Holiday Headquarters: Your Guide to All the Festive Events at Fort Hood This December

Christmas trees are free for Fort Hood soldiers!

Trees for Troops

Fort Hood is making sure soldiers have a Christmas tree for Christmas. The Trees for Troops event is set for Friday, December 5th at Phantom Warrior Stadium, Bldg. 50029. Trees will be provided on a first come, first serve basis as long as trees remain.

Trees for Troops Schedule

The Fort Hood Media Center says soldiers in grades E-1 through E-4 can pick up a tree from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Soldiers in grades E-5 and above can pick up from 12p to 3 p.m. Remaining trees will be available for retirees and DOD civilians at 3 p.m.

What You Will Need to Pick Up a Tree

All participants must have a valid military ID and be prepared to load their own tree with tie-downs/rope.

Who Provides the Trees?

Trees for Troops is a national program run by the Christmas Spirit Foundation. According to Fort Hood, the foundation provides free, farm-grown Christmas trees through donations, sponsorships, and volunteer support. FedEx delivers the trees at no cost.For more information, you can visit www.treesfortroops.org.

Fort Hood Nature in Lights

Fort Hood will host Nature in Lights from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Dec. 5–7, and nightly Dec. 12–31 at Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area. The costs for this Fort Hood holiday drive-thru tradition are $20 for a car, minivan, or pickup truck. Visitors can also enjoy Santa’s Village at Live Oak Pavilion, Santa’s Depot near the marina, and pony rides at BLORA Ranch.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

III Armored Corps and Fort Hood will host their annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 5 at the III Armored Corps Headquarters. According to Fort Hood, guests will enjoy traditional Christmas songs, with music provided by the 1st Cavalry Division Band and caroling led by the Meadows Elementary School Choir.Following the tree lighting, there will be pictures with Santa in the east atrium. Food and beverages will be available in the west atrium.