9 American Holidays and How to Celebrate Them as an Expat

A Practical Guide for International Residents

For many American expats, staying connected to home involves more than just phone calls or video chats; it often means maintaining meaningful traditions like national holidays. Celebrating familiar American holidays abroad gives expats a sense of continuity and community, no matter where they are in the world.

Navigating these traditions away from the United States can present unique opportunities and challenges. This article explores nine key American holidays and provides practical ways expats can observe and enjoy them while living overseas.

1) Celebrate Independence Day with outdoor barbecues and fireworks viewing

Many Americans living abroad choose to mark July 4th by organizing outdoor barbecues. This is a familiar tradition that brings together friends, neighbors, and fellow expats. Grilling burgers, hot dogs, and sharing classic American sides can help recreate the holiday atmosphere.

If space allows, inviting guests to a backyard or park for a barbecue makes the day feel festive. Those without outdoor access often adapt by hosting indoor gatherings with American-themed food and decorations.

Watching fireworks is another popular way to celebrate Independence Day. Some international cities organize their own events, but when that isn’t possible, expats may stream coverage of fireworks displays from the U.S. online.

Sharing American traditions with new friends can also be a way to build connections abroad. Simple activities, like playing patriotic music or wearing red, white, and blue, maintain a sense of celebration even far from home.

2) Host a Friendsgiving dinner to recreate Thanksgiving with friends abroad

Celebrating Thanksgiving as an expat often means being far from family, but Friendsgiving offers a meaningful way to bring people together. By gathering friends—both fellow expats and locals—a traditional American holiday can be recreated in a new country.

Planning ahead is important. Finding key ingredients may require visiting local “expat stores” or adapting recipes based on what is available. It helps to focus on classic dishes that feel like home, while staying flexible if some items are hard to source.

Making Friendsgiving special goes beyond the food. Sharing family traditions, telling stories, or introducing guests to the holiday’s background can create connection. Many find it rewarding to blend American customs with local ones, making the celebration unique to the host’s expatriate experience.

Ultimately, Friendsgiving is about community. Bringing people together for good food and conversation can help everyone feel more at home, especially during the holidays.

3) Decorate your home for Christmas with traditional American ornaments

Many American households celebrate Christmas by decorating their homes with a mix of traditional and modern ornaments. It’s common to see Christmas trees covered in lights, glass baubles, tinsel, and handmade decorations.

Hanging stockings, displaying wreaths on the front door, and stringing up colorful lights are all classic choices. Some families place nativity scenes or miniature Christmas villages on tables and mantels.

Red and green are widely used, but gold and silver accents also appear often. Tree toppers, such as stars or angels, complete the festive look.

Advent calendars and scented candles are frequently included in American Christmas decor throughout December. Personalized ornaments with names or family photos help create a more meaningful display.

For expats, joining in these traditions can make the season feel more familiar and festive. Shopping at local stores or craft markets in the U.S. offers a wide variety of decorations to suit different tastes and budgets.

4) Attend local Fourth of July parades and community events

Attending a local Fourth of July parade is a traditional way to experience American culture. Most towns and cities across the United States organize parades, community events, and fireworks displays on July 4th.

Expats can check local city websites or community boards for information about scheduled festivities. These public gatherings often feature live music, food stalls, and activities for families.

Joining these events helps expats meet residents and feel connected to their new community. They can participate alongside locals and enjoy classic holiday experiences, such as watching floats, listening to marching bands, or watching fireworks in a central park.

Attending a Fourth of July event is also an opportunity to learn about local customs and traditions unique to the region. This can provide insight into the different ways the holiday is celebrated across the country.

5) Exchange gifts and host small holiday parties during Hanukkah

During Hanukkah, expats can create a sense of home by exchanging small gifts with friends, family, or fellow expats. Gift giving does not have to be extravagant; thoughtful and meaningful tokens are appreciated and reflect the spirit of the holiday.

Hosting a small holiday party is another way to celebrate Hanukkah when living abroad. Inviting a few people to join in lighting the menorah, singing songs, and sharing traditional foods like latkes or sufganiyot can make the festivities feel special.

Even in a new country, these gatherings help maintain connections to tradition while allowing for the inclusion of new local friends. Expat communities may also come together to celebrate, providing a sense of belonging.

Hanukkah activities such as playing dreidel, sharing stories, and enjoying simple decorations add to the atmosphere. Keeping celebrations intimate and focused on togetherness makes the holiday more meaningful.

Combining gift exchanges and small parties allows expats to observe Hanukkah customs while adapting to their current surroundings. This approach keeps important traditions alive, wherever they are.

6) Join expat meetup groups for shared holiday celebrations

One effective way for American expats to honor familiar holidays abroad is by connecting with local expat meetup groups. Many cities have active communities of Americans who gather to celebrate U.S. holidays in a familiar setting.

Groups often organize public gatherings for Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, and even Halloween. These events may include potluck meals, themed decorations, and traditional activities. Participating can help expats re-create a sense of home.

Meetup and Facebook are common platforms for finding these gatherings, as seen in the search results. Joining helps expats meet others who understand their traditions and makes it easier to plan holiday-specific activities.

For those missing American customs, these group settings are especially helpful. Attending such events can make holiday periods abroad more enjoyable and less isolating. Expats also have a chance to introduce their favorite traditions to friends from other countries.

