’Tis the season to lift your merry voices and celebrate the holidays in Ark ansas. Mark your calendars. The fun beg ins the week
of Thank sg iving . Let this brochure be your g uide on the way to enjoying a variety of festivities and creating new holiday traditions with family and friends. Additional information is available at
Ark ansas.com/TrailofHolidayLig hts.
For tips on traveling The Natural State, order your FREE Ark ansas Vacation
Planning Kit online at Ar
k ansas.com or phone at 1-800-NATURAL.
SCAN WITH MOBILE QR READER FOR MORE INFO.
CK LITTLE RO
Celebrate
RUSSELLVILLE
More than 60 communities join in the festivities which begin the week of Thanksgiving and last through the Christmas
GARVAN WOOD
LAND GARDENS
holiday. Cities and towns across The Natural State host official lighting ceremonies, parades, pageants and more. Sing along to your favorite Christmas carol. Sit on Santa’s
F
estive parades, home tours, ice sk ating and dazzling lig hts displays await you and your family in cities and towns throug hout the reg ion. A popular vacation destination year-round, the Ozark s are even more mag ical at Christmastime.
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On Saturday, December 7 at 5:30 p.m., Main Street Siloam Springs teams up with the City of Siloam Springs and the local Heritage League to create the wonderful annual Light Up Siloam Holiday Celebration and Christmas Parade. The mayor will wave a magic candy cane at dusk to illuminate more than 30,000 Christmas lights and 60 decorated lampposts. Santa also makes his first appearance of the season on one of 50 floats in the parade. For more information, contact Meredith Bergstrom at 479-524-4556 or visit MainStreetSiloam.org.
lap. Lace up your skates for a twirl around the rink. Cozy up to loved ones while sipping hot
EUREKA SPRING
S
cocoa. Commemorate the season with festive arts and crafts. Spread holiday cheer by posting
2
ArkansasStateTourism
E BLYTHEVILL
and on Instagram with the hashtag #VisitArkansas. complete listing of events, visit Arkansas.com/ TrailofHolidayLights.
ASHDOWN
The Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights is a past American Bus Association Top 100 Event.
Bentonville
This vibrant city transforms into a winter wonderland at its Lighting of the Square on November 16 at dusk. This event brings the Bentonville community together to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Don’t miss ice skating at Lawrence Plaza, November 23-January 20. For more information, contact Andy Green at 479-254-0254 or visit DowntownBentonville.org.
photos to Facebook.com/
For more information and a
Siloam Springs
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Rogers
Holiday Hoopla kicks off in downtown Rogers on November 30 at 5 p.m. with the lighting of the 27-foot-tall Christmas tree. This year’s Christmas parade is on December 2 at 7 p.m. and showcases “Holidays around the World.” Shops will stay open until 8 p.m. each Thursday after Thanksgiving through Christmas with a special ladies’ shopping night on December 5, cocktails with Santa on December 12 and a shopping event for the guys on December 19. Santa will make an appearance
ROGERS
FAYETTEVILLE
at the Frisco Caboose at First and Walnut streets on Saturdays in December from 10 a.m.2 p.m. A family movie will take place at the Victory Theater on December 21. For more information, call Dana Mather at 479-936-5487 or visit MainStreetRogers.com.
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EUREKA SPRINGS
5
Now in its 20th year, Lights of the Ozarks is expanding from the historic downtown square all the way to Dickson Street. A parade will be held on November 23 to begin the festivities, which last until New Year’s Eve. Activities include pony rides, camel rides, carriage rides and caroling on the square. For more information, contact Marilyn Heifner at 479-521-5776 or visit TheLightsoftheOzarks.com.
Eureka Springs
Yellville
Get in the holiday spirit at the Tour of Homes hosted by the Single Parent Scholarship Fund on December 8 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each. For more information, contact Tina Smithee at 870-449-4676 or visit YellvilleChamber.com.
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Cotter and Gassville
Downtown Cotter will be all aglow this holiday season. Drive across historic Arch Bridge, and see the shimmering lights from Big Spring Park. For more information, call Cathy Rooney at 870-321-1243.
