Free Music and Performance Events for Christmas in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The chill of winter has begun to permeate the old west town of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and the locals are kicking up their hills in holiday revelry! A plethora of Christmas traditions, both old and new, are at the peak of the season, many of which are free to the public.

Dec. 7 - 5:00 p.m.: Grand Avenue Baptist Church will put on "Christmas Night of Praise" for one and all. Revel in an evening of music revolved around Christ's birth. This event will feature the Grand Family Choir, the children's choir, and the Grand Family Orchestra.

Dec. 7 - 6:00 p.m.: Mystery of the Manger will be portrayed at the East Side Baptist Church, as the children's choir re-enacts the Christmas Story through words, visuals, and song.

Dec. 7 - 6:00 p.m. Sleigh Bells Swing at Harvest Time! Traditional Christmas music, as well as contemporary holiday favorites set to smooth, dulcet tones of jazz. The local "jazz king," Don Bailey, as well as many other jazz artists will give special, one of a kind performances for you and your family. The sets take you from the Glenn Miller Orchestra era of Big Band, to the modern sounds of Christmas swing and jazz. Sway to the beat of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas", or tap your feet to the melodious Sammy Nestico and Dave Wolpe, showcased in two hours of music! Don't miss it!

Dec. 8 - 7:00 p.m.: Watch the "Memories of Elvis Concert Christmas Show" at Butterfield Place Retirement Community, as one of the midwest's top Elvis impersonators swings his hips and sings to Christmas classics and several Elvis hits. Refreshments will be served. Although this event will be free to anyone who wishes to come, reservations will be required.

Also, The Southside Band Christmas Concert will be ongoing at the Southside High School Auditorium. Wondrous music of the season will be performed with features by the Southside High School Rebel Band. KFSM-TV's Daren Bobb will narrate "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Dec. 9 - 7:00 p.m.: The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Stubblefield Center and Campus Green will display a Season's Greetings Concert and Campus Lighting event not to be missed! UA-Fort Smith will give a huge Christmas gift to the community this year, beginning with the Season's Greetings Concert. The concert, in addition to the lighting display of the entire campas this holiday season, will begin in Stubblefield Center. Not only will admission be free, but UA-Fort Smith will give away five $500 scholarships throughout the evening. Three of these scholarships will go to currently enrolled UA-Fort Smith students, and two will be given to high school seniors. All students may register for the scholarships at the door, and all recipients must be present in order to win. The concert was originally going to cost each attendee $6 in admission, but the charge has been waived. There for the enjoyment of the public will be the Symphonic Band, Jazz Catz, UA-Fort Smith Chorale, and the Women's Chorus. Others on the program include: Brass Ensemble, faculty member in concert, and the annual rendition by Don Bailey on saxophone. Santa will even be included in the festivities! Take a ride through the light displays in your car, or on an available golf cart.

Further events may be planned in the weeks ahead, so keep an eye out for more Christmas cheer! Happy Holidays!