The North American Aerospace Defense Command confirmed on January 19 that multiple aircraft are en route to Pituffik Space Base in Greenland to support planned operational activities, an announcement made as political tensions rise over the Arctic island’s status. In a statement, NORAD said the deployment “will support various long-planned NORAD activities” and emphasized several […]U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Northern Mariana Islands, hand out toys to children during the Toys for Tots campaign, San Jose, Tinian, on Dec. 18, 2025. This year marks the 78th year of the national Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign and the 9th year in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The mission of the Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to children at Christmas. (Photo credit: U.S. Marine Corps/Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley)
An update from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Tracks Santa Call Center: As of late afternoon Dec. 24, the bustling call center, staffed by volunteers, received more than 100,000 calls from families around the world tracking Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve. “Thank you to our volunteers who are answering phones and helping keep this holiday tradition going strong,” organizers said on Facebook. (Photo credit: NORAD Tracks Santa on Facebook)
Onlookers take in the National Menorah during the annual lighting ceremony in celebration of Hanukkah. The event took place on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. (Photo credit: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
At the African Burial Ground National Monument, visitors on Dec. 26 can take part in Kwanzaa festivities and learn more about the holiday. According to the National Park Service, Kwanzaa is an annual, non-religious cultural holiday that takes place from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Established in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, the seven-day celebration of Black culture, history and community draws on African harvest festival traditions, promoting unity and self-determination and connecting people of African descent with their heritage. The name originates from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning “first fruits.” (Photo credit: NPS)
Looking for inspiration this holiday season? NPS hosts winter festivities and holiday happenings at parks across the country and joins in the many historical and cultural traditions of the season. Pictured here is a holiday display from the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site in Independence, Missouri. (Photo credit: NPS)
The Fish and Wildlife Service has holiday card “fin-spiration” for, in their words, “all the fish aficionados and feather freaks in your life.” So light those Hanukkah candles, decorate that Christmas tree, or prepare to dance alone under the Solstice moon. However you celebrate this December, have a safe and totally not “crappie” holiday. Explore the gallery of holiday e-cards online and send one upstream to your fishy friends and family. (Photo credit: USFWS/Candy Darter Christmas Card, Erin Huggins)
The Nordic Air Forces offered Christmas greetings from the air as Sweden invited Finland and Denmark to join its Christmas tree flight over all three nations. Meanwhile, Norway continued its iconic F-35 Christmas star. This celebratory show case had it all: a festive salute from the air, an entertaining exhibition of cooperation and valuable precision-flying training for the crews. (Photo credit: NATO Air Command)
U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White met with Jewish leaders in Brussels to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights. “My husband Bryan Eure and I marked Hanukkah in Brussels by celebrating light, resilience, and hope at the Great Synagogue. Even more so after the antisemitic terror attack in Sydney, we stand in solidarity with Jewish communities in Belgium and around the world. We must work together to confront and eliminate antisemitism decisively and collectively,” White posted on X.
“Fa-la-la-la-law, we’ll fund it all:” On X, the House Appropriations Committee showcased a holiday-themed overview of their work, culminating on Day 12 with a post highlighting “three bills signed into law with care, not folly.” Those would be fiscal 2026 Military Construction-VA, Legislative Branch and Agriculture-FDA, according to the committee. (Photo credit: House Appropriations GOP on X.)
Need more Fish and Wildlife Service holiday inspo…this time, for Kwanzaa? You’re in luck. Check out “A Very Paddlefish Kwanzaa Holiday Card.” (Photo credit: USFWS/Gwen Bausmith)
Unlike some gifts, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s posts never disappoint. On Christmas Eve, they reminded all Americans to exercise ATV safety — in all scenarios.
“A very Merry Christmas from all of us at CPSC! We hope you have a wonderful (and safe) holiday! Take it slow on your new e-bike/e-scooter/hoverboard and stand by your pan!” they followed up, on the big day.
NASA’s “Cosmic Snowman:” Icons of winter are sometimes found in unexpected places. In one striking example, a series of oval lagoons in a remote part of Siberia forms the shape of a towering snowman when viewed from above. (Photo credit: NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey)
The Expedition 74 crew aboard the International Space Station sends warm wishes for happy holidays and a stellar New Year from orbit, where they’re celebrating a year of science, teamwork, and discoveries that connect us all. (Video courtesy NASA)
The 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith, and the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, provide a message to the force on holidays at the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Communication Directorate/Headquarters Marine Corps)
Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman and Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John F. Bentivegna send holiday wishes across the Guardian force and beyond: “Thank you to every Guardian and family member for your commitment to our mission, especially those standing watch over the holidays. We hope you each find time to relax, recharge, and enjoy this special time with loved ones. Semper Supra.”
Mammoth Cave National Park delivered a truly unique, musical seasons greeting:
“From Ranger Jake and all of us here at Mammoth Cave National Park, happy holidays to you and yours!” the park posted on Instagram.
The post A look at 2025 holiday celebrations across federal agencies first appeared on Federal News Network.
© Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz/Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley
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