Arkansas Trail of
H OL I DAY L I GH T S
Discover a winter wonderland in Arkansas.
Mark your calendars. The fun begins the week of Thanksgiving.
Let this brochure be your guide to a variety of festivities, as well
as winter travel ideas. Create new holiday traditions with your
friends and family or continue old ones. Additional information is
available at Arkansas.com/TrailofHolidayLights .
For more ideas on winter vacations, order your FREE Arkansas
Vacation Planning Kit online at Arkansas.com or by calling
1-800-NATURAL .
SCAN WITH MOBILE QR
READER FOR MORE INFO.
Discover
the wonder of winter
Mount Victoria B&B, Eureka Springs
City Scenes
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville
Eureka Springs
The quaint Victorian Village of
is a favorite escape
for shopping, dining and spas in its downtown. Colorful B&Bs provide
a comfortable stay, while historic hotels offer the opulence of a bygone era.
Ask about winter rates and packages.
Hot Springs is a fun getaway filled with history, arts, culture and entertainment.
Children’s Christmas Train,
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
Good cheer is in the air all
across Arkansas. Well after
the holidays, the twinkle
lights linger, as does the
bright spirit of the season.
Stroll through downtown
city streets, and discover
great restaurants, museums,
galleries, theaters and
Stroll through downtown Hot Springs, and discover museums, galleries, spas,
shops, restaurants, music venues and historic hotels. Unique attractions include a
botanical garden on a pristine lake and a racetrack with live Thoroughbred racing
beginning in mid-January and electronic gaming year-round.
Little Rock
Downtown
offers great shopping, restaurant and nightlife, as well
as music, museums and performing arts. Must-see attractions include the
Clinton Presidential Center, Esse Purse Museum, Museum of Discovery
and Old State House Museum – all within walking distance or a trolley ride
away. The Arkansas Capitol is a beautiful sight with its holiday lights and
impressive Christmas tree on display. The Arkansas Repertory Theatre
presents Elf, a comedy adapted from the popular Hollywood film, from
December 3-28. Ballet Arkansas presents The Nutcracker December 12-14.
music venues.
A proper tour of the Boston Mountains awaits you aboard the Arkansas
and Missouri Railroad. Travel by vintage railcar with excursions from Van
Buren to Winslow through December 31 (Fridays and Saturdays) and Fort
Smith to Winslow, January 15 through March 19 (Saturdays only). Children’s
Christmas Train Rides from Springdale to Johnson take place on Saturday,
December 6 and Monday, December 8. While you’re in Northwest Arkansas,
tour Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and view the current
exhibit State of the Art: Discovering American Art Now on display through
January 19. Stroll through the charming Bentonville town square with shops,
restaurants and the Walmart Museum. Plan a luxurious stay at the modern
21c Museum Hotel, and dine in its much-acclaimed restaurant, The Hive.
Oaklawn Racing & Gaming, Hot Springs
Esse Purse Museum, Little Rock
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars,
Wiederkehr Village
The Lodge at Mount Magazine State Park, Paris
Cozy Stays
Warm up
to winter travel
Hobbit Cave at Oak Crest, Eureka Springs
Tucked away in the quiet woodlands, perched on a majestic mountaintop or
nestled alongside a rushing river or placid lake, there’s a cozy cabin, secluded
lodge or charming B&B waiting for you. Cuddle up in front of a crackling fire.
Enjoy your morning coffee on the porch. With endless adventures in all
directions, take time to slow down and enjoy the serenity that surrounds.
Winter in Arkansas is a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors while hunting and
fishing or hiking and biking. Fishing trips are popular on the Buffalo, Little
Red and White rivers. Boat rentals, guide services, cabins and resorts are
located along these beloved streams. Lakeside cabins also offer a peaceful
escape. Plan an easy hike, and take in clear views of crystalline waters.
Every place has a story in the Delta. Rose Dale Farm Bed and Breakfast
is located in Piggott near the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum, the site of the
barn studio where Ernest Hemingway wrote portions of A Farewell to Arms.
This fully restored 1917 home is situated on 18 acres of pastoral farmland.
Hemingway is said to have stopped in at the home after his hunting expeditions
to enjoy a sip of bourbon with the original owner, much to the owner’s wife’s dismay.
Mount Nebo State Park,
Dardanelle
Elk near Ponca
Postmaster Grill, Camden
When it comes to vacations in Arkansas, spring, summer and
fall get all of the glory, but some of the best views – and values
– can be found during the winter months. Mild temperatures
make outdoor adventures possible year-round. Experience your
favorite activities, like hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing and
In Arkansas, you’ll find a variety of options for cabins,
cottages and lodges with a range of amenities for your style
and budget. Nestled in private locations, national forests
and scenic state parks, Arkansas cabins are perfect for
outdoor enthusiasts looking for rustic accommodations with
endless adventures right outside their front door. Check for
availability online at Arkansas.com/places-to-stay and
Arkansasstateparks.com where you can search by
amenity, such as river view and fireplace.
camping, during the low-season when trails, lakes, rivers,
mountains and state parks are quiet. Bundle up for an early
Little Missouri River
morning float. Feel the cool air on your cheeks on a brisk bike
ride. Bring your camera to capture scenery as you’ve never seen
Hemingway-Pfeiffer
Museum, Piggott
it. Come in from the cold, and discover lots of fun indoors at
area attractions as well. Plan your stay around a seasonal
event, or use the trip to unwind after the holidays.
