook-off

Image: Christoph Wick

With abundant wildlife and countless vehicles on American roads, animal collisions are an unfortunate reality. But in Marlinton, West Virginia, locals have found a unique way to turn that misfortune into a celebration.

Every September, the town hosts the Roadkill Cook-off, where adventurous eaters can sample dishes like squirrel gravy on biscuits, teriyaki bear, or deer sausage —all made from animals legally collected after road accidents.

12

Pumpkin chucking

Image: Marius Ciocirlan

In America, pumpkins aren’t just for pies and lattes—they’re also launched through the air in a tradition known as pumpkin chucking.

The largest and original event, Punkin Chunkin, originated in Delaware, where teams use contraptions like trebuchets, catapults, and air cannons to hurl pumpkins as far as possible .

1

Griffith Park, Los Angeles

Image: Venti Views

Covering over 4,000 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Located in the hillside neighborhood of Los Feliz, this park is full of natural spaces , with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, baseball fields, tennis courts, and golf courses.

Probably the two most famous attractions in Griffith Park are the Griffith Observatory at the top of the hillside and the Hollywood Sign on the southeastern slope of Mount Lee. Griffith Park also features a number of museums and themed gardens, including the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Los Angeles Zoo.

2

City Park, New Orleans

Image: Farah Almazouni

Imagine a spring afternoon sitting on a bench by the lagoon, in the shade of an 800-year-old oak tree, reading your favorite book. Is there a more delightful plan? This pleasant dream can come true if you visit City Park in New Orleans!

In addition to its 1,300 acres of woodlands, waterways, and wildlife, this park is full of cool attractions. From amusement and theme parks (Carousel Gardens and Storyland) to a 1930s Art Deco-influenced Botanical Garden, an art museum with 40,000 objects in exhibition, and a sculpture garden. Trust us, it's worth leaving the French Quarter for a little while to take a stroll around this majestic city park!

3

Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis

Image: Paul Esch-Laurent

Built in 1988 and spanning 11 acres, Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis is one of the top urban sculpture gardens in the country. The garden is an ongoing collaboration between the city's parks department and the Walker Art Center.

In 2017, Sculpture Garden underwent an extensive renovation. A few pieces by contemporary artists such as Theaster Gates and Katherina Fritsch were added, a former wetland was restored, and native flora was planted to help feed essential and endangered pollinators.

While most visitors are drawn to the garden's inaugural centerpiece, "Spoonbridge and Cherry," the park features 40 permanent art installations and many temporary pieces that rotate periodically.

4

National Mall, Washington D.C.

Image: Jacob Creswick

The National Mall is often considered the political heart of the United States. This landscaped park in downtown Washington, D.C., is surrounded by impressive monuments, iconic government buildings, and amazing museums. Nearly two miles long, it stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol.

At the center of the National Mall is the Washington Monument. This obelisk, the highest point in the city, is surrounded by 56 flags representing the 50 states plus Washington D.C. and 5 U.S. territories.

Throughout this iconic park, you can also find 10 Smithsonian museums. For example, the National Museum of American History, which houses the first version of the American flag, and the National Museum of Natural History, with rooms full of dinosaurs and the Hope Diamond.

5

Forest Park, St. Louis

Image: Keran Yang

If you're looking for a peaceful place to relax after a busy day in the big city, Forest Park is the best option. It is visited by 13 million people a year for a reason! This 143-year-old park covers 1,326 acres of meadows and wetlands that are home to a great variety of birds and wildlife. It also features a six-mile bike ride, paddle boats, a golf and tennis center, an amphitheater, a skating rink, and a restaurant.

In addition, Forest Park is an important cultural hub . As well as housing the Saint Louis Art Museum, it hosts events such as the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, and the LouFest Music Festival. But perhaps the most visited place in the park is the Saint Louis Zoo, which has a collection of 18,000 animals. It's impossible to get bored in Forest Park!

6

Balboa Park, San Diego

Image: Leslie Yu

Balboa Park is a must-see for anyone visiting the city of San Diego. This huge 1,200-acre cultural and urban park was built in 1868, making it one of the oldest public spaces in the United States. Moreover, in 1977, it was declared a National Historic Landmark.

Balboa Park's 15 museums play a predominant role in the city's cultural life. These include the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Us, and the Museum of Art. Secondly, you can ' t miss the themed gardens, especially the Japanese Friendship Garden. Finally, the San Diego Zoo is one of Balboa Park's star attractions. This 99-acre zoo is considered one of the most important in the world, both for its diversity and its concern for the protection of animal species.

7

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Image: Jeffrey Eisen

Golden Gate Park is huge. At 1,017 acres, it is the largest park in San Francisco. Almost anything you can think of can be done in Golden Gate Park; from hiking and biking to disc golf and archery. But don’t worry if you are not a sports buff; this National Historic Landmark also has many relaxing spots to discover.

Some of the most interesting features you can visit are: the picturesque Dutch Windmill; the Garden of Fragrance, specially designed for blind visitors; the Japanese Tea Garden, decorated with bonsai and pagodas; or Shakespeare's Garden, with more than 200 flowers mentioned across the author’s works. Oh, and don't forget to head to the top of Strawberry Hill for an iconic view of the Golden Gate Bridge!

8

Patterson Park, Baltimore

Image: Aaron Burden

Patterson Park was once a key defense site for Americans fighting the British during the War of 1812. Today, this historic park, nicknamed "Best Backyard in Baltimore," is busy with bikers, joggers, and strollers who enjoy 137 acres of 50 different species of trees, smooth pathways, lakes, picnic areas, and sports fields.

