A r k a n s a s T r a i l o f HOLIDAY LIGHTSHOLIDAY LIGHTSHHHHOOOOLLLLIIIIDDDDAAAAAYAAAYAY LYY LY LY LLYAYY LYAYAYAAAYAY LAYAAAYA IIIIGGGGHHHHTTTTSSSS
of Christmas Magic!
Y E A R S
of Christmas Magic!of Christmas of Christmas Magic!of Christmas Mof Christmas Magic!Magic!of Christmas Magic!agic!
Whitaker Pointnear Ponca
Wear layers, because you’ll soon warm up on a winter hike, bike ride or fl oat trip in Arkansas. Bring your sense of adventure and your camera to capture iconic images, such as the Arkansas Grand Canyon or Whitaker Point, from vistas and scenic over-looks offering views for miles. Come in from the cold for a warm meal or to tour museums, galleries and other local attractions. While there’s much to keep you busy, winter is also a time of refl ection, so slow down and enjoy the stillness of nature on a state park trail or from inside a cozy cabin. Many resorts and hotels offer special rates this time of year. Visit Arkansas.com for deals and coupons.
Some of the best views – and values – can be found in the wintertime in Arkansas. Mild temperatures make it possible to experience the outdoors year-round.
Warm up t o w i n t e r t r a v e l
A l l A b o a r dFor a unique tour of Northwest Arkansas, board the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad. The 12th Annual Children’s Christmas Train from Springdale to Johnson takes place December 5-23. Scenic winter excursions continue through the Boston Mountains and over the Arkansas River from Fort Smith to Winslow, January through March.
Scott FamilyAmazeum,BentonvilleWalton Arts Center,
Fayetteville
Quapaw Baths & Spa, Hot Springs
1866 Crescent Hotel,Eureka Springs
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville
Terra Studios, Fayetteville
On a trip to Northwest Arkansas, spend time in Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville, home to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the new Amazeum, an interactive play place for little learners. In downtown Bentonville, stroll along the square and pop into the Walmart Museum. Within walking distance is the hip 21c Museum Hotel with ice-skating across the street at Lawrence Plaza through January 16. Fayetteville makes a great home base for the holidays with special performances at the Walton Arts Center and unique attractions across town, including Terra Studios, where the Original Bluebird of Happiness is made. Also in the Ozarks is the quaint mountain town of Eureka Springs, a favorite for shopping and dining in its historic downtown.
O z a r k E s c a p e
C i t y S c e n e sA couple of cities that make for cool getaways are Hot Springs for its history, arts, culture and spas on Bathhouse Row, as well as racing and gaming at Oaklawn, and the state’s capital of Little Rock with many things to see and do, such as shopping at the new Outlets of Little Rock or touring the Museum of Discovery, Arkansas Arts Center or Clinton Presidential Center. An annual tradition, The Nutcracker presented by Ballet Arkansas takes place December 11-13 at the Maumelle High School Performing Arts Center.
Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock
Terra Studios,Fayetteville
Southland Park Gaming and Racing, West Memphis
Iron Mountain Bike Trail,Arkadelphia
Cozy staysa n d f u n g e t a w a y s
Stroll along the downtown city streets and discover great restaurants, shops, spas, museums, galleries, theaters, music venues and more. After a fl urry of activity, head back to your historic hotel or cabin in the woods where you can wake up to great hiking, biking, fi shing and fl oating right outside your doorstep. Some of the top picks for wintertrips are below. For more ideas, visit Arkansas.com.
Experience Arkansas during the most wonderful time of the year. The spirit of the season carries on long after the holidays.
Cabin at Mount Magazine State Park, Paris
Fine dining in Fine dining in Eureka SpringsEureka Springs
Winter is an excellent time to visit any of Arkansas’s 52 state parks for nature programs, including guided bald eagle tours and great hiking on more than 390 miles of trails. The annual First Day Hike takes place on January 1. Check ArkansasStateParks.com for a list of participating parks. For fun overnight stays, choose from campsites, cabins and yurts, as well as upscale accommodations at the fi ve Lodges of Arkansas State Parks at DeGray, Mount Magazine, Ozark Folk Center, Petit Jean and Queen Wilhelmina.