Duck hunting, Stuttgart
Northwest
F
estive parades, home tours, ice-skating
and dazzling lights displays await you
and your family in cities and towns
throughout the region. A popular vacation
destination year-round, the Ozarks are
even more magical at Christmastime.
Walking in
a Winter Wonderland
Bentonville
1
through lights presentation featuring over
40,000 lights at the Alma City Water Park
November 28 through December 25. The park will open at 5 p.m. and close at
10 p.m. each evening. Free to the public, donations are appreciated and will be
given to feed the hungry through the Alma Community Outreach Center. For more
information, contact Eldon Mushrush at 479-414-9218.
More than 60 communities join in the fun as Arkansas transforms
into a winter wonderland beginning the week of Thanksgiving,
all through the Christmas season and into the New Year.
Cities and towns across The Natural State host official
lighting ceremonies, parades, pageants and more.
This year, our Holiday Hog
will visit several sites on the
Trail of Holiday Lights, serving as parade grand marshal and posing
2
This vibrant city transforms into a winter wonderland at
its Lighting of the Square on November 22 at 6 p.m. One of the largest daytime
parades in the state, the Bentonville Holiday Parade takes place downtown on
Saturday, December 13 at 11 a.m. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride on the
Bentonville Town Square on Saturdays and Sundays during December. Don’t miss
ice-skating at Lawrence Plaza, November 22-January 19. For more information,
contact Blair Cromwell at 800-410-2535 or visit Bentonville.org.
4
Berryville The annual Berryville Christmas parade is December 6 at
(@arkansas) with the hashtag #VisitArkansas.
Sign on to Arkansas.com for more information.
Book a winter vacation, and score deep discounts at resorts
and hotels across the state.
Bentonville
3
at Facebook.com/ArkansasStateTourism and on Instagram
to a cozy cabin or historic hotel to recharge after the busy holiday.
Altus Lighting of the Park will take place on Sunday, November 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Bring the family early for the Children’s Decoration of the Tree at 6 p.m. Cookies
and hot cocoa will be served. The Altus Christmas Parade will be held December
14 at 2 p.m. For more information, contact Jan Stacy at 479-209-5308.
for photos. Post your pictures with our friendly, festive mascot
While visiting family and friends this season, make a side trip
Alma The Alma community presents a drive-
6:30 p.m. Weather reschedule dates are December 8 and December 13. The
theme for this year is “I am Dreaming of a Green Christmas,” emphasizing
the use of recycled materials in the design of the entries. There is no charge to
enter the parade, and cash prizes will be awarded in seven categories. For more
information, call Deneen Foster at 870-423-3139 or visit Bcc.Berryville.com.
Fort Smith
Fayetteville
Greenwood
10
The Trail of Holiday Lights display runs from December
1-31 from 6-9 p.m. at Bell Park and features over 120 displays. See a week-long
nativity scene and warm your hands around a crackling fire pit. On December 7,
bring the kids to see Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Admission is $3,
and all proceeds are directed to scholarships and local families in need. For more
information, contact the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce at 479-996-6357
or visit Facebook.com/FocusonGreenwood.
11
Harrison The Boone County Courthouse and Square will sparkle from
December 1-26. The official lighting ceremony will take place on December 1,
followed by the annual Christmas Parade. Contact Katherine Hefley at
870-741-0926.
5
Clarksville Get your holiday shopping done early. Local merchants host an
open house November 22-23, the weekend before Thanksgiving, and an early bird
sale on November 28. Join the holiday fun at “Light Up the Square” on December 6
at 5 p.m., followed by the Christmas parade at 6 p.m. For more information, call Sue
Carlton at 479-754-2340 or visit ClarksvilleARChamber.com.
6
Dardanelle
7
Eureka Springs Eureka Springs is an enchanting place to celebrate the
Enjoy the Christmas Open House on the Square, November
21-22 and extended shopping hours through the holidays. The annual Christmas
parade takes place on December 6 at 6 p.m. For more information, contact
David Pemberton at 479-738-6000 or city hall at 479-738-6607.
13
Day or night, Newton County in the
beautiful Ozark Mountains is a great place to
enjoy the holidays. By day, follow the Reindeer
Trail along our scenic highways and back
roads and see Santa’s “reindeer,” our famous
Arkansas elk and deer herds. At night, experience
the Ozark Mountains Christmas Lights Trail
at local businesses. For more information,
contact Patti Failing at 870-446-2455 or
visit TheOzarkMountains.com.
The Dardanelle Christmas Parade, hosted by the Chamber
of Commerce, will be on December 5 at 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Christmas
Caroling.” Anyone can enter. No entry fee. For more information, contact Tanya
Hendrix at 479-229-3328 or visit DardanelleChamber.com.
holidays. Lighting displays illuminate the quaint mountain town during “Bling
in the Springs,” a citywide contest for both commercial and residential properties.
