From downtown light displays to hometown parades, Fort Smith becomes a festive wonderland that both visitors and locals love. There's something truly special about the holiday season in the River Valley along the Western Border. Whether you're here for a weekend trip or celebrating the season at home, this guide to Christmas in Fort Smith will show you how magical this time of year can be. Let's unwrap the fun!
5 Holiday Photo Opps in Fort Smith
Capture the joy, make a new family tradition, and share your favorite moments on social media. These are spots in Fort Smith that are perfect stops for fun seasonal snapshots.
World's Largest Christmas Pickle at Chaffee Crossing - Yes, it's a thing and yes, you need a selfie with it!
7300 Wells Lake Road
Library Book Tree - Head to the local library and find that charming holiday-themed display, perfect for a cozy holiday reading photo. Don’t miss their holiday open house!
3201 Rogers Avenue
Picture with Santa at Christmas Winter Wonderland - Bring the kids (or just your inner kid) for a festive moment with Santa in Fort Smith.
7300 Wells Lake Road (Chaffee Crossing)
"Season’s Greetings" sign in Creekmore Park - A dramatic, glowing backdrop for your holiday memory, especially after dusk.
3301 S. M Street
Must-Do Holiday Experiences in Fort Smith
From festive parades to holiday markets and historic house tours, if you're searching for Christmas events in the River Valley, this section has you covered. We might overlook a few pop-up events, but this list highlights fun ways to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season in Fort Smith, whether you're a local or looking for a great way to enjoy Christmas in Arkansas.
Holiday Card Workshop at the RAM
Friday, Nov. 14 | 3:00–5:00 p.m. | $15 per student
RAM | 1601 Rogers Avenue
More Information and Purchase Tickets
Create a keepsake, share some laughter, and get in the holiday spirit. Join the workshop with a 30-minute demo and an hour and a half for hands-on creation, where you can design up to four cards.
Christmas Parade on Garrison Avenue
Saturday, Dec. 13 | 3:00 p.m. | along Garrison Avenue
presented by the City of Fort Smith and the Downtown Business Association
online details
Sugar Plum Fairy Tea
Nov. 23 | 2:00–4:00 p.m.
100 North B Street
More Details
A delightful holiday event hosted by the Western Arkansas Ballet, where children can wander through a magical wonderland, meet characters, enjoy holiday treats and sip tea. VIP experiences and tickets are available for purchase in advance.
Creekmore Express at Creekmore Park
December | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
3301 S M Street
More information
Grab your hot chocolate, bundle up, and ride the holiday steam train through holiday lights. This free, family-friendly event is a highlight of the Fort Smith holiday experience.
Christmas Winter Wonderland
Weekends in December
7300 Wells Lake Rd
More information
Where do we even start with this one! If you've never experienced this in Fort Smith, you're missing out. The event features: pictures with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, Santa's Express Train, Christmas movies, appearances by Anna and Elsa, Rudolph, Frosty, cookies, hot cocoa, huge Christmas displays and an amazing gift store.
Christmas Honors Wreaths Ceremony at the Fort Smith National Cemetery
Friday Dec. 6 | Wreath Workshop | 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7 | Laying of Wreaths | 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
National Cemetery | 522 Garland Avenue
More information
Honor, remember, and embrace the true meaning of the season. Join other volunteers as they prepare and place wreaths on each soldier's gravestone in Fort Smith National Cemetery. The ceremony, Saturday at 11:00 a.m., is filled with beauty, reverence, and honor as you see all the graves adorned with wreaths and bright red bows.
Fort Smith Holiday Home Tour
Sunday, Dec. 7 | noon – 4:00 p.m.
Event Details
An annual holiday event hosted by the Junior League. This self-guided historic homes tour allows visitors to view family residences and iconic destinations decorated in their holiday best. It consistently fosters a warm community atmosphere.
Sleigh bells are ringing, are you listening? Our annual parade down Garrison Ave. is your ticket to holiday cheer. Expect floats that sparkle, bands that roar and Santa spreading joy.
Holiday Shopping Experiences
Shopping locally makes the season even more special. Explore Fort Smith's unique shops and boutiques to find one-of-a-kind gifts, holiday décor, and share the spirit of giving.
These are a few of our favorite stops!
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Hometown Market Days – Nov. 7-8 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fort Smith Convention Center – a Branson, MO shopping experience pop-up in Fort Smith, with over 125 booths filled with vintage boutique finds and holiday gifts. Learn more and purchase tickets.
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Creative Kitchen - tablescapes & home décor
309 Garrison Avenue – perfect for holiday dinners and counter-top styling as well, and pre-prepped meals and desserts. -
St. Boniface Church Christkindlmarkt – Dec. 6 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
St. Boniface Church, 1820 North B Street - a charming old-world, German holiday market featuring vendors, German food and holiday music. Learn More -
Christmas in the Woods Holiday Market – Dec. 6 | 10:00 a.m.
1411 Maple Shade Road, Alma – a fundraiser for Ridgeline Church's Missions ministry with vendors, food and holiday magic.
Each of these shopping events helps support local businesses and gives visitors an authentic Fort Smith holiday shopping experience.
Holiday Performances & Shows
For many, nothing says "seasonal magic" like a holiday performance of Christmas and holiday music. Fort Smith brings both tradition and spectacle to the stage.
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Fort Smith Christmas Chorale Holiday Concert
Dec. 4 | 7:30 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 200 N 15th Street
Tickets and more information. -
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Dec. 6 | ArcBest Performing Arts Center
Tickets and more information. -
Closed for the Holiday
Dec. 11-13 | Fort Smith Little Theater
Tickets and more information. -
Nutcracker
Dec. 13-14 | Western Arkansas Ballet
Tickets and more information -
Keyboards at Christmas
Sat, Dec. 13 at 2:30 p.m. & Sun, Dec. 14 | 6:30 p.m.
Oak Cliff Baptist Church, 3701 South Gary Street
Free admission. -
Majestic Theater Dec. schedule
817 Garrison Avenue
Plus, many local churches and venues offer faith-based musical experiences to complete the whole Christmas holiday atmosphere in Fort Smith.
Other Fort Smith Experiences with a Holiday Twist
Even the year-round favorites in Fort Smith get a holiday makeover, transforming the experience of touring our year-round local museums and historic destinations.
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Enjoy holiday pastries and warm drinks at local coffee shops, a perfect break from shopping or exploring.
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Bars, wineries, and lounges serving festive cocktails and live music, with holiday lighting and seasonal sounds, are popular among the young and the young-at-heart.
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Vintage shopping, especially at places like Belle Starr Antiques & Vintage Market, brings a change to scenery with nostalgic ornaments & home décor that carry memories.
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Explore downtown, where a walk feels magical under twinkling Christmas lights. Christmas is a special time to enjoy outdoor murals and public art with a hot drink and your warm winter coat or a stocking cap.
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Hiking and biking trails feel different in winter: frost, early sunsets, and quiet trails make for a peaceful holiday nature outing.
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Holiday open houses at local museums – seasonal décor transforms the known experience with trees, garlands and holiday attire. Check for special holiday hours and events.
From the glow of downtown lights to children's laughter riding the holiday train, Fort Smith boosts holiday cheer in both magnificent and charming ways. Whether you're visiting for a few days or making it a seasonal tradition at home, these experiences will fill you with joy, warmth and a touch of festive magic. Let the spirit of Fort Smith Christmas boost your holiday spirit, grab your coat, your camera, and your hot chocolate, and let the holiday adventure begin!
