Public Invited To Christmas Kickoff Festivities At Rock Island Arsenal

The holiday season is getting into gear all around the QC.

We've seen some classic holiday traditions come back: the Festival of Trees, the parade to go along with it, the Putnam's Polar Express Pajama Party, and now, for it's 50th year, there's a Christmas kickoff on the Arsenal.

The Rock Island Arsenal's 50th anniversary of it's annual tree lighting ceremony will be on Friday, Dec. 5th from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

It's beautiful to watch a big Christmas tree light up but there will be a lot more festivities that will be at Quarters One.

Kids can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch. The Holiday Vendor Bazaar will be open for you to shop and prizes will be up for grabs, including live trees. Families can walk through the decorated Quarters One and check out the tree decorating and gingerbread house competition entries. Holiday drinks and snacks will be available for you to buy at the FMWR food trailer.

Also, bring a new and unwrapped toy for the Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots.

As part of the ceremony, Brigadier General Daniel Duncan will speak and the Davenport and Bettendorf High School choirs will perform.

Whatever side of the river you're on, there's no shortage of local stuff to do to get yourself and the fams in the holiday spirit. Keep up with what's going on here.

Remember, River Drive between 15th and 17th is closed since there's ongoing work on the Rock Island Arsenal viaduct. The Moline gate is open 24/7 but there are still detours in place.