7 Christmas Light Displays In Arkansas That Are Pure Holiday Magic
By Melanie Johnson|Published November 07, 2023
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Melanie Johnson
Author
I am a nature lover and self-proclaimed foodie wrapped in one package. In my previous life, I was an Accountant, but numbers were boring and writing is the only thing that fuels my soul. So, I write because it's my freedom...it brings me joy. When I'm not writing dope articles for OnlyInYourState, I am writing and editing articles for my online blog on Medium.com. Or, when I get the chance, I am off on a trip with my family chasing waterfalls, or simply exploring the great outdoors. My mantra is to always find the best part of every day and bask in it.
Are you feeling the holiday spirit yet? ‘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 magic this year. So, if you’ve searched for Christmas lights near me, here are 7 of the best holiday lights in Arkansas that belong on your list.
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 drive-thru wonderland is the best Christmas lights in Crossett, Arkansas. It’s free to attend, but donations are certainly welcome. The celebration starts on Thanksgiving night, November 23, but be sure to visit the Finney Christmas Wonderland Facebook page for more information.
It might not be your traditional winter wonderland, but Harding University has some of the prettiest Christmas lights in our state. During the Lights at Harding 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 27 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.
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 18th, but there is also a FREE preseason show "Light the Night for ALL Abilities!" for accessible folks on November 16th. Mark your calendars to visit the most festive Christmas lights in Fayetteville, Arkansas this year!
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 23 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.
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 18 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.
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 17 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.
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 22 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 light displays in Arkansas and if you ask me, all are truly magical in their own unique way.