How astronauts celebrate the holidays while orbiting Earth at 17,500 miles per hour
High above our atmosphere, the crew of the International Space Station maintains earthly traditions. From floating gifts to specialized holiday feasts, discover how humans celebrate milestones while living in microgravity, 2-hundred and fifty miles above the planet.
For a quarter of a century, the International Space Station has served as a continuous human outpost. During this time, crews have navigated the unique challenges of celebrating holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Hanukkah while orbiting the Earth every 90 minutes. These celebrations are not merely social; they are part of the endurance required for long-duration missions designed to advance scientific knowledge and prepare for future lunar and Mars exploration via NASA’s Artemis program.
The logistics of a space-based holiday are a feat of nutritional science. To ensure festive meals are possible, the Space Food Systems Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center in Houston prepares specialized menus. These are developed alongside nutritionists and food scientists before the crew even launches. Often, cargo launches arriving before special occasions provide the necessary supplies, such as 'Holiday Bulk Overwrapped Bags' containing items like turkey, smoked salmon, clams, oysters, and green beans, alongside shelf-stable treats like almond butter, hummus, and candies.
Life in microgravity requires adapting familiar customs to a weightless environment. While astronauts use video calls to connect with loved ones on Earth, they also decorate the station and exchange small gifts that drift through the modules. In December 2025, the Expedition 73 crew—including NASA astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, and Chris Williams, alongside JAXA’s Kimiya Yui—recorded a holiday message to Earth, reinforcing the connection between the orbiting laboratory and the home planet it serves.
Source: Space Station Astronauts Offer 2025 Holiday Greetings
