White Sands Missile Range launches new holiday tradition with rocket lighting event

By Vanessa Flores, White Sands Missile Range Public AffairsDecember 8, 2025

White Sands Missile Range launches new holiday tradition with rocket lighting event
White Sands Missile Range proudly kicked off the holiday season with its inaugural Team WSMR Holiday Rocket Lighting at the White Sands Missile Range Museum's Missile Park on Dec. 5. (Photo Credit: Julia Gallegos, Visual Information Specialist) VIEW ORIGINAL

White Sands Missile Range, N.M. (Dec. 8, 2025) - White Sands Missile Range proudly kicked off the holiday season with its inaugural Team WSMR Holiday Rocket Lighting at the White Sands Missile Range Museum's Missile Park on Dec. 5. This exciting event took place as the sun set, transforming the park into a vibrant celebration of holiday cheer.

White Sands Missile Range launches new holiday tradition with rocket lighting event
White Sands Missile Range proudly kicked off the holiday season with its inaugural Team WSMR Holiday Rocket Lighting at the White Sands Missile Range Museum's Missile Park on Dec. 5. (Photo Credit: Julia Gallegos, Visual Information Specialist) VIEW ORIGINAL
White Sands Missile Range launches new holiday tradition with rocket lighting event
White Sands Missile Range proudly kicked off the holiday season with its inaugural Team WSMR Holiday Rocket Lighting at the White Sands Missile Range Museum's Missile Park on Dec. 5. (Photo Credit: Julia Gallegos, Visual Information Specialist) VIEW ORIGINAL

"For 80 years, White Sands Missile Range's mission has been to test the limits of innovation and progress: from the Trinity Test, early rocket tests, to the mission-transforming work we still do today," said White Sands Missile Range Senior Commander Col. Andrew Morgan. "And now we're taking our spirit of innovation and transforming the tallest rocket in our park into a monument to our mission and our community."

White Sands Missile Range launches new holiday tradition with rocket lighting event
White Sands Missile Range proudly kicked off the holiday season with its inaugural Team WSMR Holiday Rocket Lighting at the White Sands Missile Range Museum's Missile Park on Dec. 5. This exciting event took place as the sun set, transforming the park into a vibrant celebration of holiday cheer. (Photo Credit: Julia Gallegos, Visual Information Specialist) VIEW ORIGINAL
White Sands Missile Range launches new holiday tradition with rocket lighting event
White Sands Missile Range proudly kicked off the holiday season with its inaugural Team WSMR Holiday Rocket Lighting at the White Sands Missile Range Museum's Missile Park on Dec. 5. (Photo Credit: Julia Gallegos, Visual Information Specialist) VIEW ORIGINAL

The event drew a fantastic turnout from the community, highlighting the spirit of togetherness and joy this season brings. Attendees were treated to a spectacular display as the holiday rocket lit up the evening sky, creating a mesmerizing scene that delighted the community.

White Sands Missile Range launches new holiday tradition with rocket lighting event
White Sands Missile Range Senior Commander Col. Andrew Morgan and Command Sgt. Maj. Hermes Acevedo at the Team WSMR Holiday Rocket Lighting at the White Sands Missile Range Museum's Missile Park on Dec. 5. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army Courtesy Photo) VIEW ORIGINAL

A special highlight of the evening was the energetic performances by Girl Scout Troop 546, which brought smiles and a festive spirit to the crowd. The Religious Support Office served hot chocolate, warming guests as the evening turned chilly.

White Sands Missile Range launches new holiday tradition with rocket lighting event
White Sands Missile Range proudly kicked off the holiday season with its inaugural Team WSMR Holiday Rocket Lighting at the White Sands Missile Range Museum's Missile Park on Dec. 5. (Photo Credit: Julia Gallegos, Visual Information Specialist) VIEW ORIGINAL

"We are America's Range - First to Test and I am proud of everything we've accomplished and excited about everything we will accomplish together in the coming year," said Morgan.

The Team WSMR Holiday Rocket Lighting sets the stage for a season of warmth, camaraderie, and joy, reminding everyone of the importance of community.