Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Arkansas
Just outside Little Rock, the Pinnacle Mountain State Park transforms into a shimmering wonderland during the holiday season. About 20 minutes west of the city, this natural landmark offers a unique way to enjoy festive lights alongside nature’s splendor. While the park is famed for its hiking trails like the relatively challenging Pinnacle Peak Trail, holiday visitors often take a leisurely stroll near the visitor center where seasonal light displays brighten the forest edges and picnic areas. The combination of crisp winter air, starry skies, and gently glowing paths sets it apart from typical urban light shows, inviting families to blend outdoor adventure with festive charm.
Traveling northwest, the town of Eureka Springs, roughly two hours from Little Rock, is renowned for its historic downtown district adorned with intricate holiday lighting. The winding streets and preserved Victorian architecture provide a magical backdrop where festive strings of lights outline the ornate iron balconies and gingerbread trims of the cottages. A walk along Spring Street or near Basin Spring Park feels almost like stepping into a storybook, with cozy boutiques and cafes lending warmth to the chilly evenings. The town’s reputation for embracing old-fashioned holiday spirit makes it a destination where lights and history blend seamlessly.
In the heart of Hot Springs, about an hour southwest of Little Rock, Gulpha Gorge Campground within Hot Springs National Park hosts a captivating light display that complements the park’s natural beauty. The campground area is transformed with thousands of twinkling lights that weave through towering hardwoods, creating an immersive forest experience. Visitors can drive through or stroll along the quieter areas and enjoy the peaceful combination of rugged terrain and subtle holiday glow. This site stands out because it merges the grandeur of the Ouachita Mountains with festive cheer, offering a contrast to more commercial light exhibits.
Down in Texarkana, on the western edge of Arkansas near the Texas border, Spring Lake Park lights up with a robust seasonal celebration. Just a short drive from downtown Texarkana, this park features a long drive-through light display alongside a trail illuminated with animated figures and holiday motifs. The display’s scale and brightness make it a favorite for families and those passing through the region. Its accessibility and variety, from sparkling arches to towering Christmas trees, create a festive environment that’s both expansive and intimate, especially enjoyable on crisp winter nights.
Fayetteville, about two hours northwest of Little Rock and home to the University of Arkansas, offers a different flavor of holiday lighting through the Lights of the Ozarks event. The downtown square and surrounding neighborhoods light up with millions of bulbs, reflecting the city’s vibrant community spirit and artistic flair. Walking through the Fayetteville Square, visitors encounter dazzling light sculptures and festive decorations that complement the historic courthouse and local shops. The event’s scale, combined with the backdrop of the Ozark foothills, provides an energetic yet cozy atmosphere ideal for late afternoon or evening visits.
Further south near Magnolia, the Crater of Diamonds State Park hosts a holiday celebration that mixes its unique geological heritage with festive illumination. Located roughly two hours south of Little Rock, this park is the only diamond-bearing site open to the public for mining, and during the holidays, the park’s grounds sparkle with lights that echo its famous gems. Visitors can enjoy illuminated paths around the visitor center and campground, blending the excitement of diamond hunting history with seasonal festivity. The setting is especially appealing for families looking for a distinctive holiday outing away from larger cities.
In Jonesboro, situated in northeastern Arkansas about two and a half hours from Little Rock, the Craighead Forest Park offers a serene setting for holiday lights. The park’s trails and lake area are gently lit with seasonal decorations, creating reflective, picturesque scenes along the water’s edge. The forest’s natural quiet combined with the soft glow of holiday lights sets a tranquil mood, perfect for those wanting a peaceful evening stroll. This spot stands out due to its integration of natural beauty and subtle festivity, providing a refreshing alternative to more commercialized displays.
Finally, the charming town of Bentonville in northwest Arkansas, about 30 minutes north of Fayetteville, presents a holiday lights event focused around the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The museum’s grounds and trails are illuminated with elegant light installations that emphasize the architecture and landscaped gardens. Visitors can explore the outdoor spaces while admiring both contemporary art and festive lighting, creating a culturally rich holiday experience. The blend of art, nature, and light makes this location uniquely appealing for visitors seeking a sophisticated and serene holiday outing.
Each of these Arkansas spots offers a distinctive way to experience holiday lights, from forest trails and historic districts to art museum gardens and diamond mines. The state’s variety of landscapes and towns ensure that visitors can find a setting that matches their festive mood, whether it’s a bustling downtown or a calm woodland path. As the nights grow longer and colder, Arkansas’s illuminated places invite travelers to share in the warmth and wonder of the season.