Official Kids Mag December 2025 | Page 20

Make family memories at hometown Christmas parades and festivities

Don’ t miss these mostly-free holiday celebrations and traditions
FORT SMITH
Dec. 1-24
5:30-8:30 p. m.
Creekmore Express Holiday Train
The Creekmore Holiday Express is a colorful miniature train journey through the hundreds of animated lights adorning Creekmore Park during the holidays. This free family ride is a tradition for many in the River Valley. Creekmore Park, 3301 South M Street
SPRINGDALE
Dec 4
6:30 p. m.
Lights of the Ozarks Parade
The historic Fayetteville Square is illuminated with thousands of holiday lights throughout the season. Dec. 4 is the annual holiday parade, traveling along East Avenue, clockwise around the square and north on Block Avenue. After the parade, Mr. and Mrs. Santa greet visitors at Santa’ s Workshop near the corner of Center Street and East Avenue. Along with the dazzling display of twinkle lights, each night in December offers a festive selection of seasonal activities, holiday music, winter treats, hot cocoa, and vendors on the Downtown Square.
VAN BUREN
Dec. 4-7
A Christmas Carol
Every other December, the historic King Opera House in downtown Van Buren transforms into Victorian London. For twenty years,
A Christmas Carol has been the heart of the River Valley’ s holiday season, brought to life by the Earthen Vessels Drama Company, a ministry of Shady Grove Baptist Church. It is one of the area’ s most cherished traditions, drawing near-capacity crowds for six performances every other year. Directed by Jolene Barker, each performance features exquisite period costumes and choral arrangements. Tickets: $ 5( Nov 1 – 29), $ 6( week of show) available at Arts on Main or evdrama. com. King Opera House, 427 Main Street.
VAN BUREN
Dec. 4-10 and Dec. 12
Van Buren Holiday Express Train Rides
Enjoy the unique holiday experience of riding the A & M Railroad’ s vintage passenger train from the historic Van Buren Train Depot to Rudy on a magical one-hour round trip excursion. Once aboard enjoy twinkling lights, holiday music, stories and even a visit with Santa himself. Cocoa and cookies served. Also known as the Pajama Train, this trip is a chance to make holiday family photos. Schedule( times vary by day) and tickets are available at 479-725-4017 or amtrainrides. com. Van Buren Train Depot, 813 Main Street.
ROGERS
Dec. 5
6:30 p. m.
Hometown Christmas Parade
Parade begins at Fifth Street and Cherry Streets, heads east on Cherry, north
Siloam Springs Christmas Parade
on Third Street, and east on Poplar Street. Parade entries will compete for trophies in four categories:“ Spectacular Sparkles Award,” for an outstanding illumination;“ Elfin Magic Award” for most impressively featuring children;“ Glory of Angels Award” to the best illustration of a religious theme;“ Knock Your Stockings Off Award” to the entry with the most outstanding use of the theme. Downtown.
FORT SMITH
Dec. 6
10 a. m.-5 p. m.
Holly Jolly Trolley Ride
Make a memory with a ride on a restored electric streetcar, through downtown Fort Smith. At the terminal, enjoy free hot chocolate and sweets. See elaborate model railroad displays and other exhibits. Trolley Rides: $ 5 for adults, $ 3 for children. Fort Smith Trolley
Museum, 100 S 4th St.
FORT SMITH
Dec. 6
RAM Holiday Art Party
11 a. m. to 3 p. m
Enjoy making creative holiday crafts, cookies, and a fun photo backdrop. Meet Santa and capture memories! This free, family-friendly event offers something for all ages, so take the whole family for a day of festive fun, art and cheer!
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue.
FAYETTEVILLE
Dec. 6
Hot Cocoa with Santa
This free community event features a magnificent hot cocoa bar with
20 • December 2025 • www. OfficialKidsMag. com