The 43rd annual Silver Tea takes place on December 4 from 2-4 p.m. at the
Crystal Dining Room in the Crescent Hotel. The Christmas parade rolls
through town on December 5 from 6-7 p.m. The 32nd Tour of Homes will be
held December 6 from 3-8 p.m. For more information, contact Mike Maloney at
479-253-7333 or visit EurekaSprings.org. Experience “The Light at The Great
Passion Play,” 935 Passion Play Road, on Friday and Saturday nights from
November 28-December 20 from 6-8 p.m. See the set illuminated for the holiday.
For information, call 800-882-7529 or visit GreatPassionPlay.com.
Fayetteville
8
Now in its 21st year, Lights of the Ozarks expands from the
historic downtown square all the way to Dickson Street. A parade will be held
on November 21 to begin the festivities, which last until New Year’s Eve.
Activities include pony, camel and carriage rides and caroling on the square.
For more information, contact Hazel Hernandez at 479-521-5776 or visit
TheLightsoftheOzarks.com.
9
Fort Smith
Festive holiday displays will illuminate River Park Downtown,
Pendergraft Park, Garrison Avenue and the UAFS campus. Creekmore Park
will feature a Holiday Express Train running through the park. For more
information, contact Carolyn A. Joyce at 800-637-1477 or visit FortSmith.org.
Huntsville
12
14
Jasper
Paris
Ozark Purple Friday Weekend takes place November 21-22 with an appearance
by Santa, Tunnel of Lights, horse and buggy rides, and local merchants open for
evening shopping. The event is free to the public. The annual Christmas parade
rolls through town on December 13 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact
Linda Millsap at 479-667-1949 or visit OzarkChamberofCommerce.com.
15
Paris
The holiday season in Paris begins with the annual Mercy Auxiliary
Benefit Holiday Dinner on November 23 at St. Joseph Catholic School cafeteria
from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children and are available
at the door. After lunch, enjoy the Merchant’s Open House from 1-5 p.m. Also on
the 23rd, don’t miss the lighting of the “Eiffel Tower” at 5:30 p.m. on the square.
There will be a grand opening ceremony and entertainment with the lighting
of our new 25-foot-tall Eiffel Tower replica. On November 29, the Trail of
Holiday Lights official lighting ceremony takes place at 6 p.m. Pre-lighting
entertainment begins at 5 p.m. Santa will be there to hear Christmas wishes.
Return to Paris on December 7 from 1-4 p.m. for the Tour of Homes, an annual
fundraiser for the Logan County Old Jail Museum. On December 20, join
the Holiday Hog for pictures at Santa’s house on the square from 3-7 p.m.
For more information, contact Tonya Baumgartner at 479-963-2244 or visit
Facebook.com/ParisArkansasChamber.
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17
18
Holiday Hoopla kicks off in downtown Rogers on November 29
with shops celebrating “Small Business Saturday,” followed by the lighting of the
27-foot-tall Christmas tree at 5 p.m. Santa will arrive in Rogers that night in a
very special way, but it’s the best-kept secret in town, and you’ll have to see it to
believe it. This year’s Christmas parade is on December 1 at 7 p.m. Shops will
stay open until 8 p.m. each Thursday after Thanksgiving through Christmas.
Santa will visit with boys and girls in the Frisco Caboose at First and Walnut
streets on Saturdays in December from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information,
call Dana Mather at 479-936-5487 or visit MainStreetRogers.com.
Russellville
Wiederkehr Village Christmas with a Swiss twist. Discover the Swiss
heritage of Wiederkehr Village, located on the southern slopes of the Ozark
Mountains and home to Mid-America’s largest and oldest winery. The glow
comes not from the wine, but the 50,000 twinkling lights. For more information,
contact Dennis Wiederkehr at 479-468-9463 or visit WiederkehrWines.com.
Siloam Springs
N
22
Waldron
Batesville Batesville lights up the town with over
half a million lights on December 1 at 6 p.m. at the
Batesville Municipal Building on Main Street. Later that
evening, there will be a Christmas parade at 7 p.m. on Main Street. For a map
of Batesville’s Tour of Lights, visit CityofBatesville.com. Or find us on Facebook,
“City of Batesville Christmas Tour of Lights.” For more information, contact the
Johnathan Abbott at 870-698-2432.
Bull Shoals
23
Twinkling lights decorate the city limits of Bull Shoals and
along Hwy. 178 beginning December 2. Don’t miss the musical show “Merry
Christmas Marion County,” presented by Bull Shoals Lakeview Rotary Club at the
Bull Shoals Theater of the Arts on December 7 at 3 p.m. For more information,
call Rita Darling at 870-445-2440 or visit BullShoals.org.
24
Cotter/Gassville Downtown
Van Buren Van Buren’s holiday season officially kicks off with the UAFS
On December 6, Main Street comes alive with music, food and
vendors during the 1st Saturday Tradin’ Days with booths opening at 8 a.m.
Later that morning, visit Santa at Santa’s House at 10 a.m. At 5 p.m., enjoy
the downtown lighting ceremony and entertainment on the Old Courthouse
North
Central
estled in the beautiful hills and valleys
of the Ozarks, this region is the perfect
place to see thousands of twinkling lights
against a backdrop of The Natural State.
