Event expanded to two days to ease traffic congestion and improve access for families
ARLINGTON, Va. - Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery (SAHNC) will expand this year’s Wreaths Across America Family Pass Holder Day to a two-day weekend event on Saturday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 13, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Previously held as a single-day event, the expansion to two full days offers family pass holders greater scheduling flexibility and extended access to place a wreath at their loved ones’ headstone and columbarium niches ahead of the public Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026.
“We listened closely to feedback from our families following last year's event. In an effort to ease congestion into the cemetery and to ensure everyone has ample time to place a wreath, reflect and spend meaningful moments honoring their loved ones this holiday season, we are expanding this event to two full days,” said Executive Director of the Office of Army Cemeteries and Army National Military Cemeteries Karen Durham‑Aguilera.
A change this year is that family pass holders will need to pick up their wreaths at the Pentagon North Parking lot. This off-site pick-up is designed to streamline vehicle flow and reduce queuing for wreaths at the cemetery gates. Wreaths will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until the supply is exhausted.
Family pass holders should anticipate changes to traffic patterns and access routes in the vicinity of the Pentagon and ANC and are encouraged to plan their routes ahead of time.
Additional logistical details will become available over the next month. We encourage family pass holders to visit our website at www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/waa, follow us on social media @ArlingtonNatl and subscribe to text alerts as we get closer to the weekend by texting Family to 1-844-794-5578.