CFB Esquimalt is once again creating a winter wonderland for the public after a brief hiatus last year.
The Navy Holiday Village will see the drill shed and surrounding area at CFB Esquimalt’s Naden base transformed with decorated trees, lit-up naval vehicles and a model train designed to look like the naval dockyard.
“There will still be ships involved but not to the extent of last time,” said Capt. Jenn Jackson, base public affairs. “You’ll be able to see some ships lit up from a distance.”
Attendees can vote on the best and the most “Charlie Brown” Christmas trees, and support the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre by purchasing a Naden Band CD or hot chocolate.
Adults will need photo ID to get onto the base through the main gate, but the event is free.
The open house event runs Dec. 16 to 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. nightly. Monday’s kick-off ceremony starts at 4:45 p.m.
In 2012, CFB Esquimalt announced it was ending its 23-year Navy lighting contest due to security concerns and vessel deployment. The holiday village event is the first of its kind at the base, and organizers hope it becomes an annual tradition of its own.
For more information, visit facebook.com/EsquimaltBase.