Siloam Springs On Saturday,
Drennen-Scott Historic Site’s Holiday Open House Celebration on November 22
at 5:30 p.m. Living Windows will be December 6 starting at 5:30 p.m., where
downtown merchants will have live window displays depicting the colorful history
of Van Buren. Also on December 6 is the Courthouse Lighting Ceremony at
6 p.m., followed by the Festival of Trees. The annual Christmas parade will be
held December 13 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Stacie Browning
at 800-332-5889 or visit VanBuren.org.
20
21
Join us on December 4
at 6 p.m. as the Holiday Hog officiates the lighting
of the community Christmas tree on the Green at
Arvest Bank’s downtown location, followed by the
annual Christmas parade at 6:30 p.m. The parade
travels from South Arkansas Avenue to West Main
Street. This year, Winter Wonderland will be in
numerous locations throughout the
Russellville Downtown Historic District.
The walk-thru and drive-thru holiday
light display takes place nightly,
November 29 through January 6.
For more information, contact Kelli
Nealy at 479-968-1272 (parade) or
Betsy McGuire at 479-967-1762.
December 6, experience the magical
Russellville
illumination of historic downtown
Siloam Springs at the annual Light Up Siloam Celebration and Christmas Parade.
The mayor will wave a magic candy cane at dusk to illuminate thousands
of Christmas lights and 60 decorated lampposts. Santa also makes his first
appearance of the season in the parade as lighted floats, bands, dance troupes,
fire trucks and antique cars travel through downtown. For more information,
contact Morgan Scholz at 479-524-4556 or visit MainStreetSiloam.org.
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Lawn, followed by fireworks and the annual Christmas parade on Main Street
at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Linda Davis at 479-637-2775 or visit
WaldronChamberofCommerce.com.
Rogers
Cotter will be aglow this holiday
season. Drive across historic Arch
Bridge, and see the shimmering lights
from Big Spring Park. In Gassville,
see lights along Hwy. 62/412. For
more information, call Marcia
Taylor at 870-321-1243 or visit
CotterGassvilleChamber.com.
Batesville
Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights
For more information on specific holiday events, visit Arkansas.com/TrailofHolidayLights.
Upload and share your photos on Facebook.com/ArkansasStateTourism.
Use the map below to locate communities on the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights.
Sulphur
Springs
▲
71
Bentonville
18 Siloam Rogers
▲
Springs
62
412
♦
23
1
Wiederkehr
Village
40
Alma
14
71
10
10
23
20
Ola
10
27
8
50
Mount Ida
Mena
71
●
Dierks
70
De Queen
44
Foreman
32
Hot Springs
Arkadelphia
4
Washington
Tollette
●
●
355
Ashdown
67
▲
▲
54
30
47 24
82
52
4
Lewisville
71
29
Fordyce
●
●
79
●
49
79
7
53
Smackover
82
Junction City
●
63
15
79
Wabbaseka
8
Star
City
Warren
● El Dorado ●
▲
Strong
Marvell
Stuttgart
Information was accurate as of 10/26/2014. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the website.
Hughes
Forrest
City
West
Memphis
79
121
37
49
▲
Helena-West Helena
38
4
Hamburg
1
McGehee
165
30 Interstate Highway
79 U.S. Numbered
Lake
Village
▲●
65
Eudora
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Alma
Altus
Bentonville
Berryville
Clarksville
Dardanelle
Eureka Springs
Fayetteville
Fort Smith
Greenwood
Harrison
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Huntsville
Jasper
Ozark
Paris
Rogers
Russelville
Siloam Springs
Van Buren
Waldron
Wiederkehr Village
North Central
22 Batesville
23 Bull Shoals
24 Cotter/Gassville
25 Heber Springs
26 Mountain View
27 Yellville
Northeast
28
29
30
31
Blytheville
Corning
Newport
Piggott
32 Pocahontas
33 Rector
34 Wynne
Southeast
35
36
37
38
Crossett
Hamburg
Marianna
McGehee
39 Monticello
40 Pine Bluff
41 White Hall
Southwest
165
Monticello
Crossett 425
70
♦
●
65
36
82
▲
1
165
Dumas
39
35
77
●Marianna
79
Clarendon
Dermott
63
15
1
61
DeWitt
●
Wilmar
45
7
Fargo
Hazen
●
●
Marked
Tree
● Marion
64 Parkin
55
40
Brinkley
Pine Bluff
Jersey
167
165
425
Hampton
Camden
371
79
●
Prescott 24
Hope
41
Sheridan
167
9
Toltec Mounds
49
17
11
Scott
White Hall
9
7
●
England
Rison
Gurdon
Stamps
Magnolia
●
46
●
40
8
Lonoke 70
440
Little
Rock
530
●
67
7
62
58 ▲
Magnet
Cove
270
● 42
Cotton Plant
Beebe
Des Arc
Cabot
60 North
57
Little
●
Jacksonville
Rock
Sherwood
40
Bryant
Benton
70
48 ●
Murfreesboro
27
Texarkana
DeGray
51 ●
Nashville
43
8
●
430
61
7
Glenwood
27
5
●♦
270
●
630
11
McCrory Wynne
♦
10
Jessieville
Caddo Gap
4
9
67
167
55
64
34
64
Augusta
Searcy
Manila 55
Osceola
14
Harrisburg
▲
●
63
●
Newport
Bald Knob
5
Blytheville
18
49
● 30
14
28
