Van Buren's Christmas at the Parks

The City of Van Buren is hosting its 6^th Annual Christmas at the Parks from November 21, 2025, to January 1, 2026.  For over two decades, Mr. Richard Hodo’s Christmas lights attracted tens of thousands of visitors to Van Buren. And after graciously donating his lights to the City of Van Buren, the beloved Christmas tradition continues!

The light and music show will take place in two locations – Freedom Park in downtown and Dr. Louis Peer Memorial City Park.  Freedom Park is a walk-thru display featuring the Freedom Christmas Tree, a 35-foot-tall artificial tree with lights that dance to music.  There will also be an ice-skating rink located in the parking lot just east of the Freedom Christmas Tree.  All the proceeds from the ice-skating rink will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Van Buren. Downtown will be lit up like never before, with several fun and festive photo opportunities spanning from Historic Main Street to the Crawford County Courthouse.  

The second location to view the Christmas lights is inside Dr. Louis Peer Memorial Park.  The three-quarter mile drive-thru show features hundreds of thousands of lights, a 85-foot-long light tunnel, and over 50 animated displays, including several that were previously featured at the Hodo’s.  This is a one-of-a-kind holiday event in our area that thousands of vehicles each year.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please click this link.