An official army family and MWR Site

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

This event has passed.

December 1, 2023

5 p.m.- 8 p.m. at William Reed Special Events Center

All information is subject to change.

Fort Carson's biggest holiday festival! Including a Holiday Market featuring local vendors, entertainment for all ages, and an appearance from Santa Claus himself! Food & beverages available for purchase. 

This is an indoor and outdoor event! Please dress accordingly.

Event Schedule

      • Parking opens at 4:30 p.m.
      • Event begins at 5 p.m. Doors will NOT OPEN until 5 p.m.
      • Tree Lighting held at 5:30 p.m.

Entertainment

      • Lighted Holiday Train
      • Crafts by the Grant Library
      • Crafts and Games by ACS
       Bounce Houses by Outdoor Recreation ($10 wristbands available)

Photo Opportunities

      • Snow Globe set photos
      • Santa photos
      • Grinch photos

Adult Beverages

Provided by the Elkhorn Catering & Conference Center.

Local Vendors

Calling for holiday crafts and items! Interested vendors must download a Vendor Packet and email it to fortcarsonevents@gmail.com for approval. Limited slots available.

Sponsors

A BIG THANKS to our wonderful sponsors for this event!

  • AFBN
  • The Kibler Group-Keller Williams Falcon
  • USAA
  • First Command
  • Armed Forces Bank
  • Rodeo Dental
  • Boingo
  • Frank D. Azar
  • Dave and Busters

 

 

ACCESS

This event is open to DOD ID card holders only. This includes active duty, dependents, retirees, DOD civilians.

Gate access procedures apply, please plan accordingly.

Childcare
Parking

Parking areas available:

      • The WEST side of the Special Event Center
      • The dirt lot SOUTH of the Special Event Center (next to the football field)
      • The dirt lot NORTH of the Special Event Center.

Parking FAQ:

      • Parking is free, space is available on a first come, first served basis.
      • All personnel must park in designated parking areas.
      • No parking in residential/base housing/neighborhoods on Fort Carson.
      • Parking in prohibited areas will result in a citation and the vehicle being towed.

Traffic
  • Please observe posted speed limits.
  • The areas around event venues often get congested, please slow down and watch out for pedestrians.
Weather

This is a rain or shine event & will go on regardless of weather.

  • Those attending any Fort Carson MWR event assume the risk of injury as a result of inclement weather.
  • In the event of lightning, a warning is issued and guests are asked to clear the area and/or return to their cars until an "all clear" announcement is issued.
General Terms & Conditions

All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges are issued for any purchases or merchandise.

No federal endorsement is implied for any paid advertising.

Fort Carson MWR reserves the right to film, record or photograph event activities for post event purposes. Guests are advised that this may result in the incidental inclusion of guests within any recording or photographs.

Guests assume all risks associated with participation in this event including but not limited to traffic and/or weather variations.

The sponsors of DFMWR events and associated activities, the Fort Carson Community, its’ representatives and successors are not liable for claims or liabilities of any kind arising from participation in this event even though liability may arise out of negligence or carelessness on the part of the guest in attendance.

100% random personal property inspection in effect.

RESTRICTIONS

Pets / Animals

No pets or companion animals allowed for any events unless specified otherwise.

  • Only ADA service animals are allowed onsite.
  • Companion Animals are not protected under the ADA.
  • Under Colorado state law HB16-1426 (effective January 2017), it is a crime to knowingly misrepresent an animal as a service animal.
  • Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

 This definition does not affect or limit the broader definition of “assistance animal” under the Fair Housing Act or the broader definition of “service animal” under the Air Carrier Access Act.

 Some State and local laws also define service animal more broadly than the ADA does. Information about such laws can be obtained from the State attorney general’s office.
Physical Security / Other
  • Despite the Colorado amendment to legalize marijuana, possession of marijuana on a federal installation is a violation of federal law
  • No firearms and/or weapons allowed.
  • Privately owned drones/UAV's are not allowed.
  • No personal fireworks or sparklers allowed on Fort Carson. These items are prohibited per FC Regulation 210-2-8.
  • No glass containers allowed.
  • Alcohol in private containers is not allowed. Alcohol may be purchased from vendors located in designated areas.
  • No coolers allowed except for breast milk totes/storage that are 10" and under/smaller.
  • No personal canopies, tents or campers allowed.
  • Absolutely no personal grills or burners allowed.
  • No bikes, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, or other alternative modes of human-powered transport allowed.

All information contained on carson.armymwr.com is subject to change.

  • For more information regarding Upcoming Events, contact us!
  • Appointments must be scheduled at least 1 week in advance. Notice we are closed on weekends, holidays, and training holidays.
  • Hours:
    Monday
    8:00am-4:00pm
    Tuesday
    8:00am-4:00pm
    Wednesday
    8:00am-4:00pm
    Thursday
    8:00am-4:00pm
    Friday
    8:00am-4:00pm
    Saturday
    Closed
    Sunday
    Closed