●●
Jonesboro
67
Batesville
25
●
Conway
Perryville
25
22
Paragould
412
63
33
49
Walnut
Ridge
167
16
65
56
Morrilton
7
Waldron
● 270
9
40
●
●●
Hoxie
167
Greers Ferry
Heber Springs
25
25
59
Petit Jean ●
7
9
Clinton
● 17
27
26
Fairfield Bay
Russellville
6
Danville
66
27
5
10
Booneville
Leslie
Rector
32
62
31
Piggott
67 Corning
Pocahontas
Hardy
Cherokee
Village
Melbourne
Ozark
Folk
Center
● Mountain View
16
7
15 ● Dardanelle ●
Greenwood
14
Marshall
Clarksville
Altus 2
Paris
27
Jasper
21
21
Ozark
540
9
65
Blanchard Springs
Caverns
29 ▲ 62
●▲
63
5
♦
Buffalo
National
River
16
●
▲
Fort 19
Smith
412 Harrison
13
●
Van
Buren
7
♦
Mammoth Spring
5
9
Midway
Salem
Lakeview
Mountain Home
24 ● Gassville Horseshoe Bend
62
27
Cotter
Calico Rock
Yellville Flippin
▲ 11
16
Winslow
540
Berryville 65
Huntsville
8
14
21
23
● 12
Fayetteville
71
47
Eureka
Springs
7
16 ●
Springdale
Prairie
Grove ●
62
♦
3
Northwest
23
Bull Shoals
Look for our Holiday Hog at your local event. The date will appear in red print.
82
State Highway
10 State Highway
▲
Arkansas Welcome Center
●
State Park Location
♦
National Park Location
42 Arkadelphia
43 Ashdown/Little River
County Area
44 De Queen
45 El Dorado
46 Gurdon
47 Historic Washington
State Park
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
Hot Springs
Magnolia
Mena
Nashville
Prescott
Smackover
Texarkana
Central
55
56
57
58
59
Beebe
Conway
Jacksonville
Little Rock
Morrilton
60 North Little Rock
61 Saline County/
City of Benton
62 Sherwood
Heber Springs
25
Spend the holidays in Heber Springs surrounded by the
Ozark Mountains, Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River. The spectacular
lighting of the Courthouse Square will be December 6 at 6 p.m., followed by
the annual Christmas parade on Main Street featuring Santa and Mrs. Clause.
After the parade, you will have a chance to visit Santa and share your Christmas
wish list. For more information, contact Julie Murray at 501-362-2444, visit
Heber-Springs.com or visit Facebook.com/HeberSpringsChamber.
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Mountain View Experience an Ozark Mountain Christmas in beautiful
Northeast
L
et twinkling lights lead your way on
a drive through the Arkansas Delta this
holiday season. Cities and towns across
the region pull out all the stops to delight
you and your family with parades, live
nativity scenes and appearances by
Santa, Rudolph, Frosty and more.
Mountain View. The Historic Courthouse, town square and Main Street will
be all aglow with lights, music and spirit. The Christmas tree and courthouse
lighting ceremonies will be held December 6 at 5 p.m. Enjoy Christmas music
on the square, a live nativity and an appearance from Santa. “Caroling in the
Caverns” at Blanchard Springs Caverns takes place November 29, 30
at 4:30 p.m. and December 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Dee Hanrahan at 870-269-8068 or visit
YourPlaceintheMountains.com.
27
Yellville Get in the holiday spirit at the Tour of Homes, hosted by the Single
28
largest holiday lighting festival. Open November 24December 27 from 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday,
and until 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Free pictures with
Santa every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at Jingle Bell Park. Hayrides available
nightly by reservation. Concession stand open every night. $10 per vehicle. New
Victorian Village display this year. There will also be a Twinkle Fun Run/Walk
this year on December 1. For more information, contact George Hubbard
at 870-762-9788 or visit LightsoftheDelta.com.
Parent Scholarship Fund, on December 6 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Tickets are
$10 each. For more information, contact Felice Dennis at 870-449-4011 or visit
YellvilleChamber.com.
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Heber Springs
30
Caroling at Blanchard Springs Caverns
Cotter
Blytheville Lights of the Delta is the Mid-South’s
Corning
Make plans to be in
Corning for the countdown to the
lighting on November 29 with live
entertainment at 5 p.m., followed
by the lighting at 6 p.m. Santa will
be there to give out bags of candy to
every good boy and girl and listen to
their Christmas wishes. For more
information, contact Glen Boyd at
870-857-9001 or visit Facebook.com/
CorningChristmasinthePark.
Newport
Blytheville
The holidays are aglow in Newport. Enjoy 96 pre-lit Christmas
trees throughout the community. There will be a lighting ceremony at the Jackson
County Courthouse on December 5 at 6 p.m. featuring a giant snowman, 15-foot
Santa and thousands of lights. Santa will be there with hot chocolate and cookies.
