Villa Park Marine Thanksgiving 2026, also known locally as the Adopt-a-Marine Thanksgiving program, will be held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2026. The program gives local host families the opportunity to welcome Camp Pendleton Marines into their homes for Thanksgiving when they are unable to travel home for the holiday.
2026 Villa Park Marine Thanksgiving Details
- Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Program: Villa Park Marine Thanksgiving / Adopt-a-Marine
- Participants: Villa Park host families and participating Camp Pendleton Marines
- Host requirement: A minimum of two Marines per host family
- Registration: Through the official City of Villa Park Marine Thanksgiving program
- Cost: $99 per Marine, paid when applying through the City (2 Marines $198, up to 6 Marines $594)
Prospective host families should use the City of Villa Park Marine Thanksgiving page for current registration information and official program details.
How Villa Park Marine Thanksgiving Works
The day begins in Villa Park, where host families gather before one member from each participating family travels by limousine to Camp Pendleton to pick up the Marines. The group then returns to the Villa Park Town Center, where families meet their guests before heading home for Thanksgiving Day and dinner.
Later in the day, host families return with their Marines to Villa Park so transportation can take them back to Camp Pendleton. The program is designed to give Marines a welcoming place to spend Thanksgiving while giving local families the opportunity to share the holiday with active-duty service members.
How to Host Marines for Thanksgiving
Hosting opportunities are limited and families should register through the official Villa Park Marine Thanksgiving program. The City of Villa Park currently states that host families must welcome at least two Marines. Because program procedures can change from year to year, hosts should rely on the current City instructions for transportation, timing and participation requirements.
Supporting the Marine Thanksgiving Program
The Villa Park Marine Thanksgiving program is supported by volunteers, local organizations, merchants and donations. Contributions help support transportation and gifts for participating Marines. Current donation and participation information should be obtained directly through the Villa Park Community Services Foundation event listing or the official City of Villa Park Marine Thanksgiving page.
Tips for Hosting Marines on Thanksgiving
Helpful ideas for host families:
- Give your guests time to settle in, relax and get comfortable after the morning travel.
- Offer a tour of the house and show them where they can relax or use the restroom.
- Have food and drinks available when they arrive, especially if Thanksgiving dinner will be later in the day.
- Ask whether they would like some private time to call family or friends.
- Invite them to take part in your family traditions while also asking whether they have Thanksgiving traditions of their own.
- Take photos if everyone is comfortable, and ask permission before posting images or video on social media.
- Keep the day relaxed. There is no need to over-plan activities or make the visit feel formal.
- Consider offering leftovers for the trip back if appropriate.
A few things to avoid:
- Avoid overwhelming guests with questions as soon as they arrive.
- Do not make the day primarily about your own military experiences or stories.
- Avoid sensitive or divisive topics unless your guests clearly want to discuss them.
- Do not offer tobacco or alcohol products.
About the Villa Park Marine Thanksgiving Tradition
Villa Park has supported Marine Thanksgiving for many years through the efforts of local volunteers and community organizations. The event connects host families with Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton and has become a meaningful Thanksgiving tradition in the community.
Past photos and community updates are available on the official Villa Park Marine Thanksgiving Facebook page.