This Arkansas Park Offers Free Christmas Train Rides Through Hundreds Of Glowing Lights

A miniature train rolls through a dazzling display of animated Christmas lights, and the ride costs nothing. Not a single dollar.

Donations are welcome, but nobody checks your wallet at the platform.

The route even runs through a glowing tunnel of lights. I think that tunnel alone would win over the grumpiest relative in the car.

On some nights, local groups hand out hot chocolate and cookies.

I like how this whole thing feels so wonderfully small-town. A city park in western Arkansas pulls off a holiday ride that many places would charge a fortune for.

Santa and Mrs. Claus have even popped in on select evenings.

I can see why families circle this on the calendar every December. The trains typically run most nights for nearly the whole month.

So the real question is simple. Which night will you pick?

All Aboard A Free Ride Through 85,000 Twinkling Lights

Free holiday fun is getting rare, which makes this ride feel like a small miracle. The Creekmore Holiday Express at Creekmore Park carries riders on a colorful loop through hundreds of animated holiday light displays.

No ticket booth stands between you and the magic. The ride is free, though donations are accepted and help keep the season merry.

The trains roll through a park decked out in moving, blinking holiday displays. Kids get to sit on a real miniature train while the scenery glows on both sides.

Grown-ups get a cozy break from holiday shopping lists.

I love that the experience works for almost every age. Toddlers can point at the lights while grandparents enjoy the slow, easy pace.

Teens might even pretend they are too cool for it, right up until the tunnel shows up.

Bring a warm coat because December evenings can get chilly in Arkansas. Gloves and a hat make the ride much more pleasant for little hands and ears.

A thermos of something warm never hurts either.

Plan to arrive with some patience and a camera ready. Glowing displays look fantastic from a moving train, especially when your kids are grinning in the foreground.

You Will Want To Save Your Breath For The Tunnel Of Lights

Some rides save the best for last, and the glowing tunnel is that kind of moment. The holiday train route includes a festive tunnel of lights wrapping riders in color.

Tunnels already feel exciting to kids. Add thousands of glowing bulbs, and you have instant gasps from the back seats.

This part of the ride makes a great photo spot too. Try turning off your flash so the lights show their true colors.

A steady hand helps since the train keeps moving.

Small children sometimes do better sitting on a grown-up’s lap here. They can look up and around without stretching out of their seats.

It also gives parents a front-row view of those wide-eyed reactions.

I think the tunnel is a big reason the Creekmore Holiday Express feels like more than a simple loop. It adds a little drama to an otherwise gentle trip.

The lights surround you instead of just sitting off to the side.

If your family rides more than once in a season, watch the tunnel from a new seat each time. Different angles make the colors feel fresh.

That’s a pretty easy way to stretch the fun.

Mark Your Calendar Before December Sneaks Up On You

Timing matters with this ride, so a quick calendar check saves headaches. The Holiday Express typically runs from December 1 through December 27.

Trains generally operate Monday through Saturday from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. That evening window means the lights are already glowing when you arrive.

Sundays are off, so don’t plan a weekend finale for that day. The ride also closes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Staff need holidays too, after all.

Those days after Christmas are a sneaky bonus. Kids are out of school, the presents are open, and everyone needs an outing.

A ride on December 26 can stretch the holiday spirit a little longer.

Weeknights can work well for families with young children. An early ride near 5:30 PM keeps bedtime on track.

Older kids may enjoy a later trip when the sky is fully dark.

Dates can shift slightly from year to year. Check the city of Fort Smith’s announcements before you load up the car.

A quick look ahead beats arriving to an empty platform and a backseat full of disappointed elves.

Santa, Mrs. Claus, And A Certain Green Grump Might Show Up

Special guests add a sprinkle of surprise to certain nights. Local organizations sometimes host activities at Creekmore Park during the Holiday Express season.

Depending on the night, that can mean hot chocolate, cookies, or visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Few things pair better with glowing lights than a warm cup and a sugar cookie.

Opening night has featured a tree lighting in past years. It has also included photo opportunities with the Grinch.

Yes, the famous holiday grump has posed for pictures here.

I find that combo hilarious in the best way. Your kids can meet Santa one week and the Grinch another.

That’s a well-rounded holiday education.

These extras vary from night to night, so they aren’t guaranteed. Watch the city’s announcements and local news for event details.

Planning around a special night can make the trip feel extra memorable.

The park also hosts Pancakes with the Grinch during the holiday season. That gives the green guy a second chance to win you over.

Breakfast with a cranky celebrity sounds like a story your kids will repeat for years.

