Despite having to adapt and change our normal holiday routines, Arkansans have still found plenty of ways to celebrate the Christmas spirit. From classic horse-drawn carriages to thrilling festive Ferris wheels, these towns across Arkansas bring magic to the holidays. We may need to skip any Santa lap-sitting this year but a trip or two to any of these towns will have your holidays feeling merry and bright.
- Van Buren
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism Van Buren’s Historic Main Street feels like the cozy classic Christmas you see in the postcards. Some of the holiday festivities have been altered this year (like the parade earlier this month) but the magic still remains. Horse-drawn carriage rides, quirky small businesses for the perfect gifts, and endless lights help make this holiday trip enchanting for any age.
- Jasper
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism Arkansas may not have reindeer but we do have elk! You can spot these still-festive creatures all over Boxley Valley and learn more about the herd at Jasper’s Hilary Jones Wildlife Museum & Elk Information Center. You can read about the “reindeer” scenic drive right here.
- Batesville
Facebook/White River Wonderland Batesville goes all out every year, even in 2020! Their White River Wonderland includes ice skating, carriage rides, a Christmas train, and even a Ferris wheel. The dazzling lights and displays will turn even the most sour Grinch into a jolly soul!
- Hot Springs
Facebook/Garvan Woodland Gardens Downtown Hot Springs is looking quite festive but we’re also enchanted by their magical gardens! Garvan Woodland Gardens had to change their traditional winter walk-thru; however, this year is proving to be just as dazzling. Millions of lights decorate the 210-acre botanical gardens for a festive daytime tour.
- Paris
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism Romance isn’t far away when you live in Arkansas - just head to Paris! This small town celebrates Christmas in a classy way complete with a decorated town hall and illuminated 25-ft. Eiffel Tower. The dreamy lights and homage to France create a romantic setting fit for the season.
- Eureka Springs
Facebook/1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa Speaking of a classic Christmas, Eureka Springs turns into a scene straight out of Charles Dickens’ novel. Besides the endless lights throughout the town, the Crescent Hotel is an especially festive stop to make. You may even meet an actual spirit!
- Crossett
Facebook/Finney’s Christmas Wonderland More than enough lights to illuminate an entire town can all be found in one Crossett neighborhood. The Finneys Christmas Wonderland is the town’s pride during the holidays. The massive light display is one of the biggest in the entire state and has even won the The Great Christmas Light Fight! You can learn more about the family and their drive-thru show by reading this article.
- Pine Bluff
Facebook/Explore Pine Bluff We’ll end our magical Christmas town tour with another massive light show - the Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends. Pine Bluff’s drive-thru show is well over a mile long and features over 200 displays. This is the 24th year for the attraction and one of Arkansas’ most beloved traditions.
Which town gives you the most Christmas cheer? Share your holiday festivities with us in the comments below!
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism
Van Buren’s Historic Main Street feels like the cozy classic Christmas you see in the postcards. Some of the holiday festivities have been altered this year (like the parade earlier this month) but the magic still remains. Horse-drawn carriage rides, quirky small businesses for the perfect gifts, and endless lights help make this holiday trip enchanting for any age.
Arkansas may not have reindeer but we do have elk! You can spot these still-festive creatures all over Boxley Valley and learn more about the herd at Jasper’s Hilary Jones Wildlife Museum & Elk Information Center. You can read about the “reindeer” scenic drive right here.
Facebook/White River Wonderland
Batesville goes all out every year, even in 2020! Their White River Wonderland includes ice skating, carriage rides, a Christmas train, and even a Ferris wheel. The dazzling lights and displays will turn even the most sour Grinch into a jolly soul!
Facebook/Garvan Woodland Gardens
Downtown Hot Springs is looking quite festive but we’re also enchanted by their magical gardens! Garvan Woodland Gardens had to change their traditional winter walk-thru; however, this year is proving to be just as dazzling. Millions of lights decorate the 210-acre botanical gardens for a festive daytime tour.
Romance isn’t far away when you live in Arkansas - just head to Paris! This small town celebrates Christmas in a classy way complete with a decorated town hall and illuminated 25-ft. Eiffel Tower. The dreamy lights and homage to France create a romantic setting fit for the season.
Facebook/1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa
Speaking of a classic Christmas, Eureka Springs turns into a scene straight out of Charles Dickens’ novel. Besides the endless lights throughout the town, the Crescent Hotel is an especially festive stop to make. You may even meet an actual spirit!
Facebook/Finney’s Christmas Wonderland
More than enough lights to illuminate an entire town can all be found in one Crossett neighborhood. The Finneys Christmas Wonderland is the town’s pride during the holidays. The massive light display is one of the biggest in the entire state and has even won the The Great Christmas Light Fight! You can learn more about the family and their drive-thru show by reading this article.
Facebook/Explore Pine Bluff
We’ll end our magical Christmas town tour with another massive light show - the Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends. Pine Bluff’s drive-thru show is well over a mile long and features over 200 displays. This is the 24th year for the attraction and one of Arkansas’ most beloved traditions.
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Address: Van Buren, AR 72956, USAAddress: Jasper, AR 72641, USAAddress: Batesville, AR 72501, USAAddress: Hot Springs, AR, USAAddress: Paris, AR 72855, USAAddress: Eureka Springs, AR, USAAddress: Pine Bluff, AR, USA
