2026 Annual Christmas Tree Decorating Contest
Presented by the 773d Force Support Squadron (773FSS)
Bring Your Unit Spirit to Life This Holiday Season!
Get ready to deck the halls and show off your unit’s creativity! The 773d Force Support Squadron invites all military units, squadron booster clubs, private organizations, and JBER community groups to participate in the 2026 Christmas Tree Decorating Contest at the Arctic Warrior Event Center (AWEC).
Compete for bragging rights and $950 in total FSS Bucks while transforming the AWEC hallways into a winter wonderland for the entire Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson community.
Winners Announced Live at Winterfest & Online
Day(s)
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Hour(s)
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Registration
Decorating
Online Voting
Winners Announced
Prizes & Bragging Rights
Put your squad’s creativity to the test! The top trees voted on by the JBER community will win FSS Bucks for their unit or booster organization:
- 🥇 1st Place: $500 FSS Bucks
- 🥈 2nd Place: $300 FSS Bucks
- 🥉 3rd Place: $150 FSS Bucks
FSS Bucks can be redeemed toward unit morale events, FSS facilities, rentals, and services across JBER!
Important Contest Timeline
Now–16 Nov: Registration Window
Secure your team’s spot. Space is limited!
16–20 Nov: Tree Setup by AWEC Staff
Artificial trees are placed in assigned hallway spots.
16–25 Nov • 8 AM – 6 PM: Team Decorating
Monday-Friday. Notify staff prior to your arrival.
25 Nov • 4 PM: Decorating Deadline
All tree decorating must be 100% complete.
1 Dec: Official Photo Shoot
JBER Life Marketing photographs all entries for voting.
4–17 Dec: Public Online Voting
Vote and share your favorite tree on JBER Life digital channels!
18 Dec: Winners Announced
Announced live during Winterfest at AWEC and posted online.
8 Jan 2027: Teardown and Cleanup
All decorations must be removed and trees packed by participating teams.
Contest Rules & Safety Guidelines
To keep this event fun, safe, and family-friendly for all ages, all participants must adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Trees
- AWEC will provide standard artificial trees for registered teams.
- Units may opt to bring their own artificial tree with prior coordination.
- No live/real trees are permitted inside AWEC under any circumstances due to base safety reasons.
2. Decoration Rules
- Non-Flammable Materials Only: All ornaments and decorative materials must be flame-retardant.
- Prohibited Items: Lit candles, open flames, unapproved extension cords, glitter, fake aerosol snow, glass shards, or hazardous materials are strictly prohibited.
- Hanging & Fastening: AWEC will provide tree labels and a limited supply of Command Strips and basic hanging supplies. Please bring any specialized hanging hooks or clips your team requires.
3. Decorating Schedule & Refreshments
- Decorating takes place in the AWEC hallways (and Susitna Room for designated command trees) during normal building hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–6 PM, 16 November – 10 December.
- To prevent hallway overcrowding, please coordinate your decorating time with AWEC staff in advance.
- Enjoy complimentary pre-packaged holiday treats and refreshments while decorating.
4. Cleanup Responsiblity
Teams are responsible for remving their decorations, taking down their trees, and returning them to their bags at the end of the display period on 8 January 2027.
5. Family-Friendly Content
- JBER is a diverse, family-oriented community. All decorations and themes must be suitable and respectful for audiences of all ages.
- Organizers reserve the right to remove any decorations or disqualify entries that violate safety policies or installation standards.
How to Enter Your Team
Participation is free, but space is limited to available tree stations.
1. Designate a Point of Contact (POC): Choose a lead representative for your unit or booster club.
2. Submit Your Registration (Now – 16 Nov):
Email: Send your unit name, POC name, phone number, and organization to 773fss.fsw.awec@us.af.mil
Phone: Call AWEC customer service at (907) 552-2345.
In Person: Visit the Arctic Warrior Event Center front desk during regular business hours.
3. Receive Station Assignment: AWEC staff will confirm your entry and assign your tree location.
Community Voting: How to Support Your Unit
Not decorating a tree? You can still be part of the excitement!
- Visit AWEC in Person: Walk through the AWEC hallways between 29 November and 18 December to view the trees in person.
- Cast Your Vote Online (4–17 Dec): Browse the official tree photo gallery on the @JBERLife Facebook page and right here on JBERLife.com. The trees with the most community votes and shares will take home the FSS Bucks!
- Winterfest: Passport to the Arctic (18 Dec): Join us at AWEC for Winterfest where we reveal the top three winners live!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can our team bring our own tree lights?
Most provided artificial trees come pre-lit or are set up with compliant low-voltage LED lights. If you wish to bring additional lights, they must be UL-listed LED strands and pre-inspected by AWEC staff.
Can our squadron move our tree into an event space?
Units hosting a private holiday party or event at AWEC inside the Susitna Room can coordinate with staff to temporarily bring their tree into the room during their event.
What happens if we don’t clean up our tree by January 8?
Teams are responsible for taking down their decorations and placing AWEC artificial trees back into their storage bags. Unclaimed ornaments after January 8, 2027, will be disposed of.
Contact Information
Arctic Warrior Event Center (AWEC)
773d Force Support Squadron | Community Services Flight
Bldg 9387, 6th Street, JBER, AK 99506
(907) 552-2345
773fss.fsw.awec@us.af.mil
Connect with Us: @JBERLife on Facebook and Instagram