4 Wing Offices Deck the Halls for 2025 Christmas Decorating Challenge

Members of 1 Dental Unit proudly accept the Penguin Trophy from 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake Commander, Colonel Mark Hickey, on December 16, after being named winners of the 2025 Courier News Christmas Office Decorating Challenge.
Decoration photos courtesy of Corporal Emilie Laroche, 4 Wing Imaging; award presentation photos by Mike Marshall and Janae Wandler, Courier News.

The holiday spirit was in full swing at 4 Wing and Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Cold Lake this December as offices across the base showcased their creativity in the 2025 Courier News Christmas Office Decorating Challenge. Teams went all out with festive decorations, themed displays, and personal touches, spreading cheer throughout the workplace.

Mental Health Group – Most Creative Theme & People’s Choice
Located inside the 4 Wing Health Care Centre, the Mental Health Group wowed visitors with a nautical “Little Mermaid” Christmas theme. Custom elves representing each teammate, reindeer on office doors telling stories—including a CF-18 escorting Santa—and an Advent calendar with some Christmas messages and jokes that brought smiles to all who visited. Their creative approach earned them both the Most Creative Theme award and the People’s Choice award, a testament to their fun and imaginative holiday spirit.

Col J.J. Parr Sports Centre
The Col J.J. Parr Sports Centre greeted guests with reindeer in the windows and beautiful trees at the main entrance, while upstairs, a full Whoville experience brought “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to life. Their festive decorations and attention to detail made it clear that nobody was saying “bah humbug” here.

Central Registry at Building 1 – Best Small Office
Central Registry transformed its compact office into a traditional Christmas wonderland, complete with stockings, a decorated tree, and a cheerful Santa. Despite their limited space, the team packed in an abundance of holiday spirit, earning them the Best Small Office award.

4 MSS HQ
4 Mission Support Squadron (4 MSS) HQ filled their office with holiday cheer, starting with a stunning Christmas tree at the entrance and continuing with tinsel, baubles, and stockings overflowing with goodies for every member. Their desks were dressed in festive finery, creating a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere.

401 Tactical Fighter Squadron Canteen – Team Spirit Award
The 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron (401 TFS) Canteen displayed a playful holiday side with inflatables, a split Christmas tree (the other half showcased at Club 41’s Festival of Trees), and individually wrapped ceiling tiles addressed to squadron members. Their creativity and camaraderie earned them the Team Spirit award.

2025 Penguin Trophy Champions – 1 Dental Unit
1 Dental Unit (1 DU) claimed the top prize with a themed office straight out of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Staff dressed as characters from the classic cartoon, featuring Yukon Cornelius’ sled and a very festive Rudolph (a dog standing in for the reindeer!). Their attention to detail, creativity, and holiday spirit earned them the coveted Penguin Trophy.

Congratulations to all participants!
“The Courier News Christmas Office Decorating Challenge wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and holiday cheer of every team,” said 4 Wing Personnel Support Programs (PSP) Corporate Services Manager Janae Wandler. “Congratulations to all the winners and participants for spreading the spirit of the season across CFB Cold Lake.”