Hey there fellow Arkansans! Tis the season for family traditions and making ALL of the memories! Remember the days when your dad would drive you endlessly through neighborhood after neighborhood just to try to find some Christmas lights worth looking at? Well, lucky for you guys we’ve simplified it so you can find everything you need to get in the holiday spirit all in one place! You can thank us later. For now, here’s our Arkansas holiday lights display guide.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Hot Springs, AR $15/Adults, Ages 4-12 $5, 3 and under is FREE.
People. THIS. Garvan Woodland Gardens transforms into a Winter Wonderland for the season. Think Alice in Wonderland does Christmas (Alice in Winterland — Phil is punny). You can walk the entire thing, or opt to have a golf cart tour if you’re not able to walk much. Walking the park takes about an hour but you can take as long as you like. There are countless photo opportunities. We recently went and were discussing making this a yearly quest. The Chipmunk Cafe serves up holiday treats, coffee, and hot cocoa.
Pro Tip: Buy tickets in advance and get yourself in the express lane to bypass the traffic.
For advance tickets and more info on times, visit https://www.garvangardens.org/purchase_tickets/default.aspx
Sherwood Enchanted Forest
Dec 2nd-30th, 6-9:30pm FREE – but donations encouraged
This is a long standing tradition for many Arkansas families. One of the best drive through light shows you’ll see. On busy nights, the lines can get long, so plan accordingly. But catch them in the middle of the week for a quicker turn around. There’s a donation station at the end, and we encourage you to tip, it’s what keeps these traditions a tradition. They add new lights each year, so there’s always something you’ve never seen.
White River Wonderland
Batesville, AR Riverside Park Free, open nightly through Dec 31st
Look, we don’t want to sound like a broken record here but… Carriage rides, an ice skating rink, and the most Arkansas version of a train you’ve ever seen all combined on the beautiful White River and we are all about that life! Apparently this is one of the state’s more lesser known drive through displays but well worth the trip. Check out our previous article here https://arkansastodo.com/2019/11/24/arkansas-weekly-events-november-25-december-1-2019/ for more info and links to their Facebook page.
“Santa on Sayles – Tim Bir
1031 Sayles Rd, Jacksonville AR Free, but donations encouraged.
Remember the guy in Sherwood who’s entire house was covered in Christmas? Well, if you don’t, this is the man. He’s literally Kris Kringle. If Clark Griswold didn’t screw up so much, this would be him. HE IS NO LONGER IN SHERWOOD! He has moved to a new location in Jacksonville and says it is bigger and better! Not to mention, you can drive through it this year – BUT PARK AND WALK THROUGH IT, much better, we promise. Also, he raises money for Wounded Warriors and Make a Wish. So drop some dollars in the tip jar.
Join the man himself’s public Facebook group for more info https://www.facebook.com/groups/138904926160103/
Enchanted Land of Lights
Pine Bluff, AR – Regional Park Open 6pm – 9pm nightly through Dec 31st
Pine Bluff is bringing you the state’s longest drive-thru of holiday lights. Packing in an entire mile and a half of Christmas and boasting over 300 displays, this is a sure fire family pleaser. Dim those lights and try not to ride the brake so hard, Dad. The drive through is free to visitors but donations are accepted and a $10 donation gets you a keepsake ornament. We’ve also heard that they’ve set up a new photo op at the end of the drive through.
Lights of the Delta
Blytheville, AR November 25 through December 27 S-T 5pm-9pm Friday and Sat 5pm-10pm $10 per vehicle (up to 12 passengers)
With over 6 million lights and 40 major motion displays, no Arkansas holiday lights display guide is complete without this must see! It is a drive through but they also book hayrides nightly. Christmas lights… from a hayride?! Count us in! Not to mention free pictures with the jolly man himself! There is a concession stand that offers hot chocolate, popcorn, and souvenir ornaments. What didn’t they think of?
For all the info plus other upcoming Christmas events sponsored by Lights of the Delta check out http://www.lightsofthedelta.com/
Y’all have at it!!
Arkansas To Do
Phil and Jess
