Glowing lights, festive décor, and…dinosaurs?!?! You might think the three have nothing in common, but that’s not entirely true. Dino Lites 2023 combines all three. This amazing dinosaur-themed wonderland has the best Christmas lights in Arkansas and it’s as magical as you’d expect!

This adventure begins at the Mid-America Science Museum.
Arkansas Tourism/Google
The museum is located in Hot Springs and is home to over 100 exhibits, including Dino Trek.
Dino Trek was the state’s first exhibit of its kind.
Mid-America Science Museum/Facebook
You'll really feel as if you're embarking upon a stand-alone hiking trail, because Dino Trek winds through 21 beautiful wooded acres surrounding the museum.
Dino Trek is a great place to visit all year long.
Mid-America Science Museum/Facebook
But it's even better during the Christmas season in Arkansas, though, when it's set aglow for the museum’s yearly light show, Dino Lites.
The display made its debut in 2018.
Mid-America Science Museum/Facebook
Ever since then, it's quickly grown into a favorite place to spend Christmas in Arkansas, which isn't surprising. It really is a truly unique event!
Folks come from all around the region and further afield to enjoy this magical light display.
Mid-America Science Museum/Facebook
It's easy to get here too. Hot Springs is only about an hour away from Little Rock, the state capital.
Putting a spin on classic Christmas displays, Dino Lites is centered around decked-out dinosaurs.
Mid-America Science Museum/Facebook
Once here, you'll see why it is arguably one of the, if not THE, best Christmas light displays in Arkansas!

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Local groups, clubs, and business owners do all the decorating.
Mid-America Science Museum/Facebook
For locals, it is a favorite annual community activity that really brings people closer together.
Participants here start by "adopting" a dinosaur.
Mid-America Science Museum/Facebook
Then they use lights and festive décor to create glowing yuletide scenes.
This is such a great place for a special date night or fun with friends.
Mid-America Science Museum/Facebook
Many people prefer drive-through holiday light displays, but here it's worth braving the chilly weather to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.
For a special treat, visit Dino Lites on opening night for the Grand Lighting Ceremony.
Mid-America Science Museum/Facebook
Who can think of a better little family getaway in Arkansas?
So, how much is it to attend Dino Lites?
Mid-America Science Museum/Facebook
Well, that's one of the best parts. It's included with general museum admission, so you can explore both the display AND the museum for one price. (Side note: overall it is one of the best museums in the state).
It's no exaggeration when we say Dino Lites is Jurassic Park meets Christmas Vacation!
Mid-America Science Museum/Facebook
As far as holiday traditions in Arkansas go, this one is widely known and much loved.

So, did you know about this holiday event? Have you ever been to see the dinosaurs at the Mid-America Science Museum at any time of the year? If so, when? And how was it? We’d love for you to share your experiences and your prehistoric photos with us!

If you want to know more about Dino Lites, you can visit the official website of the Mid-America Science Museum or the Facebook page of the Mid-America Science Museum.

This isn’t the only fun thing to do in the state. Check out some of these haunted spots that are enticing year-round! And for more fun in Arkansas, Airbnb Experiences has a lot of exciting options among their listings.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Holiday Time in Arkansas

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | October 29, 2022

I'm looking for some Christmas towns in Arkansas.

Enchanting Christmas towns in Arkansas are plentiful, and each one offers its own unique flavor and flair for the holiday season. Think of places like:

  • Benton (a suburb of Little Rock)
  • Fayetteville in the Ozarks region
  • Downtown Blytheville is in the Delta region of the state.

Where are some good places to go hiking in Arkansas in the winter?

Arkansas is such a beautiful state and you'll find many fantastic places to go hiking in the winter, as well as any other time of the year. Although you’ll probably have to bundle up a bit, you can enjoy the great outdoors along:

  • The North Rim Trail at Mount Magazine State Park
  • The Little Blakely Trail in Lake Ouachita
  • The Lost Valley Trail near Ponca.

Are there really a lot of Hot Springs in Arkansas?

You bet your bottom dollar there are a lot of hot springs in Arkansas! Besides the one city by that name, this is one of the main reasons why people flock here year, after year, after year. You can find them literally dotted all over the state. But you’ll find a very large, to say the least, concentration of them at:

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Featured Addresses
Mid-America Science Museum, 500 Mid America Blvd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, USA