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, Wiederkehr Village
White River
King Biscuit Time,Helena-West Helena
Johnny Cash Boyhood Home, Dyess
S p i r i t s o f t h e S e a s o n
S t a t e P a r k s
Toast to the New Year at any of the breweries, wineries and distilleries across the state. Located in Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley is Arkansas Wine Country, famous for generations of winemaking in and around Altus. Craft breweries continue to pop up with several locations in Little Rock, Hot Springs and Northwest Arkansas along the Fayetteville Ale Trail. Little Rock’s Rock Town Distillery is the fi rst legal distillery of its kind in Arkansas since prohibition with award-winning grain-to-glass whiskey and other spirits.
Johnny Cash
Serious anglers know there’s great fishing to be had in Arkansas in the winter, especially on the White River below Bull Shoals and Norfork dams, where brown trout make their spawning run, as well as on the Little Red and Arkansas rivers. Marinas are open year-round. Resorts and guide services are happy to take care of you on and off the water.
R i v e r s i d e R e t r e a t s
D e lt a D i s c o v e r i e sHome to two National Scenic Byways – the Great River Road and Crowley’s Ridge Parkway – a tour of the Arkansas Delta should include stops at Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home; the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum in Piggott, where Ernest Hemingway wrote portions of A Fairwell to Arms; Southland Gaming and Racing in West Memphis; and the Delta Cultural Center in Helena-West Helena, where the longest running blues radio show, King Biscuit Time, is broadcast each day.
Winter ushers in a little chill and a lot of excitement in The Natural State, especially this year as we celebrate 20 years of the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights. From the week of Thanksgiving through the Christmas season and into New Year, more than 60 cities and towns in each region
of the state participate in the fun. In this guide, there is a list of activities in every stop on the trail, as well as travel ideas for
cozy places to stay and unique things to do.
In case you missed him last year, you can still meet Jingle, the offi cial holiday hog, who will visit select places on the trail. Keep up with him and
other special appearances and events by liking us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ArkansasTrailofHolidayLights.
w a l k i n g i n a
WinterWOnderland
Paris
Blytheville
Pine Bluff
Little Rock
Altus
Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs
Alma The Alma community presents a drive-through presen-tation featuring over 40,000 lights at the Alma City Water Park Novem-ber 27 through December 31. 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 Bo Harvey at 479-670-2931 or visit the Holiday Lights page at AlmaChamber.com.
Altus Over 100,000 lights will illuminate the downtown business district and city park for the holidays. The Altus Christmas Parade will be held December 13 at 2 p.m. with Santa on-hand to visit with children in the park gazebo following the parade. For more information or to register to participate, call Trish Salazar at 479-468-4191 or email [email protected].
Bentonville This vibrant city transforms into a Winter Market featuring unique holiday gifts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 21 in the Bentonville Town Square. The lighting of the square follows the market at 6 p.m. One of the largest daytime parades in the state, the Bentonville Holiday Parade takes place downtown on Saturday, December 12 at 11 a.m. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride on the square on Saturdays and Sundays during December. Don’t miss ice skating at Lawrence Plaza, November 21-January 16. For more information, contact Courtney Vaughn at 800-410-2535 or go to VisitBentonville.com.
Berryville The annual Berryville Christmas parade is December 5 at 6:30 p.m. Weather reschedule dates are December 7 and December 12. 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.
NorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestNorthwestFestive 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.
Bentonville
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Harrison
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Fayetteville
Clarksville Get your holiday shopping done early. Local merchants host an open house November 21-22, the weekend before Thanksgiving, and an early bird sale on November 27. Join the holiday fun at “Light Up the Square” on December 5 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.
Dardanelle The Dardanelle Christmas Parade, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, will be held on December 4 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 contact [email protected].
Eureka Springs Eureka Springs is an enchanting place to celebrate the holidays. Lighting displays illuminate the quaint mountain town. The 49th annual Silver Tea takes place on December 3 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Crystal Dining Room in the Crescent Hotel. The Christmas parade rolls through town on December 4 from 6 to 7 p.m. The 33rd Tour of Homes will be held December 5 from 3 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit EurekaSprings.org. Experience “The Light at The Great Passion Play,” 935 Passion Play Road, November 27-January 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. See the set illuminated for the holidays. For information, call 800-882-7529 or visit GreatPassionPlay.com.