7) Cook classic American Thanksgiving dishes like turkey and pumpkin pie

Thanksgiving traditions often center around preparing and sharing a meal with family and friends. Many American expats continue this custom by cooking classic dishes such as roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

Roast turkey is usually the main feature of the Thanksgiving table. Expats may need to order a turkey ahead of time if it is less common in their host country. Stuffing, whether made from bread, cornbread, or another base, is a popular side dish.

Other favorites include cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and corn pudding. Some may also serve pumpkin pie, which can require creativity if canned pumpkin is hard to find locally.

Preparing these traditional foods helps expats feel connected to home. Sharing the meal with fellow Americans or new friends can make the holiday meaningful, even far from the United States.

8) Participate in New Year's Eve countdowns at popular city landmarks

On New Year's Eve, many major American cities host public countdowns at well-known landmarks. These events usually feature live music, fireworks, and large crowds gathering to welcome the new year together.

In cities like New York, people gather in Times Square to watch the famous ball drop at midnight. Other cities, such as Chicago and Los Angeles, organize countdowns with their own local traditions and festivities.

Expats can join these public celebrations to experience the sense of community and excitement. It's common for people to arrive early to find a good spot and stay outdoors for several hours as they await the midnight countdown.

For those who prefer less crowded venues, local parks, rooftops, or waterfronts often have smaller gatherings with good views of fireworks. Attending a city’s countdown event is an accessible way to participate in an American tradition and share in the collective anticipation of the new year.

9) Send holiday cards to family and friends back home

Sending holiday cards is a long-standing American tradition, especially between families and friends separated by distance. For expats, this gesture keeps connections strong and shows loved ones they are remembered during the holidays.

Popular times to send cards include Christmas, Thanksgiving, and even the Fourth of July. Some people also send cards for other U.S. holidays or important personal events like birthdays and anniversaries.

Cards can be sent digitally or by mail. Paper cards allow a more personal touch, often including handwritten notes or family updates. Digital cards are faster and can be more convenient for those living abroad.

Many expats choose designs that reflect both American and local culture. Sharing recent photos or a brief summary of the past year can make the card more personal and meaningful.

Sending holiday cards also gives expats an opportunity to reflect on their experiences and share them. It helps maintain the sense of community and belonging, even when far from home.

Understanding American Holiday Traditions

American holiday traditions blend history, culture, and shared values. Expats can find ways to participate and feel more at home by observing how communities celebrate and what these traditions mean in daily life.

Cultural Significance for Expats

Many American holidays reflect the country’s history and values, such as individual freedom, family ties, and unity. Holidays like Independence Day on July 4, Thanksgiving in November, and Memorial Day in May are not just days off; they highlight civic pride, gratitude, and remembrance.

For expats, understanding why certain holidays are important helps build context. Schools close for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, and most workplaces observe federal holidays. Observing these trends can help newcomers plan social activities and travel.

Some holidays have specific symbols, foods, and rituals. Thanksgiving features a turkey dinner, while Halloween involves costumes and trick-or-treating. Recognizing these customs can help expats feel included and understand local conversations or references.

Embracing Community and Local Customs

Joining in community traditions is key for expats looking to build connections. Attending local parades, volunteering for community meals, or helping with neighborhood events are practical ways to meet people.

Public celebrations such as Christmas tree lightings, Fourth of July fireworks, or Halloween trick-or-treating welcome everyone. Participating in these events gives expats opportunities to interact and learn through direct experience.

It’s common for neighborhoods to organize potluck dinners or gatherings. Bringing a dish from a native country can be a conversation starter and a way to share culture in return. Respecting local etiquette—such as RSVP customs or appropriate dress—shows consideration and helps expats become part of the community routine.

Tips for Successfully Celebrating as an Expat

Celebrating American holidays abroad often requires more than just tradition—it calls for a flexible mindset and a willingness to engage with new environments. Finding meaningful ways to connect with others and respecting personal traditions helps make each occasion memorable, regardless of location.

Connecting With Local Communities

Building relationships with people in the host country makes holiday celebrations more enjoyable and authentic. Expats can join local clubs, participate in events hosted by American organizations, or invite neighbors to join in festivities. This provides opportunities to share traditions while also learning about local customs and perspectives.

Volunteering for community activities during holidays, such as helping organize a Thanksgiving dinner or joining a Fourth of July picnic, fosters connections. Many expat groups host gatherings around major U.S. holidays, offering a supportive environment to celebrate together.

Efforts to interact with locals—whether by exchanging holiday foods, attending public parades, or simply having conversations—can lead to lasting friendships. These social connections enrich the holiday experience and help minimize feelings of isolation.

Adapting Celebrations to Your Background

Adapting American holiday traditions to fit one’s background ensures celebrations are both meaningful and achievable. Expats may not find the same foods or decorations as in the U.S., but alternatives can work. For example, if turkey is unavailable at Thanksgiving, substituting with local poultry keeps the spirit of the meal.

Combining American customs with traditions from the host country or one’s own culture can create unique experiences. Mixing recipes, music, or festive routines bridges cultural gaps and makes the holiday personal.

Flexibility is essential. Some may choose to celebrate on a nearby weekend or adapt festivities to suit smaller groups. The focus remains on sharing time with loved ones, regardless of the location or specific details of the day.