“A Christmas Carol” production from the Palace Theatre in Manchester, New
Hampshire, will be held December 9 at 7 p.m. at the ASU-Newport Center
for the Arts. Don’t miss the Christmas parade on December 11 at 6 p.m. on
Malcolm Avenue. For more information, contact Julie Allen at 870-523-3618
or visit NewportArChamber.org.
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32
Piggott
Piggott’s Christmas Fest is on December 7, from 1-4 p.m. Activities
include a parade around the court square, entertainment performed from a
1930s-style gazebo that’s magically transformed into a carousel, prize drawings,
local cuisine, special store sales and a visit from Santa. For more information,
contact Piggott Area Chamber of Commerce at 870-598-3167 or email
pchamber@nwcable.net.
Southeast
W
Pocahontas Downtown
hen it comes to picturesque settings,
this region doesn’t disappoint. Snap
a photo with Santa, or warm your
hands around a hot mug of cocoa as
you discover the hidden magic here.
Pocahontas, a National Historic
District, is spectacular with
Christmas lights decorating the
1872 Old Courthouse and other
historic buildings. The Randolph
County Heritage Museum on the
Pocahontas
town square offers dinners and
baked goods on the evening of
December 4 when the annual Christmas parade winds down the city streets.
Candy Cane Lane on Maple Street will be lined with candy canes and Christmas
lights while Santa and his elves hand out treats to children at Santa’s outdoor
workshop in the evenings of December 21-24. For more information, contact the
Randolph County Tourism Association at 870-248-0069, rctourism@suddenlink.com
or visit SeeRandolphCounty.com.
33
Rector On December 4 at 6 p.m., follow the annual Christmas Parade down
Main Street through downtown to a free reception at the Rector Community
Center on Hwy. 49. For more information, contact Kim Romine at 870-595-3035.
34
Wynne Wynne presents the “Festival of Trees” during which local organizations
Marianna
35
oasis of over a million lights with several animated scenes, snow machines, a
drive-through tunnel of lights, large patriotic scene, color changing forest of
lights, the Christmas Story, singing snowman and bubbles for the kids. New
attractions this year include a 30-foot oval train, animated carousel, snowball
mountain and many other smaller additions. This display draws crowds from
three states. It opens Thanksgiving at 6 p.m. Hours are 6-10 nightly through
New Year’s Eve. For a sneak peak, you can check out the lights show in the
YouTube video titled “Small Town, Big Lights.” For more information, contact
Sam Finney at 870-415-1575.
decorate a tree relating to their groups. Stop by the Bill Thomas Building at
1790 N. Falls and vote for your favorite. Also check out the lighted train on the
courthouse lawn. For more information, contact Jan Hess at 870-238-2601 or visit
CrossCountyChamber.com.
36
Hamburg Experience the spirit of Christmas during “Hamburg Holiday,”
December 6 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., followed by the annual Christmas Parade at
5:30. On the square, enjoy entertainment, holiday treats, Little Red Wagon
Parade, pictures with Santa and Santa’s workshop. Contact Haley Chavez at
870-853-8345 or visit HamburgArk.com.
Piggott
37
Blytheville
Crossett Just three miles north of Crossett, find Christmas Wonderland
Marianna Marianna Downtown Square Lighting ceremony takes place the
weekend after Thanksgiving, and the display lasts through the holiday season.
City streets are lined with snowflakes, poinsettias, Christmas trees and French
horns. The city park has a Victorian theme. For more information, contact
Sharon Reid at 870-295-2469 or visit Marianna.Arkansas.org.
38
McGehee The Wiley A. McGehee Memorial Park lights up on December 1.
Come see the Santa Train Christmas Parade on December 13 at 2 p.m. at the
railroad depot. For more information, call Paula Mote at 870-222-4451 or visit
McGeheeChamber.com.
39
Southwest
F
rom lakes to gardens to parks, this region
is the perfect place to appreciate the beauty
of nature this holiday season. These scenic
settings will make the perfect background
for your family Christmas card.
Monticello Historic downtown Monticello comes alive with lights and music
during the 21st annual Carols of Christmas Parade on December 2 at 6 p.m.
Thousands of sparkling lights cover floats depicting favorite Christmas carols.
Follow the parade along historic Main Street and then stop by and enjoy postparade festivities at the Drew County Historical Museum. On December 13,
the Santa Train rolls into Main Street Mini Park at 11 a.m. The park will have
games, activities, free hot dogs and hot chocolate, and drawings to win gifts for
the kids. For more information, contact Glenda Nichols at 870-367-6741.
42
Pine Bluff
40
Celebrating its 18th season, “Enchanted Land of Lights and
Legends” is Arkansas’s largest drive-through lights display, featuring over
240 beautiful holiday vignettes on the 1.3-mile drive. Admission is free, but
donations are appreciated. It is located in the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County
Regional Park. For more information, contact Greg Gustek at 870-536-7600
or visit PineBluffFestival.org.
41
White Hall The Christmas parade starts at Dollarway Rd. and Colonial Park
on December 5 at 6:30 p.m., followed by the lighting of the City Park and
open house at City Hall. Santa and his Elf will be there for the children.
For more information, contact Lydia Scholebo at 870-247-5502 or visit
WhiteHallAR.org.
