A real Christmas tree can make a military home feel a little more like home during the holidays. But Christmas trees aren’t cheap, and every dollar counts on a military family’s budget.
Trees for Troops gives free, farm-grown Christmas trees to service members and their families. The trees are donated by Christmas tree farms and supporters, and FedEx helps deliver them to participating military installations.
In 2026, the program is bringing trees to 100 military installations across the United States and overseas.
You don’t apply through a national online form. Instead, you get your tree through a participating military installation. Here’s how to find out whether your base is on the list and what you need to do.
What Is Trees for Troops?
Trees for Troops is a program of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation. It started in 2005 and has provided nearly 350,000 Christmas trees to military families since then.
The program works with Christmas tree growers, volunteers, and FedEx to collect and transport donated trees to military installations.
In 2025, Trees for Troops delivered 21,117 Christmas trees to 94 military bases, according to the foundation’s final numbers.
The program serves all six branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
For 2026, the foundation has published a list of 100 participating installations.
You can check the official 2026 Trees for Troops base list to see whether your installation is participating.
The trees are free, but supplies are limited. The program provides natural Christmas trees, not necessarily stands, lights, or decorations.
Who Can Get a Free Christmas Tree?
Trees for Troops provides Christmas trees to service members and their families at participating military installations.
However, each installation decides how its trees will be distributed and who receives priority.
Some bases give junior enlisted service members the first opportunity to pick up a tree. Others may have different eligibility requirements or registration procedures.
For example, Fort Campbell’s December 5, 2026, Trees for Troops event has two distribution periods:
- 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Junior enlisted service members
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: All active-duty service members
The event is free, does not require registration, and distributes trees on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Military identification will be checked at Fort Campbell.
Other installations may have different rules, so it’s important to confirm the requirements for your location before heading out.
How Do I Get a Free Tree?
Start by checking whether your installation is participating in Trees for Troops this year.
The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation maintains an official list of military installations receiving trees in 2026.
If your installation is listed, check with its Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office, Outdoor Recreation program, family readiness office, or other local military community resources for distribution details.
Many installations announce their Trees for Troops events through MWR calendars, official websites, or social media pages.
There are two common ways bases distribute trees:
- First come, first served: Eligible service members arrive during the scheduled giveaway and receive a tree while supplies last. Fort Campbell uses this approach for its 2026 event.
- Pre-registration: Some installations require families to sign up ahead of time. Marine Corps Base Quantico has used this system in previous years, with unclaimed trees made available to others after the registered pickup period.
Don’t assume your base follows the same rules as another installation.
Before going, confirm the event date, location, eligibility requirements, and whether registration is necessary.
Trees generally arrive at participating installations in early to mid-December, although distribution dates vary.
Fort Campbell’s 2026 Trees for Troops Giveaway
If you’re stationed at Fort Campbell, the installation has already announced its 2026 event.
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Location: Division Parade Field, Desert Storm Avenue, Building 6390, Fort Campbell, KY 42223
Distribution schedule:
- 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. for junior enlisted service members
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for all active-duty service members
No registration is required. Trees will be distributed while supplies last, and military identification will be checked.
You can find the event details on the official Fort Campbell MWR calendar.
These instructions apply specifically to Fort Campbell. Other installations may have different schedules and requirements.
Any Tips for Christmas Tree Pickup Day?
A little preparation can make bringing your Christmas tree home much easier.
Before leaving, check your installation’s event instructions and make sure you arrive during the correct distribution period.
It also helps to:
- Bring your military ID. Your installation may require it to verify eligibility.
- Protect your vehicle. Bring an old blanket or tarp to keep pine needles and sap off your seats or roof.
- Bring rope or straps. You’ll need a safe way to secure the tree if you’re transporting it on top of your vehicle.
- Plan for the tree’s size. Make sure you have enough room to transport it safely.
- Have a tree stand ready. Trees for Troops provides Christmas trees, but you shouldn’t assume a stand or decorations will be included.
Volunteers may be available to help load trees, depending on the installation.
Once you get home, place your tree in a stand with water. Fresh-cut Christmas trees can drink quite a bit of water, especially during the first few days.
Remember that even if your base is participating, a free tree is not guaranteed. The number of available trees is limited, and distribution depends on local rules.
Relief Recap
Trees for Troops helps military families enjoy a real Christmas tree without adding another expense to their holiday budget.
The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation and its partners are delivering free, farm-grown trees to 100 military installations in 2026.
To find out whether your base is participating, check the official Trees for Troops installation list. Then contact your local MWR or family readiness office to confirm pickup dates, eligibility, and registration requirements.
Trees are available while supplies last, and every installation may have different distribution rules.
If your family also needs help with Christmas gifts, food, or other holiday expenses, explore our guide to free Christmas help for low-income families for additional resources.
