Christmas & Holiday Events in the River Valley
Discover festive events, holiday shopping, family fun, and Christmas traditions happening throughout Fort Smith, Van Buren, and the River Valley this season.
Spirit of the Season Holiday Market
November 13-14
π Sanctuary Pentecostal Church
3631 Jenny Lind Road, Fort Smith
Kick off the holiday season at the Spirit of the Season Holiday Market. Browse local vendors offering unique gifts, handmade items, holiday dΓ©cor, delicious food, and plenty of festive cheer.
Hours
- Friday, November 13: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, November 14: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
VFW Holiday Craft Fair
November 14-15
π Robert Jack VFW Post
23 North 20th Street, Van Buren
Find handmade crafts, artwork, gifts, holiday dΓ©cor, and more from local vendors at this annual holiday craft fair.
Hours
- Saturday, November 14: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday, November 15: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Van Buren Holiday Open House
November 13-14
π Historic Downtown Van Buren
The Old Town Merchants Association invites you to explore the charm of downtown Van Buren during its annual Holiday Open House. Shop local boutiques, browse antiques, enjoy dining, and find one-of-a-kind gifts.
Hours
- Friday, November 13: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, November 14: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
22nd Annual Mercy Turkey Day Run
November 26
π The Barracks at Chaffee, Fort Smith
Start your Thanksgiving Day with a fun and healthy tradition. Participants can run or walk the 5K course while helping support preventive care through fitness.
Event Highlights
- 5K Run/Walk
- Event T-shirt
- Finisher medal
- Pie prizes for winners
- Best individual and group costume awards
Registration Fee: $25
Race Start: 8:00 AM
Downtown Fort Smith Cocoa Crawl & Tree Lighting
November 30
π Downtown Fort Smith
Enjoy Fort Smith’s first-ever Cocoa Crawl with a family-friendly stroll through participating downtown businesses while sampling hot cocoa and apple cider.
Event Details
- Cocoa Crawl: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- First 100 participants receive a free mug
- Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony: 5:00 PM
- Christmas Caroling at Cisterna Park
German Christmas Market
December 5
π St. Boniface Catholic Church
Experience a traditional German Christmas celebration featuring local vendors, holiday shopping, authentic food, and special holiday guests.
Featured Foods
- Bratwurst
- Potato Salad
- Sauerkraut
- Homemade Apple Strudel
Special Guests
- Saint Nicholas: 10:00 AM – Noon
- Mr. & Mrs. Claus: Noon – 2:00 PM
9th Annual Jingle & Mingle Hot Cocoa Crawl
December 5
π Historic Downtown Main Street, Van Buren
Hosted by the Old Town Merchants Association, this popular holiday event combines shopping, treats, and festive fun throughout historic downtown.
Schedule
- Event Kickoff: 10:00 AM
- Hot Cocoa & Cookie Crawl: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Bonus
- Enter for a chance to win a $200 Shopping Spree
20th Annual Keyboards at Christmas
December 12-13
π Oak Cliff Baptist Church
3701 South Gary Street, Fort Smith
Celebrate the season with this annual Christmas music presentation featuring talented pianists and holiday favorites.
Performance Times
- December 12: 2:30 PM
- December 13: 6:30 PM
Admission
- Free
