Holiday traditions for US troops stationed overseas this season

As families across the United States gather for the holidays, thousands of U.S. military service members are spending the season abroad, celebrating the occasion far from home while continuing their duties.

US forces remain deployed throughout Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region, supporting missions ranging from NATO deterrence operations to maritime patrols and humanitarian assistance. While Christmas abroad rarely resembles celebrations at home, service members often find ways to recognize the holiday within the constraints of their mission and location.

Across outdoor installations, troops typically decorate work spaces, living areas and dining facilities with lights, trees or improvised decorations. Many bases organize special holiday meals, and commanders and senior enlisted leaders often provide the food.

Pastors typically hold Christmas services when schedules and security allow, sometimes in small churches, airplane hangars or temporary facilities. For sailors deployed at sea, Christmas is often celebrated between the hours, with decorated dining surfaces and holiday meals prepared according to operational requirements.

The holiday season also brings networking with senior leaders. In recent days, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made Christmas morale appeals from the Pentagon to military service members stationed around the world, including troops in South Korea, Kuwait, Norway, Greenland and aboard a Navy aircraft carrier operating in the Pacific. The goal of the calls was to thank service members for standing by far from home and to learn about the scope of ongoing duties during the holidays.

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In Japan, where thousands of U.S. military service members are stationed year-round, bases often emphasize morale and community traditions during the holidays. At Yokota Air Base, commanders delivered baked cookies to Airmen living in dorms as part of the facility’s annual “Cookie Crunch,” a tradition aimed at supporting those spending the holidays away from family.

Other facilities throughout Japan and the Pacific typically host concerts, meals, and volunteer events that sometimes include host nation communities.

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Elsewhere in Japan, the American Pacific Band has presented holiday music to local audiences, using seasonal concerts as a way to engage surrounding communities during the holidays.

One of the Army’s most notable holiday efforts in the region is Operation Christmas Drop, the War Department’s longest-running humanitarian airlift mission. Now in its 74th year, the operation recently concluded at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam, where multinational teams prepared and delivered hundreds of aid packages by C-130 aircraft to remote Pacific island communities.

The mission combines humanitarian assistance, airlift training and regional cooperation.

Vacation experiences also vary based on the type of assignment. In places like Japan and parts of Europe, many U.S. troops serve on escorted tours, meaning spouses and children live with them abroad.

Bases in those areas often host larger holiday events and family-focused activities.

In contrast, deployments to the Middle East and parts of Africa are typically unaccompanied, with service members living on base or forward locations without family present. In those environments, holiday celebrations are typically smaller and shaped by operational and security constraints.

This distinction also affects leave. Troops stationed overseas on long-term assignments may be eligible to return home for the holidays if schedules permit, while service members deployed on rotational or combat deployments generally remain stationed, with units maintaining normal staffing and mission requirements throughout the season.

concert in Tama Hills, Japan, Dec. 13, 2025. The event emphasized mutual respect and cooperation between the American and Japanese communities through music." width="1200" height="675"/>

In Japan, the American Pacific Band performed holiday music for local audiences, using seasonal concerts as a way to engage surrounding communities during the holiday period. (Airman 1st Class Kayla Carrellas/Air Force)

US Army soldiers participate in the 2025 National Day military and civilian parade at Place des Palais – Paleizenplein on July 21, 2025, in Brussels. (Xavier Piron/Photonews via Getty Images)

Across Europe, U.S. forces celebrate the holidays while supporting NATO missions and forward presence efforts. Senior leaders use this season to recognize the sacrifices of those stationed overseas. In a holiday message to the troops, US Army Command Sgt. Major TJ Holland encouraged Soldiers to spend time embracing the local culture and connecting with family when possible.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus J. Greenkewich also thanked service members and their families for their service.

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For many deployed forces, United Service Organizations (USOs) play a key role during the holidays. Throughout Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, USO posts, mobile vehicles and expedition teams provide festive meals, seasonal decorations and spaces where service members can rest and connect.

Mobile USO teams often reach personnel stationed in remote or demanding locations, providing short opportunities to recharge.

For deployed units, holidays are often celebrated quietly rather than ceremoniously. Traditions vary by location, mission and security environment, but service members continue to find small ways to familiarize themselves with the season before returning to deployment procedures.