Fayetteville
Eureka Springs is an enchanting place to celebrate the holidays. Lighting displays illuminate the quaint mountain town during “Bling in the Springs,” a citywide contest for both commercial and residential properties. The 42nd annual Silver Tea takes place on December 5 from 2-4 p.m. at the Crystal Dining Room in the Crescent Hotel. The Christmas parade rolls through town on December 6 from 6-7 p.m. The 31st Tour of Homes will be held December 7 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 29-December 21 from 6-8 p.m. See the set illuminated for the holiday, as well as a live nativity. For information, call 800-882-7529 or visit GreatPassionPlay.com.
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Mountain Home
Start the holiday season with “A Christmas Carol,” performed live at The Shield at ASU-Mountain Home on Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. Jingle on the Green at ASU-Mountain Home is Monday, December 2 from 6-8 p.m. The annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting takes place Friday, December 6, with the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. and the parade to follow at 6 p.m. The 34th annual Tour of Homes will be on Sunday, December 8 from 1-4 p.m. Call 800-514-3849 for tickets. For more information, contact Susannah Aims at 870-425-5111 or visit EnjoyMountainHome.com.
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Mountain View
Experience an Ozark Mountain Christmas in beautiful Mountain View. The Historic Courthouse, town square and Main Street will be all aglow with lights, music and spirit. The Christmas tree lighting and courthouse lighting ceremonies will be held December 7 at 6 p.m. Enjoy Christmas music on the square and a live nativity. Santa will be there for the children. “Caroling in the Caverns” takes place December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22. For more information, contact Michalle Stevens at 870-269-8068 or visit YourPlaceintheMountains.com. HEBER SPRINGS
Berryville
Harrison
The Boone County Courthouse and Square will sparkle from December 2-26. The official lighting ceremony will take place on December 2, followed by the annual Christmas Parade. Contact Katherine Hefley at 870-741-0926.
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Bull Shoals
Twinkling lights decorate the city limits of Bull Shoals and along Hwy. 178 beginning December 3. For more information, call Wilson Bowling at 870-445-4443 or visit BullShoals.org.
Heber Springs
On December 4, the annual Christmas Parade begins at 6 p.m. on Main Street. Luminaries will be all aglow at Spring Park and around the Historic Cleburne County Courthouse. A live nativity scene on the east side of Spring Park demonstrates the real reason for the season. For more information, contact Melisa Gardner at 501-362-2444 or visit Heber-Springs.com.
The City of Berryville Christmas Parade will be held on December 7 at 6:30 p.m. The 2013 theme is I Am Dreamin’ of a Green Christmas. Entries will be judged on the best use of recycled materials, with cash prizes in seven categories. For more information, call Deneen Foster at 870-423-3139 or visit Berryville.com.
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Batesville
Batesville illuminates the town with over half a million lights on Wednesday, December 2 at 6 p.m. Lyon College hosts a tree lighting ceremony at Brown Chapel on December 2 from 6-6:30 p.m. and presents “A Christmas Concert Chorale” on Friday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bevens Music Room. For a map of Batesville’s Tour of Lights, visit CityofBatesville.com. For more information, contact the City of Batesville at 870-698-2432.
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Pocahontas
19
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 offers dinners and baked goods on the evening of December 6 when the annual Christmas parade will wind 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 870-892-0254 or visit SeeRandolphCounty.com.
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Huntsville
Piggott’s Christmas Fest on December 7 includes arts and crafts around the court square, entertainment performed from a 1930s-style gazebo that’s magically transformed into a carousel, prize drawings, PIGGOTT local cuisine, special store sales and a visit from Santa. Don’t miss the parade at 10:30 a.m. For more information, contact Piggott Area Chamber of Commerce at 870-598-3167 or email
[email protected].
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Jasper
Day or night, Newton County in the beautiful Ozark Mountains is a great place to enjoy the holidays. During the 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.
L
et twink ling lig hts lead your way on a drive throug h the Ark ansas Delta this holiday season. Cities and towns across the reg ion pull out all the stops to delig ht you and your family with parades, live nativity scenes and appearances by Santa, Rudolph, Frosty and more.
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Corning
Make plans to be in Corning for the countdown to the lighting on November 30 with live entertainment at 5 p.m., followed by the lighting at 6 p.m. and a visit from Santa, who will be giving out bags of candy to every good boy and girl. For more information, contact Glen Boyd at 870-857-9001 or visit Facebook.com/CorningChristmasinthePark.