Fayetteville Now in its 22nd year, Lights of the Ozarks expands from the historic downtown square all the way to Dickson Street. A parade will be held on November 20 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.
Fort Smith Creekmore Park will have beautiful displays along with the Holiday Express Train that runs through the park. Festive holiday lights will illuminate River Park Downtown, Pendergraft Park, Garrison Avenue and the UAFS campus. For more information, contact Carolyn A. Joyce at 800-637-1477 or visit FortSmith.org.
Greenwood The Trail of Holiday Lights display runs December 1-31 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Bell Park. See a four-day live nativity scene, and warm your hands around a crackling fi re. The Greenwood Christmas Parade is December 6 at 7 p.m. Bring the kids to see Santa and enjoy cookies and cocoa. The kids will also want to help Santa in his workshop on December 13, and enjoy popcorn and juice on Movie Night on December 20. December 22 is S’mores Night. All special events are 6 to 8 p.m. Santa’s House opens on the square after the parade and continues Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Christmas. For more information, contact the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce at 479-996-6357 or visit Facebook.com/FocusonGreenwood or GreenwoodArkansas.com.
Harrison Harrison Christmas Lighting and Parade will be Monday, December 7 at 6 p.m. Christmas wreaths and courtyard displays will light up the Historic Downtown Square and Main Street Harrison. Downtown merchants will have beautiful themed shop windows. Contact Kathy Hefl ey at 870-577-0173 or visit Facebook.com/HistoricHarrisonBusinessAssociation.
Huntsville Enjoy the Christmas Open House on the Square, November 20-21 and extended shopping hours through the holidays. The annual Christmas parade takes place on December 5 at 6 p.m. For more information, contact David Pemberton at 479-738-6000 or city hall at 479-738-6607.
Jasper Newton County in Arkansas’s beautiful Ozark Mountains is a great place to enjoy the holidays. During the day, follow the Reindeer Trail, a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly holiday experience. The Reindeer Trail allows visitors to enjoy a favorite Ozark holiday tradition – driving along our scenic highways and back roads to see “Santa’s reindeer,” our famous Arkansas elk and deer herds. At night, experience the Ozark Mountains Christmas Lights Trail, a beautiful trail of holiday lights at local businesses and community venues. For more information, contact Nancy Atkinson at 870-446-2455 or visit TheOzarkMountains.com.
Ozark Purple Friday Weekend takes place November 20-21 with lighting of the town square and an appearance by Santa, 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 12 at 6 p.m. For more information, contact the chamber offi ce at 479-667-2525 or visit OzarkChamberofCommerce.com.
Paris Fall in love with Paris this holiday season beginning with the annual Mercy Auxiliary Benefi t Holiday Dinner on November 22 at St. Joseph Catholic School cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children and available at the door. After lunch, collect free ornaments at the Merchant’s Open House and get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping. Don’t forget to visit the Santa hut while you’re in town. The fi rst 100 children will receive a special ornament from Santa just for stopping by on November 22.
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On November 28, be there for the 19th annual Trail of Holiday Lights offi cial lighting ceremony when the city of Paris will light more than 100,000 sparkling lights and display 28 themed trees decorated by local clubs and organizations. Pre-lighting entertainment begins at 5 p.m. on the Eiffel Tower Park stage followed by the Christmas Around the World parade at 6 p.m. Santa will be there to hear all of your Christmas wishes after the parade. On December 4 is the Logan County Museum’s annual Tour of Holiday Homes from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $4 and available on the day of the tour at the museum at 202 N. Vine Street. Contact Paris Area Chamber of Commerce at 479-963-2244 or visit ParisArkansas.com.
Rogers “Twas the Night Before Christmas” kicks off in downtown Rogers on Friday, December 4 at 4 p.m. with the parade 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; you have to see it to believe it. Shops will stay open until 8 p.m. each Thursday from after Thanksgiving through Christmas. Santa will visit with boys and girls in the Frisco Caboose at First and Wal-nut streets on Saturdays in December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call Jessica Rush at 479-936-5487 or visit MainStreetRogers.com.
