Every holiday season, the Hallmark channel releases tons of magical Christmas movies. However, the Hallmark channel isn’t the only place you’ll find whimsical seasonal celebrations. Arkansas’ very own Eureka Springs hosts a yearly yuletide affair that gives the celebrations seen on TV a run for their money. Let's take a look at the magical Eureka Springs Christmas Festival in Arkansas.
Celebrating Christmas in a big way, Eureka Springs hosts a month-long fest filled with signature events, glowing lights, and jolly décor.
Filled with Victorian-era buildings, Eureka Springs is one of the most picturesque places to spend the holidays, making it the perfect setting for a Hallmark-style celebration.
The Parade of Lights, Christmas light display at The Great Passion Play, and Christmas tree forest at the Crescent Hotel are among the fest’s most popular festivities.
Decorated storefronts are another hallmark of the fest. On select nights during the Christmas season, merchants present “living windows,” which come alive with elves, Santa, and other characters.
Like something straight from a Hallmark Christmas movie, Eureka Springs' Fest is a true holiday destination. And just like a Hallmark film, you don’t want to miss it!
Enjoy the Christmas Parade during the Eureka Springs Christmas Festival in this video from The Eureka Springs Channel:
Want to know more about this yuletide affair? For more info, including a full line-up of festivities, visit the Eureka Springs Christmas Festival website.
So, did you know about this Hallmark-style Arkansas Christmas festival? Ever visited Eureka Springs during the holiday season? Know of another great holiday event? If so, tell us!
This fest isn’t the only place you can bask in the splendor of the season. Read about a Christmas village, where you can take a train ride through a wonderland of lights.
Are you feeling the holiday spirit yet? I know I am! ‘Tis the season, it’s in the air! And this season, we’ve put together a list of the best Christmas light displays in Arkansas that will become your new family tradition. From drive-thru celebrations to award-winning winter wonderlands, we have millions of twinkling lights that are pure holiday magic. So, if you've searched for holiday lights near me, here are 7 of the best Christmas lights in Arkansas that belong on your list this year.
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1. Finney Christmas Wonderland, Crossett
We can’t celebrate Christmas in Arkansas without a visit to the most extravagant display in our state. Finney Christmas Wonderland in Crossett is an award-winning light celebration that will enchant you in the best way. What began as a boyhood dream for Sam Finney, has become a favorite tradition for folks in our state. With millions of dazzling lights, bubble machines as well as hundreds of handmade displays, this whimsical wonderland is the best drive through Christmas lights in Arkansas. It’s free to attend, but donations are certainly welcome. The celebration starts on Thanksgiving night, but be sure to visit the Finney Christmas Wonderland website for more information.
2. Lights at Harding, Searcy
It might not be your traditional winter wonderland, but Harding University has some of the prettiest Christmas lights in our state. The university teams up with the town of Searcy for a dazzling holiday display. During the Holiday of Lights celebration, the front lawn of the campus is illuminated with thousands of dripping white lights and features lots of holiday festivities for the family. This stunning event kicks off on November 18 and the lights will remain until the New Year. You don't want to miss this magical celebration! If you ask me, it's the best Christmas lights in Searcy, Arkansas.
3. Stewart Family Christmas Light Display, Fayetteville
With over 6 million twinkling lights as well as train rides, pony rides, camel rides, and more, this stunning Christmas village belongs on your list this year. The Stewart Family Christmas Light Display has become a family tradition for locals and visitors alike. The fun kicks off on November 16th, but there is also a FREE preseason show "Light the Night for ALL Abilities!" for accessible folks on November 14th. Mark your calendars to visit the most festive Christmas lights in Fayetteville, Arkansas this year!
4. White River Wonderland, Batesville
Another must-visit magical display is the White River Wonderland in Batesville. Featuring over 1.5 million sparkling lights as well as a Ferris wheel, ice skating rink, train and carriage rides, and more, it's easy to see why Batesville is called the "Christmas Capital of Arkansas." This award-winning celebration kicks off on November 27 and has tons of holiday fun for the entire family. This might just be our favorite pick for winter wonderlands and of course, the most dazzling Christmas lights in Batesville, Arkansas.