Rector
On December 5 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 Janet Manchester at 870-595-2300.
Enjoy the Christmas Open House on the Square November 22-23 and extended shopping hours through the holidays. The annual Christmas parade takes place on December 7 at 6 p.m. For more information, contact David Pemberton at 479-738-6000.
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Piggott
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Blytheville
Lights of the Delta is the Mid-South’s largest holiday lighting festival. Open November 25 to December 26 from 5:30LE 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and until 10 p.m. BLYTHEVIL Friday-Saturday. Free pictures with Santa every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at Jingle Bell Park. Hayrides available every night by reservation. Concession stand open every night. $10 per vehicle. New Johnny Cash display this year. For more information, contact George Hubbard at 870-762-9788 or visit LightsoftheDelta.com.
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Newport
Festivities in Newport include the Lighting of the Courthouse on December 6 at 6 p.m. and the Christmas Parade at Lakewood Park on December 12 at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Johnny Long at 870-512-8185.
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Wynne
Wynne presents the “Festival of Trees” during which local organizations 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. WEST MEMPHIS
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West Memphis
Community Tree and Park Lighting Festivities begin on Tuesday, November 26 at Worthington Park at the corner of Missouri and South Worthington streets and include the lighting of the 45' Blue Spruce, Christmas music, refreshments, snow and thousands of lights. The parade will take place on Tuesday,
December 3, and travel down W. Broadway to Worthington Park. For more information, contact Jim Jackson at 870-732-7598 or visit WestMemphis.org.
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Marianna
Marianna Downtown Square Lighting A ceremony takes place the weekend after Thanksgiving and 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.
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Celebrating its 17th season, “Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends” is Arkansas’s largest drive-through lighting exhibit, featuring over 140 beautiful holiday displays on the 1.3-mile drive. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. For more information, contact Greg Gustek at 870-536-7600 or visit PineBluffFestival.org.
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McGehee
The Wiley A. McGehee Memorial Park lights up on November 30. Come see the Santa Train on December 14 at 3 p.m. at the railroad depot. For more information, call Karon White at 870-222-3160 or visit McGeheeChamber.com.
Monticello
Historic downtown Monticello comes alive with lights and music during the 20th annual Carols of Christmas Parade on December 3 at 6 p.m. Thousands of sparkling lights cover floats depicting favorite Christmas carols. Join Miss Arkansas, and follow the parade along historic Main Street. Enjoy post-parade festivities at the Drew County Historical Museum. On December 14, the Santa Train rolls into Main Street Mini Park at 11 a.m. For more information, contact Glenda Nichols at 870-367-6741.
MARIANN
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Pine Bluff
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Hamburg
Experience the spirit of Christmas during “Hamburg Holiday,” December 7, 9 a.m.5 p.m., followed by the annual Christmas Parade. On the square, enjoy entertainment, holiday treats, Little Red Wagon Parade, pictures with Santa and Santa’s workshop. Contact Haley Chavez, 870-853-8345, Hamburg-Chamber.org. NORTH CROS
SETT
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W
hen it comes to picturesque setting s, the Timberlands Reg ion doesn’t disappoint. Snap a photo with Santa, or warm your hands around a hot mug of cocoa as you discover the hidden mag ic here.
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White Hall
The Christmas parade starts at Dollarway Rd. and Colonial Park on December 6 at 6:30 p.m., followed by the “Lighting of the City Park” and open house at City Hall. For more information, call 870-247-2399 or visit WhiteHallAR.org.
North Crossett
Just three miles north of Crossett, find an oasis of beautiful lights. Christmas Wonderland consists of over a million lights with several animated scenes, snow machines, a drive-through tunnel of lights, a lights show, patriotic scenes, color-changing forest of lights, the Christmas Story and bubbles for the kids. This display draws crowds from three states. It opens Thanksgiving at 6 p.m. Hours are 6-10 p.m. nightly through New Year’s Eve. For more information, contact Sam Finney at 870-500-3206.
El Dorado
Enjoy the holiday in Historic Downtown El Dorado. The lighting EL DORADO ceremony will be held at the Union County Courthouse on November 14 at 6 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 manmade Christmas trees in Arkansas. See the largest Christmas parade in South Arkansas on December 5 at 7 p.m. For more information, contact the Chamber at 870-863-6113 or 888-921-BOOM or visit GoElDorado.com.