Russellville Russellville will celebrate the holidays with their annual Christmas parade on December 3 at 6:30 p.m. The parade travels from South Arkansas Avenue to West Main Street. For more information, contact Mack Hollis or Kelli Nealy at 479-968-1272 or visit RussellvilleArkansas.org.
Siloam Springs On Saturday, December 5, experience the magical 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 twinkle lights and decorated lampposts. Santa makes his fi rst appearance of the season in the parade as lighted fl oats, bands, dancers, fi re trucks and antique cars travel through downtown. For more information, contact Meredith Bergstrom at 479-524-4556 or visit MainStreetSiloam.org.
Van Buren Van Buren’s holiday season offi cially kicks off with the Holiday Open House Celebration on Historic Main Street, November 14-15 at 10 a.m. (times vary by merchant). The Drennan-Scott Historic Site will continue the festivities with its Victorian Holiday Open House on November 20 at 5:30 p.m. Living Windows will be December 5 starting at 5:30 p.m., where downtown merchants will have live window displays depicting the colorful history of Van Buren. Also on December 5 is the Courthouse Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m.
Russellville
Rogers
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in conjunction with the Festival of Trees. This is a free event with live music, hot dogs and cocoa. The annual Christmas parade will be held December 12 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Shawna Mason at 800-332-5889 or visit VanBuren.org.
Waldron On December 5, Main Street comes alive with music, food and vendors during the 1st Saturday Tradin’ Days at 7 a.m. At 8 a.m., Christmas Market opens at the fairgrounds. Santa comes to town at 10 a.m. making a special appearance at the gazebo parking lot. The annual lighting ceremony takes place on the Old Courthouse Lawn at 5 p.m. followed by fi reworks and the annual Christmas parade at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Linda Davis at 479-637-2775.
Wiederkehr Village It’s 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.
Nestled 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.
Batesville The holiday season kicks off on November 30 at 6 p.m. with the lighting ceremony at the Batesville Municipal Building on Main Street. Batesville will light up its historic downtown and Riverside Park with one of the state’s greatest lighting presentations, complete with animated displays, as well as thousands of lights
sequenced to music, including a one-of-a-kind 34-foot snowman. Later that evening is the Christmas parade at 7 p.m. also on Main Street. Other festivities in town include the ice-skating rink at the amphitheater opening November 28 and the Country Christmas Craft Fair on December 12 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Main Street. For more on Batesville’s Tour of Lights, visit CityofBatesville.com, search for City of Batesville Christmas Tour of Lights on Facebook, or contact Johnathan Abbott at 870-698-2432.
Bull Shoals Twinkling lights decorate the city limits of Bull Shoals and along Hwy. 178 beginning December 1. For parade information, call Melissa Baker at 479-667-2525 or email [email protected].
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Batesville
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Greenwood
Booneville
Paris
Ozark
Altus
Wiederkehr Village
Alma
Waldron
DanvilleOla
Dardanelle
Russellville
Perryville
Jessieville
Clinton
Bentonville
Rogers
SpringdaleSiloamSprings
Fayetteville
Winslow
PrairieGrove
Berryville
Jasper
Yellville Flippin
Buffalo NationalRiver
GassvilleCotter
Lakeview
Bull Shoals
Marshall
Mountain HomeSalem
Hardy
Cherokee Village
Mammoth Spring
Melbourne
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Newport
Heber SpringsGreers Ferry
Fairfield Bay
Searcy
Bald Knob
Augusta Wynne
Fargo
Cotton Plant
Jonesboro
Hoxie
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Rector
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Blytheville
Manila
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Use the map below to locate communities on the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights.
Information was accurate as of 10/26/2015. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the website.
Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights
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Perryville
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Marshall
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Searcy
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Fargo
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Jonesboro
Hoxie
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Rector
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Blytheville
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White Hall
Dumas
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Rison
Sheridan
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Arkadelphia
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El Dorado
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Hamburg
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Hope
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BentonBryant
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Harrisburg
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Use the map below to locate communities on the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights.
