The official installation holiday tree for Fort Bragg has arrived and has been decorated for the holiday season.
The 24-foot North Carolina Fraser Fir is planned to be the center piece for the 20th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony planned on Dec. 3. This ceremony will officially kick off the holiday season for Fort Bragg service members, civilians, and their families.

“The holiday season is a time when we come together as a community to celebrate,” said Col. John Wilcox, Fort Bragg Garrison Commander.

“From the moment the tree arrives, to the final decorations with ornaments showing all the major commands on the installation, the tree is symbolic of our connection with each other and the strength of our people. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our tree lighting ceremony with all of our neighbors, and officially celebrate the start of the holiday season here on Fort Bragg.”

The ceremony will kick off at 4 p.m. Highlights will include performances from the 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus, the Golden Knights, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Winter Wonderland light display, face painting, cookie decorating, food and drink vendors -- all culminating with the lighting of the holiday tree.

One difference this year is that the Family of the Year will be announced before the Christmas Tree Lighting, not during. Fort Bragg’s annual Family of the Year ceremony will take place 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the Main Post Chapel.

Families are nominated for Family of the Year by their units based on the level of involvement of the Family, their contributions to the unit, as well as the community.

“It is important to note that military Families demonstrate resiliency in their everyday live through supporting each other during unexpected challenges and while celebrating each other’s victories,” said Liz Dailey, Supervisory Army Community Service Specialist.

“This is the time to honor and recognize those who embody the spirit of selfless service and take that extra step to help others within their community and the Army as a whole.”

The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at the Main Post Parade Field. Military families who want a tree of their own at Fort Bragg can receive a free Christmas tree as well.

The Trees for Troops program is back this year to partner with Fort Bragg's Family and Morale Welfare and Recreation, FedEx, the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation and tree farmers across the country to give out 600 trees. During the busy weeks leading up to Christmas, FedEx will deliver more than 15,000 real trees to 84 military bases.

The donated Christmas trees are free for active-duty service members E-6 and below. Tree vouchers will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis at Leisure Travel Services.

Trees will be given out starting at 8 a.m. at the Smith Lake Recreation Area on Friday, Dec. 2. Those with a voucher and a valid Department of Defense identification card can pick up their tree. They will stop distributing trees at noon.