HALLOWEEN

How Halloween is celebrated by the military depends greatly on what individual bases and military commands choose to do, but there are definitely plans for this time of year.

The holiday season is often a tough time for military members, families, veterans, and friends. Most associate this struggle with Thanksgiving and Christmas, but Halloween is really the start of the fall/winter holiday season, and military communities know that for some-especially military parents separated from their children at this time of year-there should be some form of military community activity and outreach.

How Halloween Is Celebrated At Military Bases

Any military base overseas that allows “accompanied tours”, where spouses and dependents are welcome, usually has some form of the usual Halloween trick-or-treat activities among the base community. In places where there is family housing, the neighborhoods will likely resemble any other American street, with costumed kids and family members going door-to-door. And sometimes, these occasions turn into a cross-cultural learning experience.

Trunk Or Treat

The “trunk or treat” version of Halloween candy-collecting also appears on military bases at home and overseas. And it’s not all about sugary fun-sized snacks. Ramstein Air Base in southwestern Germany, hosted a healthy snack station in addition to the usual fare; a move no doubt applauded by base family support and wellness centers.

On-Base Fall Festival Celebrations

Military installations both at home and abroad often plan fall festival celebrations that include typical Halloween activities. One such event at Fort Hood, Texas included a costume contest, carnival games, and pumpkin decorating.