Kick off the Christmas holidays in charming small town style! The air is festive throughout the day with live music featuring local choirs at the gazebo, plenty of food, drinks, fellowship and fun. New this year is a Volksmarch through Smithville and the dedication of the monument of the Guinness World Record Largest Gingerbread Man; keep reading for details.

5K FUN RUN

The day begins with an invigorating 5K Fun Run through the streets of Smithville chasing the Gingerbread man. Cost is $10 to run which includes a T-shirt that attests you can “Run, run as fast as you can…You can’t catch the Smithville Gingerbread Man!” (T-shirts while they last, so hurry and sign up!)

ARTS & CRAFTS, ARTISANS BOOTHS

After the fun run, the arts and crafts market will be open for business at the Smithville Recreation Center and on Main Street while the Lost Pines Artisans Alliance also holds their art event featuring one-of-a-kind items on Main Street.

ANN POWELL EXPRESS TRAIN

To get around, just hop a ride on the Ann Powell Express, Smithville’s roving train through town.

KIDS FEST (AND FOR THOSE YOUNG AT HEART!)

For the kids, there is a free expanded Children’s Fest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with game booths, contests, face painting, bounce house, and petting zoo. There will also be pony rides and the new tricycle races, for younger kids up to adults. While the kids are smiling, zip over to the gazebo area for a photo with Santa and use our "gingerbread family" facade for a fun novelty photo. While you’re busy shopping the holiday market at the Rec Center, there are crafts for the children such as gingerbread house decorating and tree decoration for a fee.

VOLKSMARCH THROUGH HISTORIC SMITHVILLE

From noon to 3 p.m., the Festival of Lights Volksmarch through Historic Smithville will be held, with an ending time of 6 p.m. A sanctioned 11km/5km walk through town, the event is hosted by the Smithville Volkssport Club, AVA-947. The event is noncompetitive and everyone participating MUST register and carry a Start Card and turn it in at the FINISH Table. Register at Smithville City Hall, 317 Main Street. The walk goes through the historic district; down Main Street with its unique antique and specialty shops; and by the Railroad Park and Museum. Walkers will see the recently unveiled “Gingerbread Man” Monument that commemorates Smithville for baking the World’s Largest Gingerbread Man by the 2006 Guinness Book of World Records. Included on the tour are several sites which appeared in the films, “Hope Floats” (1998) and “Tree of Life” (to be released in 2009). The route is considered “Medium” difficulty for wheelchairs and is suitable for strollers. The trail rating is #1. For IVV Credit Only: $3.00. Walk Only: FREE

ANNUAL LIGHTED PARADE WITH SANTA

The annual lighted parade begins just after dark. There is no cost to be a part of the parade, you just have to register ahead of time with the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce. The event is even broadcast on the Internet so that our friends from far away don’t miss a single glimmering bulb. The parade is concluded with Santa waving from atop the city’s fire engine and wishing everyone a “Merry Christmas!”

FREE MAIN STREET DANCE

After the parade, get pumped for the free Main Street Dance near the gazebo. Music of all kinds is played for enjoyment and fun. A day just doesn’t get much better than this! Enjoy.