Arkansas

Thanks to Arkansas’ mild climate, you’ll never find a shortage of attractions and things to do each winter in The Natural State. That’s especially true during the holidays when the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights glistens across the state. Cities and towns across Arkansas get into the spirit, decking the halls and bringing people together.

Garvan Woodland Gardens

HOT SPRINGS – The botanical garden of the University of Arkansas is located in the picturesque Ouachita Mountains of Southwest Arkansas. Here, the gardens are lit up for the holiday season with its annual Holiday Lights display from 4-9 p.m. through Dec. 31.  The Gardens are a wonderful gift to all people from local industrialist and philanthropist Verna Cook Garvan. Garvan Woodland Gardens is an example of The Natural State at its best: a canopy of pines reaching skyward providing protection for delicate flora and fauna, gentle lapping waves that unfold along the 4 ½ miles of wooded shoreline, and rocky inclines that remind us of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.

Parade of Lights

EUREKA SPRINGS – One of Eureka’s favorite parades is this year’s Parade of Lights rolling in at 6 p.m. through the beautifully decorated downtown streets with floats, walkers, bands and thousands of lights. This year’s theme is: A Boardgame Christmas. If you would like to be judged, you must register to receive a number. We have gotten confirmation from the North Pole that Santa will definitely be here for the parade, so please no other Santa Claus’ The town transforms into a winter wonderland, with dazzling festive lights illuminating its historic streets. Embrace the true essence of a small-town Christmas as locals share their heartfelt hospitality and holiday cheer. This beloved community event is perfect for all ages and is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Visit www.eurekaspringschamber.com for more information and to make sure you don’t miss a moment of the holiday fun.

Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights

SHERWOOD – The Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights in Sherwood, Arkansas, offers a magical drive-through holiday experience now through December 30, 2024. Located at the Sherwood Sports Complex on 420 Dee Jay Hudson Drive, this event showcases over a mile of festive light displays. Visitors can enjoy the spectacle from 5 p.m. to midnight nightly, with no need to make advanced reservations.  Enough time will be given to complete the trail. Admission to the Trail of Lights is totally free as before, but donations are encouraged to help fund future displays and support local food pantries through non-perishable food contributions. Each visitor receives a candy cane as a sweet holiday gesture. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season and support the community​

Bald Knob Trail of Lights

BALD KNOB INDUSTRIAL PARK – Foothills Lane Of Lights Invites You to Join Our Community, and Let the Twinkle of the 100,000+ Lights Take You Back to the Heart of Christmas in Dixie where the Unmistakable Spirit of Family and Our Faith in Jesus Christ, brings You an Old Fashioned Christmas. FREE to the community. Dates and times for the Lights Display is now through Dec. 31 and open from dusk until dawn. Special events scheduled are as follows: December 9-10, 16-17 from 5-10 p.m., free cookies, coffee, hot chocolate and wassil will be provided to visitors. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be present with gifts for the children and live characters in full costumes will delight their audience.

Holiday Glow

RUSSELLVILLE – On Dec. 13 from 6-9 p.m. come and join in the fun while enjoying the holiday lights. Bring the whole family to enjoy holiday décor and lights, a Cocoa Sip & Stroll, live music, artwork, and a drop-off for letters to Santa. We’ll also have fireworks after dark! It will be a perfect night full of Santa-approved fun for everyone.