Ashdown/Little River County Area De QueenEl DoradoGurdonHistoric Washington State Park
Hot SpringsMagnoliaMenaNashvillePrescottSmackoverTexarkana
Alma Altus BentonvilleBerryville Clarksville DardanelleEureka Springs FayettevilleFort SmithGreenwoodHarrison
HuntsvilleJasper OzarkParisRogersRussellvilleSiloam SpringsVan BurenWaldronWiederkehr Village
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12131415161718192021
222324
252627
Beebe ConwayJacksonvilleLittle RockMorrilton
North Little RockSaline County/City of BentonSearcySherwood
CrossettMariannaMcGehee
MonticelloPine Blu� White Hall
Northwest
North Central
Central
Lower Delta
Southwest
353637
41
42434445
383940
46474849505152
5354555657
5859
6061
Blytheville��
Blytheville��28
29
Newport�
Newport
30
PiggottPiggottPiggott31
Walnut
Pocahontas
Walnut
32 33
ynne �ynne
34
�36
37
For more information on specific holiday events, visit Arkansas.com/TrailofHolidayLights.
Upload and share your photos on Facebook.com/ArkansasTrailofHolidayLights.
28293031
BlythevilleCorningNewportPiggott
PocahontasRectorWynne
Upper Delta323334
BatesvilleBull ShoalsCotter/Gassville
Heber SpringsMountain ViewYellville
Cotter/Gassville Downtown Cotter will be aglow this holiday season. Drive across historic Rainbow Arch Bridge, and see the shimmering lights from Big Spring Park. In Gassville, see lights along Hwy. 62/412. For more information, call 870-321-1243 or visit CotterGassville.com.
Heber Springs Spend the holidays in Heber Springs. The spectacular lighting of the Courthouse Square will be December 5 at 6 p.m. followed by the annual Christmas parade on Main Street featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy Christ-mas carolers and hot chocolate while you stroll through downtown taking in the lights at Spring Park and the new Eagle Bank pocket park. For more informa-tion, contact Julie Murray at 501-362-2444, visit Heber-Springs.com or visit Facebook.com/HeberSpringsChamber.
Mountain View Experience an Ozark Mountain Christmas in beautiful Mountain View. The Christmas parade will be held on December 5 at 5 p.m. with tree lighting at 6 p.m. Enjoy Christmas music on the square. “Caroling in the Caverns” at Blanchard Springs Caverns takes place November 29-December 20. For more information, contact Dee Hanrahan at 870-269-8068 or visit YourPlaceintheMountains.com.
Yellville Get in the holiday spirit with the Tour of Homes, hosted by the Single Parent Scholarship Fund, on December 5 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. For more information, contact Felice Dennis at 870-405-8795 or visit YellvilleChamber.com.
Cotter
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Heber Springs
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Caroling at Blanchard Springs Caverns
Blytheville At 1.5 miles, more than six million lights and over 48 major motion displays, Lights of the Delta is the Mid-South’s largest holiday lighting festival. Open November 23-December 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday,
enjoy free pictures with Santa every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday with hayrides every night. Jingle Bell Park has Santa’s workshop and the souvenir stand. The concession stand is open nightly as well. $10 per vehicle. Miss Lights of the Delta pageant is November 27-28. The Twinkle Fun Run/Walk will be held on November 30. The downtown Christmas parade will take place on December 4 at 6 p.m. For more information, contact George Hubbard at 870-762-9788 or visit LightsoftheDelta.com.
Corning Make plans to be in Corning on November 28 for live entertainment at 5 p.m. followed by the countdown to the lighting of the park at 6 p.m. Santa will be there after the lighting to listen to children’s Christmas wishes and to give out bags of candy to all the good boys and girls. For more information, contact Glen Boyd at 870-857-9001 or visit Facebook.com/corningchristmasinthepark.
Newport The Christmas spirit is alive in Newport. Enjoy 125 pre-lit Christmas trees throughout the city. Schedule a stop by the historic Jackson County Courthouse for the spectacular out-door display. New to this year’s display, seven giant Nutcracker soldiers will line Front Street near the Iron Mountain Depot in downtown Newport. Make plans to attend the annual Newport Christmas parade on December 10 at 6 p.m. on Mal-colm Avenue. Don’t forget to swing by the home of Dr. Patti Mullins, who has pro-vided a spectacular private Christmas display that is truly a sight to behold. This famous outdoor holiday display at 4 Sue Circle includes a life-size nativity scene, a talking Rudolph and a virtual Santa. For more information, contact the Newport Chamber of Commerce at 870-523-3618 or visit NewportArChamber.org.
