Twinkling lights, Santa, and the lighting of the Garrison Christmas Tree are all staples of the Annual Ft. Liberty Christmas Tree Lighting, the start of the holiday season for soldiers and their families. This year’s free holiday kickoff is on Nov. 30 at the Main Post Parade Field at Fort Liberty from 4 to 8 p.m. with plenty of family fun planned for the evening.

Families will enjoy holiday music, movies and A Winter Wonderland Station, which will feature inflatables and other fun for the kids. Kids will also be able to enjoy a ride on the trackless train, a letter to Santa writing station, and of course, the topping on the fruit cake, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa will arrive at 6 p.m.. and will be available for the rest of the event. Food vendors will also be on sight to feed the masses. American Cravings is just one of the local food trucks that will be present at the tree lighting. Specializing in American favorites like hamburgers, hotdogs, fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, and tacos.

Amanda Cahill, Special Events Coordinator, Directorate Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, said, “The tree lighting is a special night that kicks off the holiday season here at Fort Liberty. The community comes together to share some cheer as we reflect on the hard work of the soldiers and families who give so much to the country. It’s a festive and exciting event…Fort Liberty Family of the Year will be announced and they, along with the XVIII Airborne Corps Commanding General will pull the switch to light up the tree. The tree itself is decorated with lights and ornaments that include patches from the units based here at Fort Liberty.”

This event is open to the public. Civilians wishing to take part in this free event should get their visitor passes early. Passes can be picked up from the Visitors Center at All American Gate, every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

No event at Fort Liberty would be complete without a parachute demonstration from the Golden Knights. Founded in 1959 to compete against the Soviet Union, the Golden Knights always wow the crowd with their synchronized high-flying shows. Since their inception, The Golden Knights have earned over 3,800 medals in competitions and broken 348 World Records. Truly, they are a parachuting and skydiving phenomenon. They are long-time supporters of the event and always put on a great show.

Gracing the stage on the ground again this year will be the now globally recognized and popular, 82nd Airborne Division Chorus. The acapella group consists of members of the U.S. Army and is currently a viral phenomenon. The chorus is coming in hot off the America’s Got Talent stage and the Today show, to come home and serenade the crowd, allowing the community to hear those magnetic voices live. This will be a performance that shouldn’t be missed.

For more information and/or updates on food vendors, make sure to follow the event page on Facebook, Fort Liberty Annual TreeLighting, or visit https://liberty.armymwr.com/calendar/event/6649.