Ashdown/Little River County Area
43
Arkadelphia Enjoy
a nautical Christmas
as Iron Mountain
Lodge and Marina on
DeGray Lake becomes
a winter wonderland.
Donations for the
Make-A-Wish Foundation are appreciated,
but not required. Contact Vickie Egleston at
870-246-4310 or visit Iron-Mountain.com.
Ashdown/Little River County Area
The historic Little River County Courthouse, built in 1907 and still in use today,
is a wonderland of lights during the holidays. Completely lighted from dome to
lawn, it is truly a sight to behold. The official lighting ceremony will be held
November 26 at 6 p.m., and the lights will shine bright November 26January 1 from dusk until midnight. The Foreman Parade is on December 6
at 6 p.m., and the Ashdown Parade is on December 13 at 6 p.m. For more
information, call 870-898-7202 or visit LittleRiverCounty.org.
44
De Queen The official lighting ceremony at the Sevier County Courthouse will
precede the annual Christmas Parade on December 6 at 6 p.m. This spectacular nighttime parade features lighted floats and marching bands through the
downtown De Queen shopping area. Pop over to nearby Lockesburg and Horatio
the same day for their parades. Also check out the Sevier County Museum’s
Historic Replica Village decorated with hundreds of holiday lights. For museum
information, call 870-642-6642. For all other information, contact Patty Sharp
at 870-584-3225 or visit DeQueenChamberofCommerce.com.
McGehee
45
Pine Bluff
Monticello
El Dorado
Enjoy the sights this holiday season in Historic Downtown
El Dorado. The lighting ceremony will be held at the Union County Courthouse
on November 20 at 5:30 p.m. The Festival of Lights at the courthouse, city
hall and throughout the town shines until December 31. Take a drive under
one of the largest man-made Christmas trees in Arkansas. See the largest
Christmas parade in South Arkansas on December 11 at 7 p.m. Tour the
Historic Downtown Holiday Open House on November 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, contact the Chamber at 870-863-6113 or 888-921-BOOM
or visit GoElDorado.com.
46
out the Christmas parade in early December. For more information, call Tambra
Childress at 870-353-2514.
47
contact Ellie Baker at 870-234-4352
or visit MagnoliaChamber.com.
Gurdon Southern hospitality and Christmas cheer abound in Gurdon. Check
Historic Washington State Park You and your family will be in awe of
the natural beauty of the candlelit streets of this historic village at the 28th
annual Christmas and Candlelight on December 6 and 13 from 1-8 p.m. The
homes of yesterday will be adorned with pinecones, grapevines, magnolia and
evergreens. Decorations, music and more will set the mood for your historic
holiday experience. Daylight tours are from 1-5 p.m., and candlelight tours with
thousands of luminaries lighting the town are from 5-8 p.m. Visit the Williams’
Tavern, offering a Christmas buffet from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. You can also enjoy a
horse-drawn surrey ride or visit the gift shops. Admission is $10 for adults
and $5 for children ages 6-12. For more information, contact the park at
870-983-2684 or visit HistoricWashingtonStatePark.com.
Historic Washington State Park
48
Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs
49
50
Magnolia Don’t miss the display of lights at the
Columbia County Courthouse beginning November 24
at 6:15 p.m. The Greenhouse Cottages of Wentworth,
on 26 Warnock Springs Road, will have their annual
drive-thru display of lights from December 2 through
January 1. The Magnolia-Columbia County annual
El Dorado
Christmas parade will be held on December 4, and
this year’s theme will be “Christmas Night of Lights.” The parade begins at the
Courthouse Square and make its way to Southern Arkansas University for its
annual lighting of the bell tower ceremony at 6:15 p.m. For more information,
Nashville
51
Nashville will celebrate the holiday season with its annual
Christmas parade that will march down the decorated streets of downtown
December 1 at 5 p.m. Santa will lead the parade and will wave his magic wand
to light the Christmas tree. For more information, visit NashvilleAR.com.
52
Prescott Special holiday lighting will be displayed in Prescott beginning the
Hot Springs
The region’s largest
lighting display is Holiday Lights
at Garvan Woodland Gardens
spanning 17 acres and featuring
more than four million lights. The
centerpiece is the 50-foot-tall Rose
Tree. Holiday Lights will be open
each evening from November 21December 31. For more information,
contact Sherre Freeman at 501-262-9300
or visit GarvanGardens.org. Hot
Springs National Park will host
the 11th annual Chili Cookoff and
Christmas lighting display at
Exchange Street Parking Plaza on
November 24. Be sure to see the
lights of downtown Hot Springs from
November 24 through December 31,
and the annual Christmas Parade on
December 8 at 6:30 p.m. For more
information, contact Jimmy Sample at
800-543-2284 or visit HotSprings.org.
Mena
Mena hosts its largest
parade of lights on December 5
at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks and
the lighting ceremony at historic
Janssen Park. Before the ceremony,
enjoy festive music in the park. The
Ouachita Little Theatre will perform
Mena
a special Christmas production.
For more information, contact the chamber office at 479-394-2912 or visit
MenaPolkChamber.com.
week of Thanksgiving. The Nevada County Courthouse will be lighted from
November 19-December 25, as well as Main Street and Hwy. 67. The annual
Christmas parade will be held December 4 at 6 p.m., and Breakfast with
Santa will be December 13 from 9-11 a.m. For more information, contact
Judy Duke at 870-887-2101 or visit PNPartnership.org.
