Weapons Station Tree Lighting 2021

Things were extra shiny and new at the Weapons Station tree lighting this year. 2021 presented us with a brand new, 33 ft tall Christmas tree, assembled at its new location at Fletcher Square. The new space accommodated the event well, with easy parking and "lots of room for activities." 

The night began with a warm invocation from Navy Chaplain LCDR Adrienne Benton. Afterwards, Captain Peterson, Deputy Commander of Joint Base Charleston and Commanding Officer of Naval Support Activity Charleston, gave a short speech about Joint Base Charleston's accomplishments and thanking sponsors for making the event possible. He invited a child from the crowd to help light up the tree, and one of his elf helpers selected a family for the job. Two young girls got the opportunity to light up the night, and with the push of a button, the new tree, several deer, and some Christmas alligators were glowing at the Weapons Station. Shortly afterwards, Santa rode in on his firetruck to greet all of the children with several HoHoHo's and a handful of candy canes. 

The NNPTC band set up to play holiday favorites for the crowd, and our youth center choir definitely lifted spirits with their caroling. It didn't take long for families to line up for different activities offered. The most popular one, by far, was the chance to ride a horse with the James Island Cowboys. The horses were mild mannered and sweet, giving rides to all the kids, a few adults, and even some elves! Another crowd favorite, The Little White Box, was set up and ready for photobooth pictures. Whether you wanted Christmas photos in a viking helmet or Santa hat - they had it covered. The fire department also dropped off a mailbox at the letter writing station. This ensured that all letters written were swiftly delivered directly to the North Pole. (And each and every letter will get a response back from Santa, provided a return address was given!) 

A big thank you goes out to our event sponsors and partners, Comcast, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and the Joint Base Advisory Committee. They were there helping to pass out cookies, brownies, hot cider and cocoa to everyone. There was plenty to go around. 

We hope you made it out, and if not, there are still activities here on Joint Base Charleston for you to attend. Check out our calendar to see what else you can attend!