Fort Sill’s Annual Candlelight Stroll Canceled For This Year

One of Lawton Fort Sill's annual holiday traditions is the Candlelight Stroll hosted by the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum. But this year, the museum has announced that it has had to cancel this year's Candlelight Stroll due to the recent government shutdown.

In a statement issued by the Fort Sill Public Affairs Office, the museum regrets having to cancel this year's Candlelight Stroll. The cancelation was "due to the recent lapse in appropriations that resulted in a government shutdown, the museum did not have sufficient lead time to prepare for the event."

This year's Candlelight Stroll was slated for late December before the recent government shutdown, which took place from October 1 to November 12. The museum was closed for the 43 days of the shutdown and also had to cancel its annual Frontier Army Days and Historic Baseball Game.

The Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum has hosted the Candlelight Stroll since the 1990s.

Fort Sill gives Lawton many unique traditions, and the Candlelight Stroll is one experienced during the holiday season. According to the statement, the Candlelight Stroll has been ongoing since the 1990s and offers "visitors a unique opportunity to experience the historic fort as it appeared in the 1870s."

The Candlelight Stroll has also "played a crucial role in connecting the community with Fort Sill’s storied past through guided tours, historical reenactments, and immersive experiences"

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The Candlelight Stroll is expected to return in 2026.

Although Lawton Fort Sill residents will be without the Candlelight Stroll for this season, the holiday tradition is expected to return in 2026. According to the statement, the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark is looking forward "to resuming its annual events in the future and continuing to share the legacy of Fort Sill with the public," and appreciates "the understanding and support of our community during this challenging time."

More information about Fort Sill and upcoming events on post, can be found by following the U.S. Army Fort Sill on Facebook or by downloaded the My Army Post app.