In addition, during the summer, people can cool off in the swimming pool and, during the winter, have fun skating on the ski rink. But perhaps the park's main attraction is the Patterson Park Observatory, a gorgeous 1890s pagoda that serves as an observation tower and reflects Baltimoreans' fascination with the Orient.

9

Boston Common Park, Boston

Image: Josephine Baran

Boston Common was founded in 1634, making it the oldest public park in the United States. The site has great historical significance since many events related to American independence took place here. Today, the park is used primarily for recreational purposes and is the perfect spot to relax after a busy day.

Every spring, the famous swan-shaped boats sail away, as they have done for more than 140 years. In summer, the go-to place is the Frog Pond, which offers a refreshing wading pool for children. During winter, this same pond becomes a skating rink enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Fun fact: did you know that Boston Common sits on top of Boylston Station, the first subway station in the U.S.? Lots of "firsts" for this amazing site!

10

Central Park, New York City

Image: Michael Matloka

You may be thinking, what else can anyone tell me about Central Park that I don't already know? Yet, this city park is so iconic that it still has some secrets to reveal. For example, did you know Central Park is larger than the entire city-state of Monaco? Often referred to as "The Green Lung", this oasis in the heart of Manhattan is also the most filmed public park in the world, appearing in more than 500 movies.

With an extension of 843 acres, Central Park has a large number of attractions worth visiting, such as the Belvedere Castle, the "Imagine" mosaic, the Bethesda Fountain, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, the Central Park Zoo, lakes, 58 miles of pedestrian paths, many green areas to relax, two ice skating rinks and, in the warm season, outdoor theater and cinema. So, next time you visit New York City, you might want to check one of these out!

1

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Image: Frankieleon., CC BY 2.0

We’ll begin with an absolute classic. Peanuts is not only one of the most groundbreaking and timeless comic strips, but it also inspired one of the most memorable holiday specials in history. A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired in 1965 and featured the entire Peanuts gang trying to lift Charlie Brown’s holiday spirits. In the end, the kids realize that Christmas isn’t about expensive gifts or impressively decorated trees but rather about spending time with those we love .

2

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

Image: Alex Stone

You might think a Christmas special without Santa Claus wouldn’t be popular, but leave it to legendary children’s author Dr. Seuss to create a character so endearing and captivating that he steals the show. For many Americans, 1966’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is the ultimate Christmas special—and for good reason. From the stunning animation to Boris Karloff’s incredible narration , this TV classic is truly a gem of American culture.

3

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Image: Ethan Hu

We all have warm memories (ironically) of building snowmen with friends and family—sculpting funny features while ignoring our increasingly cold fingers. The 1969 TV special Frosty the Snowman took that childhood experience a step further by bringing to life a wish we’ve all had: What if our beloved snowmen suddenly came alive ? The special tells the story of Frosty, a snowman who springs to life when a magic top hat lands on his head.

4

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Image: Tim Gouw

Like many entries in this article, the 1964 stop-motion Christmas special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was inspired by the 1939 poem of the same name. It tells the story of Rudolph, a young reindeer ostracized by Santa’s other reindeer for his bright and shiny red nose. However, Rudolph —and the audience—soon learns that our differences are what make us special. In the end, he earns his place by leading Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve .

5

The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

Image: __ drz __

Considering he spends 364 nights a year there, you might think Santa Claus would choose a warmer place to live. Case in point: the 1974 stop-motion special The Year Without a Santa Claus tells the story of Santa waking up one cold December morning with a nasty cold . Because of this, Mrs. Claus embarks on a worldwide adventure to try to lift Santa’s holiday spirit .

6

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)

Image: Osman Rana

This 1970 Christmas special features an all-star cast , including Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney, and Robie Lester . Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town tells the story of how Santa Claus and several holiday traditions came to be. It was inspired by the 1934 Christmas song of the same name, which was extremely popular at the time.

7

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas (1974)

Image: Karsten Winegeart

The title of the 1974 TV special ’Twas the Night Before Christmas pays homage to the opening line of Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem A Visit from St. Nicholas . However, the special’s plot differs greatly from the original poem. In this version, Santa Claus is offended by a published article claiming he doesn’t exist and refuses to deliver Christmas gifts that year. However, a small mouse known as Father Mouse takes it upon himself to return Santa’s Christmas spirit .

8

The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

Image: Lee Lawson

Drums aren’t traditionally associated with Christmas and are often overshadowed by softer instruments like bells or pianos. However, would you believe that a drum takes center stage in one of the most popular Christmas specials in history? Based on the 1941 song of the same name by Katherine Kennicott Davis, the 1968 stop-motion special The Little Drummer Boy tells the moving story of Aaron , a boy who, after many hardships, experiences the very first Christmas with his loved ones .

9

"A Christmas Carol" (1971)

Image: Elin Melaas

Many consider A Christmas Carol the ultimate Christmas story, as it has been adapted for film, theater, and television countless times . In that sense, we could have chosen any number of excellent Christmas specials that pay homage to Charles Dickens’s timeless classic. However, we ultimately selected the 1971 version , starring Alastair Sim and Michael Hordern, as it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1972.

10

A Flintstones Christmas (1977)

Image: 1950sUnlimited, CC BY 2.0

When you think about it, a Flintstones Christmas special doesn’t really make much sense—after all, this prehistoric family lived centuries before the very first Christmas. However, if we overlook that small detail, the 1977 special A Flintstone Christmas is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable holiday TV specials . The episode follows Fred and Barney as they go to great lengths to bring Christmas to the city of Bedrock .