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.
Ozarks: ▲
Sulphur Springs
1 ▲
♦
71
62
Bentonville 2 ● Siloam Rogers 3 Springs Springdale
5
62
Van Buren
▲ 47
Fort Smith
♦
23
● 48 40
Wiederkehr Village
49
540
46
45
10 23
44
7
Ola
Mount Ida
Mena 71
●
10
Dierks 70
De Queen
36
32
4
Ashdown
67
▲ ▲ 34
●
355
82
24
39
371
Lewisville
●
Stamps Magnolia
●
29
79
Toltec Mounds
27
79
Wabbaseka
79
63 15
425
8
Wilmar
Jersey
33 167 63 15 Smackover ●32 82 ● El Dorado ● ▲ Strong
Marvell Stuttgart
7
82
Crossett 425
Information was accurate as of 10/26/2013. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the website.
121
61
▲ 5524
70
Hughes Forrest City
West Memphis
79
●Marianna 25 49
▲
Helena-West Helena
165
26
4
Hamburg
1
McGehee
165
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Cotter and Gassville Mountain Home Mountain View Heber Springs Batesville Pocahontas Huntsville Jasper
21 Blytheville 22 Newport 23 Wynne
24 West Memphis 25 Marianna 26 McGehee
Timberlands: 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34
White Hall Pine Bluff Monticello Hamburg North Crossett El Dorado Smackover Texarkana
35 Ashdown/Little River County Area 36 De Queen 37 Nashville 38 Historic Washington State Park 39 Prescott
Ouachitas: 43 Mena 44 Waldron
River Valley:
●
Dumas
18 Corning 19 Piggott 20 Rector
40 Gurdon 41 Arkadelphia 42 Hot Springs
♦
65
Siloam Springs Bentonville Rogers Fayetteville Eureka Springs Berryville Harrison Bull Shoals Yellville
77
1
165
30 31
1
79
Clarendon
Dermott
7
Fargo
Hazen
64 Parkin
40
Brinkley
Monticello
Warren
Hampton
29
14
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Delta: ●
Marked Tree
DeWitt
● Star City
49
17
Pine Bluff
28
●
Camden
Junction City
165
●
McCrory Wynne
Cotton Plant
11
Scott
White Hall
Sheridan
Fordyce
● ● 79
Lonoke 70
●
England
167 9
7
11
9
8
Prescott 24
Hope
●
Rison
Gurdon
4
71
●
67
Augusta
Manila 55
Osceola
● Marion
23
64
Beebe Des Arc Cabot ● Jacksonville Sherwood 40
440
530 270
40
▲
Little Rock
Magnet Cove
7
61
Bryant Benton
Arkadelphia
Washington
Tollette
35 ●
38
● 63
430
64 70
●
● 41
30
♦
North 60 Little Rock
●
Newport
▲
●
63
Harrisburg
Searcy
Blytheville 18
49
● 22
Bald Knob
67 167
59
64
62
630
7
DeGray
●
Nashville
Texarkana
8
42
Murfreesboro
37 27
Foreman
Hot Springs
Glenwood 27
5
16 5
Conway
10
14
21
●●
63
Batesville
20
Paragould
412
Jonesboro
67
167 Greers Ferry Heber Springs 13
65
9
●♦
270
●
57
Perryville
25
Piggott 49
Walnut Ridge
167
25
●
58
Jessieville
Caddo Gap 4
● 56
Morrilton
27
8
9
25
40
● ●●
19
Rector
15
62
Hoxie
● Mountain View 12 14
62
▲
67 Corning
Pocahontas
Melbourne
Ozark Folk Center
Fairfield Bay
9
7
Waldron
● 270 43
66
Russellville
27
Danville
Leslie
27
53
10
Booneville
14
Clinton
Clarksville
Altus 51 50 Paris
27
16
7
54 ● Dardanelle ●● 55 Petit Jean
Greenwood 71
21
52
Ozark
Alma
Blanchard Springs Caverns
Marshall
16
18
5
♦
Jasper
17
●
5
Buffalo National River
65
♦
16
Winslow
540
7
412 Harrison
Huntsville
4
Mammoth Spring ●▲ 9 Midway 11 Salem 63 Lakeview Mountain Home Hardy 10 ● Gassville Horseshoe Bend 62 9 Cotter Cherokee Calico Rock Village Yellville Flippin
▲ 7
● 16
Fayetteville 71
21
8
Bull Shoals
14
Berryville 65
23
412
Prairie Grove ●
67
Eureka Springs
30 Interstate Highway 79 U.S. Numbered
Lake Village
▲●
65
Eudora
82
State Highway
10 State Highway
▲
Arkansas Welcome Center
●
State Park Location
♦
National Park Location
45 46 47 48 49 50 51
Greenwood Fort Smith Van Buren Alma Ozark Paris Altus
52 Wiederkehr Village 53 Clarksville-Johnson County 54 Dardanelle 55 Russellville 56 Morrilton 57 Perryville
Central: 58 59 60 61
Conway Beebe Jacksonville Sherwood
62 North Little Rock 63 Little Rock 64 Saline County/ City of Benton
HISTORIC WASH
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Smackover
38
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season at the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources’ Oil Field Park November 22-December 21, Friday-Saturday only, plus Sunday, December 22. 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 $5 for adults and $3 for children. For more information, call 870-725-2877 or visit Amnr.org.
