Experiencing the Christmas light displays in Arkansas can truly add magic to your holiday season. While there are many ways to enjoy these brilliant spectacles, selecting must-see locations can elevate your experience. Here’s a guide to some of the top spots to find holiday enchantment throughout the state.
Fantastical light displays from little rock to fayetteville
Arkansas offers a dazzling array of Christmas light displays, each one unique and filled with holiday cheer. Let’s explore some remarkable locations, starting from the central parts and moving toward the northwest.
Glowild at the zoo | little rock
Little Rock hosts the GloWild at the Zoo, transforming the zoo into an extraordinary winter wonderland. This year, the attraction features more than 50 illuminated creatures, including dinosaurs. The cultural experiences embedded within the zoo environment bring animated animals and vibrant installations to life, offering a memorable outing for the entire family.
Lights of the delta | blytheville
In the lovely town of Blytheville, the Lights of the Delta display delights visitors with over 6 million lights and more than 50 motion displays. This drive-thru spectacle, situated at the former Ecker Air Force Base, features hayrides and visits with Santa. This event is ideal for a carload of visitors or even small buses, making it the largest Christmas light display in the Midsouth Region.
Light up at white river wonderland | batesville
The White River Wonderland in Batesville, often dubbed the Christmas Capital of Arkansas, attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually. Last year alone, approximately 48,000 vehicles traversed this magical display. This year’s features include a skating rink, making it a perfect destination for families seeking festive activities.
Lights of the ozarks | fayetteville
The historic downtown Fayetteville transforms into a luminous paradise with the Lights of the Ozarks. From November 18th through January 1st, colorful displays, street entertainers, glow balloons, and hot chocolate stalls create an awe-inspiring environment. The City of Fayetteville hosts this free public display, illuminating the area from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily.
Enchanting light displays in other regions of arkansas
While the central and northwest regions boast remarkable displays, the other parts of Arkansas also offer stunning light experiences sure to ignite your holiday spirit.
Wilson winter wonderland | wilson
In Wilson, the Wilson Winter Wonderland enchants visitors with over 500,000 dazzling lights painting the night sky. This event, which takes place in the gardens of the Grange, includes visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus on Fridays. The free admission makes it a delightful event for everyone.
Winter garden festival | hot springs
Hot Springs hosts the Winter Garden Festival within the serene Garvan Woodland Gardens, showcasing a stunning lights display. From November 19 to December 31, the gardens illuminate with colors, from canopies of native trees to rock bridges and open fields. This unique setting in the Ouachita Mountains provides an unparalleled festive experience.
Finney’s christmas wonderland | crossett
Finney’s Christmas Wonderland in Crossett is famous, having even been featured on television. Each year, Sam Finney and his family expand their elaborate display, which covers a half-mile loop. This free, hand-crafted motion display accepts donations that help enhance future installations.
Enchanted land of lights and legends | pine bluff
Pine Bluff’s Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends stands as Arkansas’s largest light display featuring 240 motion displays. This drive-thru display, located in Pine Bluff’s Regional Park, has captivated visitors for nearly three decades. The display is free and continues through December 31st.
Festive events and activities
In addition to stunning light displays, Arkansas offers a variety of festive events and activities to complement your holiday light tour.
Let it glow tour of lights | magnolia
The town of Magnolia comes alive with its Let it Glow Tour of Lights, starting the weekend after Thanksgiving and running through December. A highlight is the Southern Arkansas University campus, which transforms into a picturesque holiday scene. Visitors also enjoy walking through the Traylor Wilson Gardens and the Courthouse Square.
Coulter celebration of lights | mountain home
Mountain Home’s Coulter Celebration of Lights provides a mixed driving and walking light experience across the Arkansas State University Mountain Home campus. Each year, the alumni association hosts a 5k fun run under the illuminating lights, welcoming visitors to enjoy hot chocolate bombs, live musical guests, and special visits from the North Pole.
Additional must-see christmas light displays in arkansas
Arkansas is home to numerous other extraordinary light displays worth visiting. Here’s a list of more locations to explore :
- Lace Lane Lights and City Park tree lighting in De Queen
- Holidays at the Harbor in Mount Ida
- Merry & Bright Holiday Lights in El Dorado
- Holiday Light Extravaganza in Smackover
- Trail of Holiday Lights in Texarkana
- City Park Holiday Lighting in Nashville
- Parade of Lights in Mena
- Christmas and Candlelight in Washington
Plan your holiday light tour
Whether you live in Arkansas or plan to visit, the state offers a plethora of breathtaking Christmas light displays that can enhance your holiday season. Planning accordingly will ensure you and your loved ones enjoy a memorable experience.
So, grab your cozy pajamas, prepare some warm drinks, and embark on a festive light tour. Whether driving through magical displays or walking around illuminated gardens, the holiday spirit in Arkansas promises to warm your hearts and create lasting memories.
