First Lights Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Join us for a dazzling evening of holiday cheer at the Fort Knox First Lights Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony!

It's time to gather with friends and family at the post gazebo as we illuminate our community for the festive season. Experience the magic with our holiday Tree-Lighting Ceremony, Trees for Troops, letters for Santa, free refreshments, giant holiday cards, and Christmas carol-oke. It's about coming together, joining hands, and kindling the holiday spirit of togetherness and joy. Don't miss out on this magical evening! Spread the word, bring your holiday cheer, and join us in illuminating the season at the First Lights Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Holiday Tree Lighting 

Get ready to be enchanted as we flip the switch on our magnificent holiday tree, bathing the night in a magical glow! We invite all residents of Fort Knox to join us in lighting up their homes on the evening of December 7th. 

Chanukah Menorah Lighting*

The evening of the First Lights Festival is also the very first night of Chanukah! Experience the timeless tradition of lighting the Menorah and delight in the warmth of the ceremony. Service Members and their families may take home a Menorah and candles provided by the Fort Knox Chaplaincy for ritual use and fulfillment. Be sure to give the dreidel a spin and join the time-honored fun of this classic Chanukah tradition, while also savoring delicious donuts and chocolate coins.

Meet the REAL Santa Claus

An extraordinary opportunity awaits all the young and young-at-heart: a chance to meet the one and only, Santa Claus himself. To make this experience even more memorable, families are welcome to take their own pictures with Santa Claus.

Trees for Troops* 

Trees for Troops, brought to you by The Christmas Spirit Foundation, is honoring those who serve by helping us spread holiday cheer to military families.  Immediately following the Tree Lighting Ceremony, real Christmas trees will be distributed to Active-Duty Service Members and their families at no cost.

You must present your ID card to participate. Limit one tree per family. 

Letters for Santa 

Dear Santa, we have a special delivery just for you! Bring your little ones for a chance to write their heartfelt letters to Santa Claus. Who knows, Santa just might make their wishes come true!

Free Refreshments* 

Warm up with some hot cocoa, delight in the aroma of freshly baked cookies, and savor the taste of holiday treats. Our event wouldn't be complete without free refreshments to keep your spirits high as we light up our community. 

Giant Holiday Cards 

Celebrate the joy of the season by enjoying our giant holiday cards gallery walk. Crafted by units and organizations right here on Fort Knox, each unique card showcases the creativity and holiday cheer of our community. 

Christmas Carol-oke 

Calling all carol enthusiasts! Get ready to sing your heart out at our Christmas Carol-oke station. Join in the merriment by selecting your favorite holiday tunes and serenading the crowd with your cheerful vocal talents. It's time to let your inner superstar shine bright!

A very special thank you goes out to our wonderful sponsors. Thank you for helping the Fort Knox community create lasting memories that will shine bright throughout the season! 

• Abound
• Smile Doctors
• USAA
• Swope Family of Dealerships
• The Joint Chiropractic

*Please note: all refreshments, Chanukah Menorahs and candles, and Trees for Troops are available while supplies last.