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Texarkana
35
36
Historic Washington State Park
Prescott
Special holiday lighting will be displayed in Prescott beginning the week of Thanksgiving. The Nevada County Courthouse will be lighted, as well as Main Street and Hwy. 67. Enjoy the lights into the New Year. For more information, contact Judy Duke at 870-887-2101.
F
rom lak es to g ardens to park s, the Ouachitas invite you to appreciate the beauty of nature this holiday season. These scenic setting s will mak e the perfect back g round for your family Christmas card.
De Queen
The official lighting ceremony at the Sevier County Courthouse will precede the annual Christmas Parade on December 7 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 Fonda Hawthorne at 870-584-3225 or visit DeQueenChamberofCommerce.com.
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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 27 at 6 p.m. The Foreman Parade is on December 7 at 6 p.m., and the Ashdown Parade is on December 14 at 6 p.m. Also be sure to stop by the Two Rivers Museum on Main Street. For more information, contact Debbie Crouch at 870-898-2758 or visit LittleRiverCounty.org.
PARK
The park will be adorned with 19th-century decorations, and 3,000 luminaries will be lit at dusk on December 7 and December 14 from 1-8 p.m. Docents in historic dress will greet you at the decorated 19th-century buildings and homes. The sound of choirs fills the streets as you enjoy strolling through town. Tickets sold the day of are $10 (plus tax) for adults and $5 (plus tax) for children. For $1 off advance tickets, contact SARA (Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives) at 870-983-2633. For more information, contact the park at 870-983-2684 or visit HistoricWashingtonStatePark.com.
TEXARKANA
Celebrate the holidays on the state line in historic downtown Texarkana. Main Street Texarkana hosts the 29th annual Christmas Parade on Monday, December 2 at 7 p.m. Floats and marching bands will be led by live camels. Enjoy hot cocoa and tasty treats at the Front Street Festival Plaza. For more information, contact Ina McDowell at 903-792-7191 or visit MainStreetTexarkana.org.
INGTON STATE
Nashville
Nashville will celebrate the holiday season with their annual Christmas parade that will march down the decorated streets of downtown on Thursday, December 5 at 5:30 p.m. Santa will lead the parade and will wave his magic wand to light the Christmas tree. For more information, visit NashvilleAR.com.
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Gurdon
Southern hospitality and Christmas cheer abound in Gurdon. Check out the Christmas parade in early December. For more information, call Tambra Childress at 870-353-2514. ARKADELPHI
A
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Arkadelphia
Enjoy a nautical Christmas as Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina on DeGray Lake becomes a winter wonderland. The lights will be lit nightly November 29-December 31. Donations for the MakeA-Wish Foundation are appreciated, but not required. Contact Vickie Egleston at 870-246-3210.