Smackover
53
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season at the Arkansas
Museum of Natural Resources’ Oil Field Park November 21-December 20,
Friday-Saturday only, plus Sunday, December 21. The walking tour features
over 200,000 lights and a music show by Santa’s rock band. View different
lighted vignettes, including the ice castle with falling snow, gingerbread village
and ice-skating bears. After your walk, warm up with a mug of hot cocoa in the
museum gift shop. Cost is $10 per car. For more information, call 870-725-2877
or visit Amnr.org.
54
Texarkana
Celebrate the holidays on
the State Line in historic downtown Texarkana.
Main Street Texarkana hosts the 30th annual
Christmas Parade on December 1 at 7 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Mad, Mad Victorian
Christmas!” Using recycled materials, over
100 floats and marching bands will create
the beautiful downtown parade. Live camels
and nativity scene will lead the parade.
For more information, contact Main
Street Texarkana at 903-792-7191 or
visit MainStreetTexarkana.org.
Texarkana
Central
Benton
Little Rock
T
he cities in Central Arkansas take on a
whole new energy when filled with the spirit
of Christmas. See for yourself this holiday
season while sightseeing, shopping and
enjoying all the holiday fun that awaits you.
55
56
Beebe
Beebe welcomes you and your family
to the annual Christmas Parade on Saturday,
December 6 at 6 p.m. The parade will begin
at Beebe High School. The Daniel Park Light
Display on Main Street will be illuminated
November 19 through January 3. There will
also be a Christmas Celebration at Daniel Park
on December 13. For more information, contact
Kristen Boswell at 501-882-8135 or visit BeebeNow.com or BeebeArk.org.
Conway The Downtown Conway Christmas Celebration begins on Sunday,
Conway
57
58
November 9 with the traditional Christmas Window
Unveiling at 1 p.m., followed by the Downtown
Christmas Open House from 1-4 p.m. Small Saturday
will be on November 29 this year, and downtown
Conway will be participating in a big way. Don’t miss
the holiday sales and events at local merchants during
Mistletoe Madness on December 13 from 10 a.m.7 p.m. The annual Christmas Parade will make its
way through town on December 13 at 6 p.m. For
more information, visit ConwayArkansas.org.
The parade begins at Second and Broadway, and ends at the Arkansas State
Capitol. Following the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the Secretary of State
will lead the annual Capitol Lighting Ceremony. For more information, contact
Angela Rogers at 501-835-3399 or visit HolidaysinLittleRock.com. Out west,
join The Promenade at Chenal for the Celebration of Lights event Saturday,
November 29 and see the spectacular 24-foot animated tree and light display at 5 p.m.
The animated tree performs hourly from 5-11 p.m. through January 1, 2015.
Christmas in Morrilton begins with the annual parade through
downtown on December 4 at 5:30 p.m. The University of Arkansas Community
College at Morrilton hosts “Night of the Luminaries” on December 4 at 6 p.m.
The free community event features nearly 2,000 candle-lit paper bags illuminating
the drive through campus and leading visitors to Santa himself. For more
information, contact Cody Hill at 501-354-2393 or visit Morrilton.com.
60
Bring the whole family to Holiday Lights in Burns Park,
open November 29-December 30 from 6-10 p.m. Holiday Lights will be closed
on December 25. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Enjoy a fun walk
through the lights display at “Dashin’ Through the Lights,” December 13 from
5-6 p.m. For more information, contact the Special Events office at 501-753-7307
or visit NLRpr.org.
61
Saline County/City of Benton
Saline County will celebrate the
holidays with the Christmas Parade on December 1 at 6 p.m. Santa will make
an appearance at the courthouse gazebo from 6-8 p.m. on several nights during
the season. Free cocoa and cookies will be served, and local talent will perform
on the courthouse square. For more information, contact Holly Beaver at
501-303-5640 or visit SalineCounty.org.
62
Sherwood The holiday spirit takes over Sherwood Forest December 1-30
Jacksonville
Celebrate the season with the City of Jacksonville as Santa
Claus makes his first appearance during the 57th annual Christmas Parade on
December 2 at 6 p.m. on Main Street downtown. The Holiday Lighting Ceremony
is December 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Jacksonville City Hall. For more information,
contact Michelle Whited at 501-982-3146 or visit CityofJacksonville.net.
Little Rock This will be the first year of Holidays in the Park at the First
Security Amphitheater in Riverfront Park from November 29 through January 3.
There will be a nightly lighting display choreographed with animation and
music from dusk to 10 p.m. The River Lights in the Rock will be December 1-30.
The LED-illuminated downtown bridges will display holiday colors and provide
nightly shows, including a special New Year’s Eve show on December 31. Sponsored
by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, the annual Little Rock Big
Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade takes place on Saturday, December 6.
Morrilton
59
North Little Rock
and lights up nightly from 6-9:30. This mile-long trail of spectacular lights
features reindeer in a soda shop, the Sherwood Express and Santa Claus himself.
Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Everyone receives a candy cane.
Contact Misty Heaton at 501-833-0476.