Santa speaks to the crowd as Maj. Gen Mark Simerly smiles Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at the Fort Gregg-Adams Grand Illumination.

Santa speaks to a youth Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at the Fort Gregg-Adams Grand Illumination.

A gathered crowd enjoys the festivities behind the holiday Tree Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at the Fort Gregg-Adams Grand Illumination.

Girl Scouts place ornaments on the tree Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at the Fort Gregg-Adams Grand Illumination.

Fort Gregg-Adams leaders and officials from the surrounding communities pose Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at the Fort Gregg-Adams Grand Illumination.

Members of the U.S. Ar,y Training and Doctrine Command Band play Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at the Fort Gregg-Adams Grand Illumination.

FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. — Soldiers, families and other community members gathered for the grand illumination to open the holiday season Thursday at the Gregg-Adams Club.

The festivities brought together people from across the community to watch members of the TRADOC Band, Child and Your Services students and local Girl Scout troops perform while waiting to talk to Santa Claus.

Maj. Gen. Mark T. Simerly also acknowledged a number of community officials and Fort Gregg-Adams good neighbors who attended.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, laughter, music, and the smell of hot cocoa filled the air as the countdown commenced unit the tree was lit for the first time this season.

Kids dropoped off their letters to Santa and rode the Candy Express Train through the winter wonderland. There also were cookies, carolers and food vendors at the event.

The Grand Illumination marks the beginning of the holiday festivities for the community.