Van Buren's Christmas at the Parks
Visitors can experience holiday light displays across two community locations in Van Buren. At Freedom Park, guests can walk around the 40-foot-tall Freedom Christmas Tree featuring lights synchronized to music, skate at the adjacent ice rink, and find photo opportunities leading toward Historic Main Street. At Dr. Louis Peer Memorial Park, guests can take a three-quarter-mile drive through hundreds of thousands of lights, an 85-foot-long light tunnel, and dozens of animated displays.
What to Expect
Drive-thru light tunnel and musical 40-foot tree across two parks.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Van Buren
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Van Buren
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday light enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Tips & Advice
- Visit both Freedom Park and Dr. Louis Peer Memorial Park to experience the walk-through display and the separate drive-through show.
- At Freedom Park, look for the ice-skating rink in the parking lot just east of the Freedom Christmas Tree.
- Bring warm layers for the outdoor displays and ice rink, especially if you plan to spend time walking or skating.
- Set aside time for the three-quarter-mile drive-through at Dr. Louis Peer Memorial Park, which includes a long light tunnel and animated displays.
- Bring a camera or phone for the downtown photo opportunities stretching from Historic Main Street to the Crawford County Courthouse.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see at Freedom Park?
Freedom Park is a walk-through display built around the Freedom Christmas Tree, a 40-foot artificial tree whose lights dance to music. Festive photo spots run from Historic Main Street to the Crawford County Courthouse.
Can we see the lights without leaving the car?
Yes. Dr. Louis Peer Memorial Park has a three-quarter-mile drive-through show. It has hundreds of thousands of lights, an 85-foot light tunnel and over 50 animated displays.
Is there ice skating?
Yes. The rink is in the parking lot just east of the Freedom Christmas Tree, and all of its proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Club of Van Buren.
Are any of the old Hodo displays still around?
Yes. Richard Hodo donated his lights to the city, and several of his displays are part of the drive-through show at Dr. Louis Peer Memorial Park.
How can a business sponsor the event?
The City of Van Buren offers sponsorship opportunities for Christmas at the Parks through its Christmas at the Parks page.
More Christmas Events Near Van Buren
More Christmas Events near Van Buren
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.