Meet The Little Trains Behind The Big Holiday Smiles

Train fans, this part is for you. Creekmore Park keeps three miniature trains on hand.

One is a standard diesel train known as the Creekmore Express. It is the familiar workhorse many families picture when they think of this park.

Another is the #200 Electric Steam Engine, built by Western Train Company. That engine is currently awaiting restoration funds.

So if you’ve ever wondered where your donation might help, there’s a good hint.

I love that a city park takes care of a little fleet like this. It shows real pride in a tradition families clearly enjoy.

Miniature trains need upkeep, and that takes steady effort.

The track circles around the park, so you may spot it even outside the holiday season. Kids who ride in December often want to come back in spring.

That’s a pretty good problem to have.

Tossing a few dollars in the donation box during the Holiday Express feels extra meaningful once you know this. The ride stays free, and every gift supports the trains.

Maybe someday that electric engine will roll along the tracks again with your help.

Fort Smith Saves A Big Arkansas Honor For The Finish Line

Statewide holiday bragging rights belong here. In winter, Creekmore Park serves as the western terminus of the Arkansas Trail of Lights.

That trail links holiday light displays across many towns in Arkansas. Being one end of it is a pretty shiny title for a neighborhood park.

Road-trip families can use this to their advantage. Start or finish your holiday light tour right here in Fort Smith.

The free train makes a strong closing act after hours in the car.

I think this status says a lot about how seriously the city treats the season. Thousands of lights don’t hang themselves.

Crews put real work into making the park glow each year.

Walking the light paths is another option if the train line is busy. You can take your time and stop for photos whenever you like.

Lit tennis courts and a parking lot help make an evening stroll easier.

Combine the train with a slow walk for the full experience. Ride once for the thrill, then stroll for the details.

You’ll catch displays you missed while the train rolled by.

Finding The Park Is Easier Than Untangling Your Light Strands

Good news for anyone who dreads holiday traffic puzzles. Creekmore Park sits at 3301 S M St, Fort Smith, AR 72903.

It is one of Fort Smith’s four community parks. The location lands in the central part of town, which keeps the drive simple from most neighborhoods.

Look for the Fort Smith Public Library right across the street. That makes a handy landmark if your GPS gets moody.

It also gives book lovers a fun bonus stop.

The park opens daily at 6 AM and closes at 11 PM. Holiday train hours are separate, so plan around the 5:30 to 8:30 PM window.

The light displays turn on as evening arrives.

A parking lot serves the park, which helps on busy holiday nights. Arriving early gives you a better shot at a close spot.

Little legs appreciate a shorter walk in the cold.

Restrooms are available on site too. That detail matters more than people admit when kids drink hot chocolate.

Plan a quick stop before boarding, and everyone will enjoy the lights in peace.

Putt-Putt, Playgrounds, And A Pool Keep The Fun Rolling Year-Round

December gets the spotlight, but the park works hard all year. Creekmore Park offers putt-putt mini golf, playgrounds, and a pool.

Tennis courts and walking trails round out the active options. A boardwalk adds a pleasant spot for a slow stroll.

The community center gives the park a place for indoor gatherings. That can be handy for families planning parties or events.

Restrooms help make longer visits easier.

Plenty of tall trees provide shade during hot Arkansas summers. That makes a picnic or playground visit much more comfortable.

Your kids can climb while you rest in the cool spots.

I like that the park suits different energy levels. Active kids can burn off steam on the playground.

Calmer folks can loop the walking trail at their own pace.

Mini golf brings out a friendly competitive streak in almost everyone. Expect at least one family member to claim the course is rigged.

That’s half the fun.

Visiting in summer is a smart way to scout the park before the holidays. You’ll know your way around when the lights come on.

Come Back In October When The Train Gets Spooky

Christmas isn’t the only season with a train party. Creekmore Park also hosts a Halloween Express in October.

That means your family can make the park a twice-a-year tradition. Spooky season in fall, twinkly season in winter.

Not a bad lineup.

Kids who love costumes will probably beg for this one. Riding a little train in October feels different from the bright December loop.

The mood shifts from cozy to playfully eerie.

I think seasonal rides like these help kids build real memories. They start counting down to the next event as soon as one ends.

Parents get easy, budget-friendly outings to plan around.

Event details can change each year, so keep an eye on city announcements. Dates, times, and activities may vary.

Checking ahead helps you avoid surprises.

Pancakes with the Grinch adds yet another reason to visit during the holidays. Between that, the Holiday Express, and the Halloween ride, the calendar fills up fast.

Fort Smith clearly enjoys giving families reasons to gather.

So enjoy those glowing December lights, then pencil in October. The little train in this Arkansas park will be ready for its next costume change.