Let there be lights!
Holiday lights always manage to illuminate our Christmas spirit. And with the help of some fellow light lovers around central Arkansas, we know where to go to put even the biggest Grinch in a merry and bright mood.
Here’s a look at holiday light displays around the region.
Credit: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism
In the Metro:
Trail of Lights at Sherwood’s Enchanted Forest
A tradition for many in the metro, this mile-long, drive-thru route in Sherwood Forest features dozens of brightly-lit holiday displays. Returning this year are the extended hours, faster flow and contactless donations that were a hit last year. Admission is still free, and no reservations are required.
Open from 5 p.m. – midnight Nov. 28 – Dec. 30. For info, call 501.413.8030 or visit cityofsherwood.net.
Arkansas State Capitol in Downtown Little Rock
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the State Capitol will be illuminated for its 87th annual holiday display with fireworks, carols and Santa, plus some incredible interior decor as well. Admission is always free.
Holiday lights will shine each night through the new year, with indoor hours of 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. – 9 p.m on weekends. For details, call 501.682.1010 or visit littlerock.com.
Holidays on Main
Look no further for the perfect photo spot than the corner of Main and Capitol. Put on by the Downtown Little Rock Partnership, this setup is a winter wonderland in Capitol Plaza featuring a 32-foot tree. For extra jolly, visit during the Holidays on Main Music Series every Friday and Saturday from 6-8 p.m. through Jan. 3.
It will be on display through the new year. For more info, check out the DLRP Facebook page.
Credit: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism
GloWILD! at the Little Rock Zoo
If you don’t immediately think of wild animals during the holidays, this might change your mind. Explore magical, larger-than-life lanterns in the form of your favorite zoo inhabitants, plus holiday activities for the whole family.
Check out GloWILD! 5-9 p.m. on select nights through Jan. 4. For more info, call 501.661.7200 or visit littlerockzoo.com.
The Whimsical Trail at Lake Willastein
Beginning Dec. 1, the Lake Willastein trail in Maumelle will again be decked out in dazzling holiday lights. Experience the beauty for yourself and snap fun photos as you walk through the trail stretching between the boat ramp and playground.
Open nightly from 5-10 p.m. For more info, call 501.851.2500 or visit maumelle.org.
All Lit Up! on Municipal Drive in Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s Christmas tree lighting and holiday displays offer another family-friendly environment for all ages. The festive and bright trail of lights is free and open to the public with no reservations required.
All Lit Up! will be on display Dec. 6-31. For more info, call 501.982.4171 or visit cityofjacksonville.net.
Small Town Christmas in Benton
The lights will soon be twinkling in downtown Benton during the city’s Small Town Christmas showcase beginning with a tree lighting bash on Nov. 30. After you explore the square and holiday lights, make plans to see Santa at the courthouse on select nights in December.
Christmas lights will be on display through the end of the year. For more info, call 501.303.4010 or visit mysaline.com.
And don’t miss these must-see trees around the capital city:
- The Capital Hotel
- The Promenade at Chenal
- Argenta Plaza
- The Bernice Garden
Credit: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism
Worth the Drive:
Downtown Holiday Lights in Hot Springs
More than a million lights and dazzling displays await down Central Ave. in this annual spectacle illuminating downtown Hot Springs and Hot Springs National Park.
The lights will be twinkling through Jan. 1. For more info, call 501.321.2277 or visit hotsprings.org.
Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens
Carol through the botanical landscapes and dazzling lights of Garvan Gardens’ annual Holiday Lights event. (It’s on many locals’ holiday bucket list every year, and for good reason.)
View the lights from 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Dec. 31. For more info, call 800.366.4664 or visit garvangardens.org.
Mountain Harbor Resort on Lake Ouachita
The day after Thanksgiving is the official start of Christmas at this resort on Lake Ouachita. The festive display — which includes more than 2 million lights — is free and open to the public.
See them for yourself through the new year. For more info, call 870.867.2191 or visit mountainharborresort.com.