The magic of this time of year can be felt everywhere you go. When we think of the holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in the glitzy and grand ways to celebrate this time of year. If you aren't admiring the tree in Rockefeller Center, ringing in the New Year in a major city (especially New York City’s Times Square), or spending your favorite winter holiday in an exotic location, you might feel like you are missing out.
While going big can be fun and exciting, it's important to remember that you can have just as much fun, much closer to home. In fact, just about every post in the country has a wide selection of holiday activities to take part in. From parades to tree lightings, celebrating the holidays on post can be just as memorable as ringing in the New Year in Times Square, and without all the crowds.
IHG® Army Hotels provides convenient and safe locations for you to rest your head in between enjoying your favorite post holiday activities. With over 70 hotels on 40 posts, we could write a book about all the holiday events worth checking out near our properties. In this article, we'll mention just a few of the many activities meant to make your holidays a little merrier.
Fort Knox, Kentucky: Holiday Warmth in the Bluegrass State
If you find yourself near Fort Knox, Kentucky, a must-see event on post is the First Lights Festival. This year, the festival kicks off on December 5th at 5 p.m., at the Post Gazebo and centers around the tree lighting ceremony. Additionally, there will be a trees for troops, which provides Christmas trees to service members, a visit from Santa, a giant holiday card display, free hot cocoa and cookies, and even a performance by the high school choir.
While enjoying the First Lights Festival, there is no better place to stay than our Holiday Inn Express Newgarden Inn or our Holiday Inn Express Wickam Inn. These properties are located just 30 minutes from the Louisville International Airport (SDF), on Fort Knox, and they include amenities such as daily hot breakfast, free internet, guest laundry facilities, and free weekly socials. Additional activities on post this year include a holiday fun run & jingle jog, chapel Advent services, MWR family events like cookie decorating, and holiday meals in the dining facilities.
If you'd like to venture off post, check out Lights Under Louisville, Downtown Elizabethtown's holiday market events, and the skating and holiday concerts at Louisville's waterfront.
White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico: Desert Holidays at the Edge of History
As the "Birthplace of America's Missile and Space Activity," White Sands Missile Range is steeped in history. Travelers moving through New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, can find comfort and safety at our IHG Army Hotels Organ Mountains Inn - Historia property located on post just South of the Exchange and aquatic center. For those spending the holiday season on White Sands Missile Range, there is plenty to do.
Two of our favorites are s'mores night and Santa's annual gift delivery on the 24th. On December 5th, from 4 pm to 6 pm at the post library, the Frontier Club is inviting visitors to come and enjoy the retelling of classic stories like The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and more. Additional food is available for purchase.
On December 24th, Santa Claus will get some help from the White Sands Missile Range Fire Department and deliver presents directly to the doors of permanent post residents. While the program is for those stationed at White Sands Missile Range, it's still a great opportunity to perhaps catch Santa riding around the area between 5 pm and 8 pm on Christmas Eve.
Off-post attractions worth checking out include the Las Cruces Holiday Market, Old Mesilla Plaza Lights, the Las Cruces Ice Skating Rink, and White Sands National Park Full Moon Night.
Fort Bragg, North Carolina: Holiday Spirit in the South
As the largest Army installation and home to its elite Airborne and Special Operations Forces, there are a lot of reasons why you might find yourself spending the holiday season at Fort Bragg. Hot, humid summers give way to mild winters, making the location a pleasant place to enjoy the holidays at the end of the year. IHG Army Hotels Normandy House & Carolina Inn property offers travelers a complimentary hot breakfast, high-speed Internet, self-service laundry facilities, and pet-friendly accommodations. The Normandy House is also within walking distance of the Hercules Fitness Center and a number of FMWR and AAFES food and recreation areas.
This year, guests can enjoy the Christmas Tree Lighting at the Main Post Parade Field on December 2nd from 4 pm to 8 pm. A week later, on December 9th, from 11 am to 12 pm, visitors can meet at the Throckmorton Library for a free reading of holiday stories, and if you need something to do on the 24th, check out Santa's Bowling Special. From 1 pm to 5 pm at Dragon Lanes, you can get two bowling games, shoe rentals, and a hot dog & soda for only $7.
If you venture just off post into Fayetteville, you can check out Holiday Lights in the Garden at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, the Downtown Fayetteville Christmas Parade, and seasonal markets, arts events, and carriage rides.
Fort Carson, Colorado: Mountain Views and Christmas Cheer
Located just South of Colorado Springs, Fort Carson has been named by some as "The Best Hometown in the Army!" With a strong sense of community in the area and surrounded by natural beauty, the region is a perfect place to visit at any time of the year. During the holiday season, the addition of snow makes the area even more magical. Don't let the cool weather keep you from visiting; when staying at our Candlewood Suites Building 7306 property, we'll make sure your room is always warm and cozy.
One of the best events on post this holiday season is WhoFest. Taking place on December 5th at Iron Horse Park, this annual celebration has something for everyone. WhoFest will include a holiday market, local vendors, entertainment, and an appearance from Santa, including free professional photos for you and your family with jolly old Saint Nick. There is also a tree decorating contest, free trees for service members (while supplies last), and more.
Those looking to add a little bit of magic to the day off post can check out the Broadmoor's Christmas lights, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari, and holiday markets in Old Colorado City.
When looking for holiday events across the nation, it’s easy to overlook the ones taking place close to home. IHG Army Hotels is privileged to partner with the Army and see firsthand the countless holiday activities that take place each year on posts across the nation. Instead of fighting the crowds in Times Square, check out our properties and the on-post activities taking place near them this holiday season. From Christmas tree lights to bowling holiday fun, memories can be enjoyed and shared without ever leaving your installation.
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