Fort Belvoir invites community to annual tree lighting event

Fort Belvoir will hold its annual tree lighting ceremony and Santa’s workshop tonight, and the general public is invited to attend.

The tree lighting ceremony will take place at Belvoir Chapel—located at Belvoir Road and 12th Street — at 5 p.m. Afterward there will be a holiday celebration until 8 p.m. at Specker Field House at 1182 12th Street.

Fort Belvoir Elementary School principals Margo Pareja and Jamey Chianetta will narrate the ceremony. Other highlights of the free event include live music by the Patriot Bass Quintet; seasonal DJ music and characters; an appearance by Mrs. Springfield 2019; light refreshments and finger foods; children’s entertainment; crafts; and pictures with Santa.

The Fort Belvoir Police Department will be rerouting traffic in the area to support the ceremony. While the Specker Field House parking lot will be closed, visitors may park behind the facility or by the Fort Belvoir Bowling Center at 5975 Middleton Road.

Non-DoD card holders should access the garrison via Tulley Gate. Drivers must provide a valid state driver’s license, and all occupants will need to present a photo ID.