Newport
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Upper Upper Upper Upper Upper Upper Upper Upper Upper Upper Upper Upper DeltaDeltaDeltaDeltaDeltaDelta
Caroling at Blanchard Springs Caverns
Let 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.
Piggott Piggott’s Christmas Fest is on December 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. Activities include a 4 p.m. parade around the court square, entertainment performed from a 1930s-style gazebo that’s magically transformed into a carousel, and a visit from Santa. For more information, contact Piggott Area Chamber of Commerce at 870-598-3167 or email [email protected].
Pocahontas Downtown 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 town square offers dinners and baked goods on the evening of December 3 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 19-24. For more information, contact the Randolph County Tourism Association at 870-248-0069, [email protected] or visit SeeRandolphCounty.com.
Rector On December 3 at 6 p.m., follow the annual Christmas Parade on 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.
Wynne Worth the drive, Wynne presents the “Festival of Trees” during which local businesses, youth groups and civic organizations decorate a tree relating to their business or of their choice. Located at the Technology Center for the Delta/Bill Thomas Building at 1790 N. Falls, stop in and vote for your favorite. Prizes are awarded to the most popular tree according to number of votes. Other sights include the Cross County Courthouse Lawn, which displays a large well-lit train, and Falls Boulevard where streetlamps are decorated with Christmas décor. For more information, contact Jan Hess at 870-238-2601 or visit CrossCountyChamber.com.
Pocahontas
Piggott
Blytheville
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Crossett Just three miles north of Crossett, you will fi nd Christmas Wonderland, a half-mile oasis of lights. The display includes several animated scenes, 30-foot oval train, drive-through lighted tunnel, the Christmas Story, a patriotic scene, bubble and snow machines, infl atables, a light show and special appearances by Frosty the Snowman. This year, there will be new additions as well. Christmas Wonderland opens Thanksgiving at 6 p.m. and can be viewed nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. through New Year’s Eve. This event draws crowds from three states. For more information, contact Sam Finney at 870-415-1575.
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 snowfl akes, poinsettias, Christmas trees and French horns. The city park has a Victorian theme. For more information, contact Dawn Latch at 870-295-2469.
McGehee The Wiley A. McGehee Memorial Park lights up on December 1. Also in December is the annual Christmas parade. For the date, time and additional information, call Paula Mote at 870-222-4451 or visit McGeheeChamber.com.
Marianna
McGehee
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Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower DeltaDeltaDeltaDeltaDeltaDeltaDeltaDeltaDeltaDeltaDeltaDelta
When 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.
Monticello Historic downtown Monticello comes alive with lights and music during the 21st annual Carols of Christmas Parade on December 1 at 6 p.m. Thousands of sparkling lights cover fl oats depicting favorite Christmas carols. Follow the parade along historic Main Street and then stop by and enjoy post-parade festivities at the Drew County Historical Museum. On December 12, 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.
Pine Bluff Celebrating its 19th 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. Donations are gladly accepted at the end of the drive. The event is located just off Hwy. 65 B at Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Regional Park. For more information, contact Greg Gustek at 870-536-7600 or visit PineBluffFestival.org.
White Hall This year celebrate “A White Hall Community Christmas” on December 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the James “Jitters” Morgan Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. There will be hot dogs, popcorn, cocoa and themed activities for families. Christmas lights will be displayed at White Hall City Park at 101 Parkway Drive. For more information, contact Lydia Scholebo at 870-247-5502 or visit WhiteHallAR.org.
Pine Bluff
Monticello
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WhiteHallAR.org.
From 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.
Ashdown/Little River County AreaThe 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 a sight to behold. The offi cial lighting ceremony will
be held November 25 at 6 p.m., and the lights will shine bright November 25-January 1 from dusk until
midnight. The Foreman Parade is on December 5 at 6 p.m., and the Ashdown Parade is on December 12 at 6 p.m. For
more information, call 870-898-7202.