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5. Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs
Who wouldn't want to spend the holiday exploring a serene garden dripped in pretty, glowing lights? If you have never witnessed the spectacular Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens, then you'll want to add it to your list this year. Stroll through the themed garden oases as you marvel at millions of lights, mystical creatures, fun holiday characters, as well as musical light shows, for one magical night you won't forget. Beginning on November 23 through December 31, stop by to kick off your holiday season in the most spectacular way at the prettiest Christmas lights in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
6. Lights of the Ozarks, Fayetteville
For 30 years, the Lights of the Ozarks has been one of the most beloved Christmas lights in Northwest, Arkansas. Each year, the Fayetteville Historic Downtown Square is illuminated with over 500,000 twinkling lights that spread Christmas cheer to locals and visitors alike. The holiday extravaganza kicks off on November 22 with the lighting ceremony, a parade, food trucks, and more. Of course, the jolly Saint Nick will be there as well, so be prepared to tell him if you've been naughty or nice this year.
7. Christmas At The Park, Jonesboro
Cruise through the longest drive-through lights in Arkansas and perhaps in all of the US at the Christmas At The Park extravaganza in Jonesboro. Not only does the celebration include a football field-length lighted tunnel, but there will be hot cocoa, a snowflake forest, as well as photo ops with Santa. Mark your calendars for November 27 to see the best Christmas lights in Jonesboro, Arkansas this year.
So, this holiday season, be sure to add these winter wonderlands to your list. We believe that they're the best Christmas lights in Arkansas and if you ask me, all are truly magical in their own unique way.
If you’re anything like the rest of us, every year as the holidays start approaching, traditional Christmas events start filling up our calendars! Perhaps this year you’re searching for a new fun holiday excursion. If so, we’ve got you covered. In between checking out all of the Christmas light shows and holiday displays, consider taking a ride aboard the Holiday Express train in Arkansas, a fun holiday-themed train excursion that the whole family will enjoy. The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad train offers one of the best Christmas train rides in the state, and you won't want to let this holiday season pass by without climbing aboard this whimsical attraction. This Christmas train ride in Arkansas will take your holiday plans to the next level.
The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad has several holiday trains running as the Christmas season starts to approach. During the year, the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad schedule offers round-trip scenic tours through the Ozark Boston Mountains, which are a fantastic way to experience Arkansas' historic train tunnels and trestles. But the holidays offer something a little extra special and perfect for the whole family.
During the Christmas season, the railroad employs elves to host their special holiday trains, which are called the A&M Holiday Express trains. You'll also hear them referred to as the railroad's pajama trains, but feel free to put on the festive attire you love the most! Jammies and costumes or not, Santa and his elves work hard to make your holiday train experience as magical as possible.
Holiday Express trains depart every two hours. Double-check the A&M Railroad website for this year's schedule. There are typically multiple ride times to choose from that depart from either Van Buren or Springdale, but keep an eye out! Extra routes are sometimes added. These special Christmas train rides often include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus as well, plus hot chocolate (my favorite, yum!), Christmas carols, and oodles of cheerful surprises.
Double-check the A&M website for this year's schedule. There are typically multiple ride times to choose from that depart from either Van Buren or Springdale, but keep an eye out! Extra routes are sometimes added. The kiddos can write their letters to Santa while they're here, in plenty of time for Christmas deliveries!
Caucasian mother and daughter mailing letter to Santa
When you first arrive, the depot will be all decked out for the season as well. You'll immediately feel in the holiday spirit. You never know who will show up. You might even see Frosty or even the pesky Grinch sneaking around. Hop on the Holiday Express train ride in Arkansas, and you're sure to walk away with some fantastic Christmas memories! This festive Arkansas Christmas train ride is truly a one-of-a-kind event you won't want to miss. In fact, it might even become a new family tradition! It's on my Christmas list this year!
Address: 306 E Emma Ave, Springdale, AR 72764
To book your tickets for this sweet and nostalgic family Christmas train ride in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad website. Are you planning on riding the Holiday Express this year? Let us know in the comments below!
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For more fun in Arkansas this winter, take a drive to one of these scenic destinations that are way out in the boonies ... but worth the drive. Or, curl up with a good book in front of a roaring fireplace at this charming cabin in the trees!
