Santa at Riverside & Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Tis the season!

Join us on December 9 for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Lawn of Riverside, the home of Fort Benning’s Commanding General, MG Donahoe. And since we officially ring in the holiday season, we are expecting Santa to be there as well! Santa returns for his annual visit to Fort Benning from 5:30-8:30 p.m. after we lit the tree.

This free event is open to the whole Fort Benning community. Santa will sit for visits and photographs with the good children of Fort Benning. Bring your camera! This event includes games, prizes, singing and so much more. Plan to park in the lot on Vibbert Avenue to the north of Riverside.

Thanks to our sponsors: Flint Energies, USAA, T-Mobile, AFBN,

Please note:  If the weather is foul, the event is still on! Bring your winter coat, rain jacket, warm shoes and pack up the kids! For more information, call 706-545-1853.

Sequence of events:

• 5:30 p.m.: The MCoE band will provide Christmas music between 5:30-5:45 p.m., all CYS tables open by 5:30 p.m. until the end of the event 
• 5:45 p.m.: Opening remarks by MG Donahoe
• 5:50 p.m.: Invocation
• 5:55-6:00 p.m.: Lighting of Fort Benning’s Christmas Tree
• 6:00-6:05 p.m.: Everyone will sing “Here comes Santa Claus”
• 6:05-6:07 p.m.: Santa arrives on a Fire Truck 
• 6:07-8:15 p.m.: Line for pictures with Santa is open
• 6:10 p.m.: Movie Starts (Grinch)
• 8:30 p.m.: Event ends