GARVAN WOODLAND
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GARDENS, HOT SPR
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-foottall Rose Tree. The holiday fun also includes elves working in Santa’s workshop and a hands-on train engine with smokestack and sound effects. New this year is a musical piano light show. The Anthony Chapel will host free concerts throughout the season. Holiday Lights will be open each evening from 5-9 p.m., November 23-December 31. For more information, contact Sherre Freeman at 501-262-9300 or visit GarvanGardens.org. Hot Springs National Park will host the 10th annual chili cookoff and Christmas lighting display at Exchange Street Parking Plaza on November 25. For more information, contact Jimmy Sample at 501-321-2277 or visit HotSprings.org.
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MENA
44
INGS
Waldron
HOT SPRING
S
E
xperience the Christmas mag ic across the Ark ansas River Valley and create new traditions with your family.
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The Trail of Holiday Lights display runs from December 1-31 at Bell Park and features about 95 displays. For more information, contact the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce at 479-996-6357 or visit Facebook.com/FocusonGreenwood.
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Mena
Mena hosts its largest parade of lights on December 6 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 a special Christmas production. For more information, contact the chamber office at 479-394-2912 or visit MenaPolkChamber.com.
On December 7, 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, the Chamber of Commerce Silent Auction opens at 10 a.m., along with the annual Toy Sale. At 5 p.m., enjoy the downtown lighting ceremony and entertainment on the Old Courthouse Lawn, followed by the annual Christmas parade on Main Street at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Linda K. Davis at 479-637-2775 or visit WaldronChamberofCommerce.com.
Greenwood
Fort Smith
Festive holiday displays will illuminate River Park Downtown, Pendergraft Park, the UAFS campus and Creekmore Park, which 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.
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Van Buren
FORT SMIT
Main Street will be aglow with Christmas decorations and lights, November 22-23. Van Buren’s holiday season officially kicks off with the UAFS Drennen-Scott Historic Site’s Christmas Open House Celebration on December 6 at 5:30 p.m. Living Windows will be December 7 starting at 5:30 p.m., where downtown merchants will have live window displays depicting the colorful history of Van Buren. Also on December 7 is the Courthouse Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. followed by the Festival of Trees. The annual Christmas parade will be held December 14 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Stacie Browning at 800-332-5889 or visit www.VanBuren.org.
H
48
Alma
53
The Alma community presents a drive-through lights presentation featuring over 40,000 lights. The lights are displayed at the Alma City Water Park November 29 through December 28. The park will open at 5:30 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.
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Clarksville-Johnson County
Get your holiday shopping done early. Local merchants host an open house on November 23-24, the weekend before Thanksgiving, and an early bird sale on November 29. Join the holiday fun at “Light Up the Square” on December 7 at 5 p.m., followed by the Christmas parade at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Sue Carlton at 479-754-2340 or visit ClarksvilleARChamber.com. RUSSELL VILLE
Ozark
54
The Dardanelle Christmas Parade hosted by the Chamber of Commerce will be on December 6 at 6 p.m. This year’s theme is Christmas Caroling. Anyone can enter. No entry fee. For more information, contact Ashley Andrews at 479-229-3328 or visit DardanelleChamber.com.
Purple Friday Weekend takes place November 22-23 with an appearance by Santa, an ice-skating rink, Tunnel of Lights, Snowzilla Junior Slide, and horse and buggy rides. The event is free to the public. The annual Christmas parade rolls through town on December 14 at 6:30 p.m For more information, contact Linda Millsap at 479-667-2949 or visit OzarkChamberofCommerce.com.
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PARIS
Paris
ALTUS
The holiday season in Paris begins with the annual Mercy Auxiliary Benefit Holiday Dinner on November 24 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 14 p.m. On November 30, 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 all of your Christmas wishes. Return to Paris on December 1 for the Tour of Homes, an annual fundraiser for the Logan County Old Jail Museum. For more information, contact Linda Hixson at 479-963-2244 or visit ParisArOnline.com.
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WIEDER
KEHR V
ILLAGE
Altus
Lighting of the Park will take place on Sunday, November 24 at 6:30 p.m. Bring the kids 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 8 at 2 p.m. For more information, contact Jan Stacy at 479-209-5308.
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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.
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RUSSELLVILLE
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Dardanelle
Russellville
See the state’s largest lighted Christmas Parade right here in Russellville on December 5 at 6:30 p.m. The parade travels from South Arkansas to West Main Street. Russellville presents its Winter Wonderland Drive-through Lights Display and Live Nativity Scene and Petting Zoo from Wednesday, December 11-Sunday, December 22, 5-11 p.m. nightly. For parade information, contact Kelli Nealy at 479-968-1272. For Winter Wonderland information, visit DiscoverRussellville.org and RussellvilleChamber.org.
