Prince George
County, VA

Fort Lee Grand Illumination, holiday concert open to public Dec. 5


FORT LEE, Va. – Fort Lee's Grand Illumination is set for Dec. 5, 4:30 p.m., on the Lee Club lawn, followed by a 7 p.m. holiday concert featuring the Army's TRADOC Band at the Lee Theater.

Admission to both events is free and open to the public – concert seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Lee Club is located on the corner of Mahone Avenue and Battle Drive; the Lee Theater is building 4300 on Mahone Avenue.

The Grand Illumination will feature the annual tree-lighting ceremony, music by young carolers, free hot chocolate and holiday desserts, activities for children, a penguin fling game and much more for the whole family.

"This event is a great opportunity for the entire Fort Lee community to come together to welcome in the holidays,” said Carrie Poore, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation marketing manager. “It also gives Fort Lee families a chance to get their photo taken with Santa and take a ride on the popular Candy Cane Express train."

A Fort Lee leader will flip the switch to officially light the festively decorated evergreen tree. Following that, Santa will arrive promptly at 5 p.m. on a post fire truck.

Lt. Col. Treg E. Ancelet, TRADOC band commander, expressed excitement about performing for Fort Lee audiences during the holiday concert.

“This year, we are bringing a rock/pop-style concert that is geared to all the troops and offers something for different musical tastes,” Ancelet said. “We will blend today’s holiday hits from artists like Arianna Grande to yesterday’s classic tunes from icons like Bruce Springsteen. It should be an hour of fun and good times for all who attend.”

Those unable to stay for the concert that evening can attend a similar performance by the band at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Lee Theater, which is also free and open to the public.

Off-post individuals are reminded the Mahone Avenue Gate is temporarily closed, and that all adults entering the post will need to show a DOD identification card or driver’s license. Installation access gate hour maps and other visitor information is on the Fort Lee website at home.army.mil/lee/index.php/visitors.

For additional info about this and other Fort Lee FMWR activities, to include last-minute schedule changes or weather announcements, call 804-765-1539.