De Queen Stroll through the streets of downtown De Queen enjoying Christ-mas carols and refreshments, visiting shopkeepers and admiring Christmas lights everywhere. The De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce invites you to the Christmas parade on December 5 at 6 p.m. Floats, antique cars, tractors and marching bands all add to the festivities. Santa arrives during the parade and will be taking visits from the children following it. Come out and share in the spirit of the holidays. For more information, call the chamber at 870-584-6225 or visit DeQueenChamberofCommerce.com.
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 19 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 3 at 7 p.m. For more information, contact the chamber at 870-863-6113 or visit GoElDorado.com.
Gurdon Southern hospitality and Christmas cheer abound in Gurdon. Follow the signs and travel through town on the lighted holiday tour. Don’t miss Main Street’s new lighted store windows, big Christmas Tree, lighted plaza and banners. Call 870-353-2514 for more information on the Christmas parade and other festivities.
Ashdown/Little River County Area
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SouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwestSouthwest
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 5 and 12 from 1 to 8 p.m. The homes of yesterday will be adorned with pinecones, grapevines, magnolias and evergreens. Decorations, music and more will set the mood for your historic holiday experience. Daylight tours are from 1 to 5 p.m., and candlelight tours with
thousands of luminaries lighting the town are from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit the Williams Tavern offering a Christmas buffet from 11 a.m. to
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.
Hot Springs Celebrating its 14th year is Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens featuring more than four million lights on 17 acres. Open daily from November 21-December 31, special events include music in the Anthony Chapel on weeknights and
“Santa in the Gardens” on select evenings. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate. For more
information, visit GarvanGardens.org. Hot Springs National Park will host its
Chili Cookoff and Light Up Downtown display at Exchange Street Parking Plaza on November 23 at 8 p.m. The annual Christmas Parade takes place on December 7 at 6 p.m. on Central Avenue, and the Historic District Luminary Display will be held on December 12. For more information, contact Caitlin Moore
at 800-321-2277 or visit HotSprings.org.
Magnolia Don’t miss the display of lights at the Columbia County Courthouse
beginning December 3. The Greenhouse Cottages of Went worth at 26 Warnock Springs Road will have their annual drive-thru display of lights from December 1 through January 1. The Magnolia-Columbia County annual Christmas parade will be held on Decem-ber 3, and this year’s theme will be “Candy Canes and Christmas Carols.” The parade begins at the Courthouse Square and makes its way to South-ern Arkansas University for its annual lighting of the bell tower ceremony at 6:15 p.m. For more information, contact Ellie Baker at 870-234-4352 or visit MagnoliaChamber.com.
Magnolia
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Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs
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Historic Washington State Park
Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs
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Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources State Park, Smackover
Mena Mena hosts its largest Christmas parade of lights on December 5 at 5 p.m. Follow the parade to Historic Janssen Park for festive music, fi reworks and the
offi cial lighting ceremony. For additional information, contact the Mena/Polk County
Chamber of Commerce at 479-394-2912 or fi nd more info online at VisitMena.com.
Nashville Nashville will celebrate the holiday season with its annual Christ-mas parade that will march down the decorated streets of downtown Decem-ber 1 at 5 p.m. Santa will lead the parade and will wave his magic wand to light the Christmas tree. The 140-acre park will also be lit for the holidays. For more information, visit NashvilleAR.com.
Prescott Dozens of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses will be on display on the grounds of the Nevada County Courthouse and Sterling Square. The annual Christmas parade will be held December 3 at 6 p.m. followed by Christmas on the Square at the courthouse. For more information, contact Jamie Hillery at 870-887-2101 or visit PrescottAR.com.
Smackover Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season at the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources Oil Field Park November 20-December 19, Friday-Saturday only, plus December 20 and 26. The walking tour features over 200,000 lights and a music show by Santa’s rock band. View different lighted vignettes including the 66-foot tree that changes designs, 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.
Texarkana Celebrate the holidays in Texarkana where you get two states of fun. Christmas lights dazzle downtown streets and storefronts as part of the Front Street Festival and Festival of Trees. The 31st annual Christmas Parade takes place on Main Street on December 7 at 7 p.m. featuring Jingle, the holiday hog, live camels and Clydesdales pulling Santa in a stagecoach. For more information, contact Main Street Texarkana at 903-792-7191 or visit MainStreetTexarkana.org.
