December Events Taking Place in the Arkansas River Valley

Jill M. Rohrbach, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

Note to the Print and Broadcast Media: In order to better serve your needs and to keep you from getting extremely long documents from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, we have decided to break down our Travelin’ Arkansas release into regions organized by date. This way you will be able to look only at the areas you are interested in covering. The territories covered in Travelin' Arkansas adhere to the six geographical regions found in the Arkansas Tour Guide. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: [email protected] or 501-682-7606.

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Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville offers guided winter lake cruises annually. The cruise provides a chance to see the American Bald Eagle, as well as other birds inhabiting the area, such as White Pelicans, Snow Geese, and ducks. Dress very warmly. The temperatures and winds can be more severe on the lake. Also, in case of inclement weather, call one hour before tour time for possible cancellations. Space is limited on the boat. The eagle tour is free. Call 479-967-5516 for details.

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Van Buren’s historic Main Street becomes a lively history lesson on Dec. 4. Merchants have live window displays depicting Van Buren’s colorful past. Visit www.vanburen.org or call 479-474-0332 for more information.

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Embrace your inner sweet tooth as chefs from Winthrop Rockefeller Institute’s River Rock Grill teach you how to make classic desserts that can stand alone or serve as a grand finale to a beautiful meal. “Dessert First” is the name of the Dec. 4 and 11 Saturday Chef’s Series at this attraction located atop Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton. Visit www.uawri.org/educational-programs/culinary-arts/saturday-chefs-series or call 501-727-5435 for more information.

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The Fort Smith Museum of History celebrates 100 years with a birthday party on Dec. 10. Established on Dec. 10, 1910 as the Old Commissary Museum, it has been in continuous operation ever since, despite a name change. Enjoy cake and punch at an old-fashioned birthday party in the museum's soda fountain from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.fortsmithmuseum.com or call 479-783-7841 for details.

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From Dec. 17-19 in Clarksville, you can enjoy a nightly Lighted Boat Parade. At 6 p.m. at Spadra Marina, children of all ages can view this spectacular display of lighted boats cruising down the Arkansas River. Park your cars on the bluffs of Spadra Park, located off Exit 58 on Interstate 40. Visit www.spadramarina.com or call 479-754-5021 for details.

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Enjoy Christmas on the Mountain on Dec. 18 at Mount Nebo State Park in Dardanelle. This event offers a reflection of the traditions and history of the old days on the peak. Refreshments are served and at 2:30 p.m. Santa arrives in his old-world dress. Prizes are given to all of the children. Admission is free. Visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/mountnebo or phone 479-229-3655 for more information.

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Celebrate the shortest day in the year, Dec. 21, on the Winter Solstice Full Moon Cruise at Lake Fort Smith State Park in Mountainburg. This is a leisurely open-air boat ride. Dress warmly and bring a thermos of hot beverage along for this cool moonlit adventure.

The park also offers a New Year’s Eve Cruise on Dec. 31. Both cruises are on Frog Bayou.

Reservations are suggested, and may be made by calling 479-369-2469. These are weather dependent programs. The cost for either cruise is $8.50 for adults, and $4.50 for children ages 6-12. Visit www.arkansasstateparks.com for more information about the park.