Morrilton
Christmas in Morrilton begins with the annual parade through downtown on December 5 at 5:30 p.m. The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton hosts “Night of the Luminaries” on December 5 at 6 p.m. The free community event features nearly 2,000 candlelit 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.
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Perryville
Holiday lights will illuminate the Perryville Historic Square beginning November 25 from 5-11 p.m. The display will feature over 40,000 bulbs. For more information, contact Patrick Collins at 501-707-8820.
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T
he cities in Central Ark ansas tak e on a whole new energ y when filled with the spirit of Christmas. See for yourself this holiday season while sig htseeing , shopping and enjoying all the holiday fun that awaits you.
CONWAY
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Beebe
Beebe welcomes you and your family to the annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7 at 6 p.m. The parade will begin at the Beebe Public School campus on W. Center Street onto N. Main and back to the school campus via Lemon St. For more information, contact Kristen Boswell at 501-882-8135 or visit BeebeNow.com.
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The holiday spirit takes over Sherwood Forest December 2-30 and lights up nightly from 6-9:30 p.m. 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 Korey Malloy at 501-835-8909.
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Jacksonville
Come join us as the city of Jacksonville rings in the Christmas season. The Holiday Lighting Ceremony will take place on December 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Jacksonville City Hall. The 56th annual Christmas Parade will be held on December 7 at 1 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Jacksonville, where Santa will make his first appearance of the season. For more information, contact Michelle Whited at 501-982-3146 or visit CityofJacksonville.net.
North Little Rock
Wild River Country, Arkansas’s largest water park, transforms into Wild Winter Country, November 22-March 31, with real snow and snow tubing. The winter wonderland features twinkle lights, holiday treats and visits from Santa, November 22-December 23. For more information, visit WildRiverCountry.com. Bring the whole family to Holiday Lights in Burns Park, open November 30-December 30 from 6-10 p.m. Admission is $5 per car, $10 per passenger vans and $20 per RV or motorcoach. Enjoy a fun walk through the lights display at “Dashin’ Through the Lights,” December 14 from 5-6 p.m. For more information, contact the Special Events office at 501-753-7307 or visit NLRpr.org.
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Little Rock
Sponsored by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, the annual Little Rock Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade takes place on Saturday, December 7 at 3 p.m. The parade begins at Second and Broadway and ends at the Arkansas State Capitol. Following the parade, Santa Claus and Secretary of State Mark Martin will lead the annual Capitol Lighting Ceremony. The lights will be on nightly December 7-31. For more information, contact the Angela Rogers Group at 501-835-3399 or visit HolidaysinLittleRock.com. Out west, join The Promenade at Chenal for the Celebration of Lights event Saturday, November 30 and see the spectacular 24' LITTLE ROCK animated tree and light display at 5 p.m. Even MORE lights added for 2013! The kickoff starts at noon with the Santa and Mrs. Claus Marching Band Parade.
Conway
The Downtown Conway Christmas Celebration begins on Saturday, November 9 with the traditional Christmas Window Unveiling, followed by the Downtown Christmas Open House on Sunday, November 10. On Saturday, November 23, the celebration kicks into high gear with the lighting of the largest Christmas tree in Arkansas. The giant tree will tower four stories tall with an actual height of 54 feet. There will be Christmas performances and a new lighting scheme from Rogers Plaza to Simon Park. For more information, visit ConwayArkansas.org.
Sherwood
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Saline County/City of Benton
Saline County will celebrate the holidays with visits from Santa at the courthouse gazebo from 7-9 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.
BENTON
’Tis the season to lift your merry voices and celebrate the holidays in Ark ansas. Mark your calendars. The fun beg ins the week
of Thank sg iving . Let this brochure be your g uide on the way to enjoying a variety of festivities and creating new holiday traditions with family and friends. Additional information is available at
Ark ansas.com/TrailofHolidayLig hts.
For tips on traveling The Natural State, order your FREE Ark ansas Vacation
Planning Kit online at Ar
k ansas.com or phone at 1-800-NATURAL.
SCAN WITH MOBILE QR READER FOR MORE INFO.