Tree lighting kicks off holidays

FORT CARSON, Colo. – Servicemembers and their Families kicked off the holiday season Dec. 1, 2023, with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the William “Bill” Reed Special Event Center.

Maj. Gen. David Doyle, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, was accompanied by 4th Inf. Div. Command Sgt. Maj. Alex Kupratty as he delivered opening remarks prior to the lighting of the tree.

“As we approach the holiday season, as we approach this time of festivity where we can spend time with one another, let’s spend time with Families,” he said.

Doyle led the crowd in a countdown which culminated with a child he selected from the audience flipping the switch to illuminate the Fort Carson tree.

The Carson Middle School choir sang a few songs to help lead Santa to the event. The Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge made surprise appearances.

Those in attendance had the opportunity to pictures with Old Saint Nick and the Grinch.

Inside the Special Event Center, children created holiday crafts at tables staffed by members of Army Community Service and the Grant Library and guests shopped for handmade items from 19 local vendors. Meanwhile, outside featured a photoshoot opportunity inside of a snow globe set, a holiday train for the children, s’mores kits and hot chocolate stands, food trucks and two of Santa’s reindeers.

In true holiday spirit, it began snowing as the event was coming to a close.

The event drew nearly 2,500 people according to Sarah Rumpza, business and recreation branch chief, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

“The tree lighting is our annual winter festival that unites the community as we kick off the holiday season,” she said.

For more information on upcoming holiday events, visit carson.armymwr.com.