Texarkana
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Beebe Beebe welcomes you and your family to the annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 5 at 6 p.m. The parade will begin at Beebe High School. This year’s theme is Winter Wonderland. The Daniel Park Light Display on Main Street will run from November 23 through January 4. There will also be a Christmas Celebration at Daniel Park on December 12 at 5:30 p.m. with music, refreshments and a visit from Santa. For more information, contact Kristen Boswell at 501-882-8135 or visit BeebeArk.org.
Conway Downtown Conway’s Holiday Celebration will begin with the annual Downtown Conway Christmas Open House on November 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. Also beginning November 8, merchants will start holding special weekend events that will continue through the month of December. The festivities include Small Business Saturday on November 28 with the Conway Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration that evening. The event will “fl ip the switch” to light downtown Conway from Rogers Plaza to Simon Park and surrounding areas. On Saturday, December 12, in coordination with the Conway Christmas Parade, musicians will be playing up and down Oak and Front streets. Street vendors will be present. There will also be performances by the UCA Tuba Christmas group and the Conway Symphony Orchestra. For more information, contact Kim Williams at 501-327-7788 or visit ConwayArkansas.org.
Jacksonville The city of Jacksonville kicks off the Christmas season with its Holiday Lights Ceremony on November 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Jacksonville City Hall. Santa Claus is coming to town and makes his fi rst stop in Jacksonville on December 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the 58th annual Christmas parade. Join the festivities as Main Street is lighted with Christmas spirit. For more information, contact Michelle Whited at 501-982-3146 or visit CityofJacksonville.net.
Little Rock Sponsored by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, the annual Little Rock Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade takes place on December 5 at 3 p.m. 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 at dusk. For more information, contact Angela Rogers at 501-835-3399 or visit HolidaysinLittleRock.com.
The 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 fun that awaits you.
CentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentralCentral
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Morrilton Christmas in Morrilton begins with the annual parade through downtown on December 3 at 5:30 p.m., followed by Night of Luminaries at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. The Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce hosts “Christmas in the Park” on December 7-30. This will be a driving “lighted” tour in Cherokee Park. A free event with donations being accepted, it will be nightly except Christmas Night. For more information, contact Cody Hill at 501-354-2393 or visit Morrilton.com.
North Little Rock Bring the whole family for the Christmas Parade in North Little Rock on December 6 at 2 p.m. followed by the Northern Lights tree lighting ceremony. The parade will begin on Pershing Boulevard and continue down Main Street to the Argenta district. For more information, contact Shannon Harris at 758-1424 or visit NorthLittleRock.org.
Saline County/City of Benton Saline County will celebrate the holidays with the Christmas Parade on December 7 at 6 p.m. Santa will make an appearance at the courthouse gazebo on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. through December 22. Free cocoa and cookies will be served, and local talent will perform. For a complete schedule of events or more information, contact Vicki Hopkins at 501-303-5640 or visit SalineCounty.org.
Searcy The spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas is alive and well in Searcy. Visit the historic downtown and courthouse to experience the joy of the season in a small town. Bring the whole family to Berryhill Park to see new holiday lights. Stroll through the campus of Harding University for another impressive display featuring more than 100,000 lights. Many activities are planned throughout the holiday season. For more information, contact Liz Howell at 501-279-5777 or visit Searcy.com or Harding.edu/events/lights.
Sherwood The holiday spirit takes over Sherwood Forest November 30- December 30 and lights up nightly from 6 to 9:30 p.m. This mile-long trail of spectacular lights features reindeer in a soda shop, the Sherwood Express and Santa Claus. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Cash proceeds fund the lighting, and non-perishable food donations are given to a local food pantry. Contact Misty Heaton at 501-833-0476.
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Benton
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This year, the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights celebrates its
20th anniversary. For many families, it’s Christmas tradition —
attending parades, pageants and tree-lighting ceremonies, as
well as touring homes, caroling, ice-skating and shopping.
Whatever your favorite festivities are, you can find them in more
than 60 communities across the state where you’ll also discover
great deals on winter stays. Start a new tradition,
and create lasting memories this season.
Visit Arkansas.com/trailofholidaylights for
more information. Order your free vacation guide
online at Arkansas.com or by calling 1-800-NATURAL.
SCAN WITH MOBILE QR READER FOR MORE INFO.