Soldiers and their loved ones gathered outside the III Corps building just before sunset to listen to Christmas songs. School children from Oveta Culp Hobby school on Fort Hood sang songs like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".
III Corps and Deputy Commanding General J.T. Thomson was joined by two children who helped flip the switch to light up the tree for the season. The tree is patriotic colors of red, white and blue.
Santa even rode into the III Corps driveway on his wagon led by horses from the 1st Cav Horse Detachment. He got off the wagon and greeted the children. Then, Santa and the Fort Hood families went inside the building to take pictures and enjoy some refreshments.
The tree will be lit until January 6.