Central Arkansas is ablaze with holiday light displays. Clear, multi-colored, twinkling, single strands or huge displays—we love them all! Visit these festivals and exhibits for a brighter holiday season.

Note: Please follow all ADH guidelines and mask up and social distance while exploring light displays on foot. 

1. A Trail of Holiday Lights at Sherwood's Enchanted Forest 

Drive through this mile-long trail of lights in Sherwood Forest to spot over 90 brightly-lit displays. Admission is free but nonperishable items, donated to local food pantries, are welcome.

Where: Sherwood Sports Complex | 511 Bear Paw Road When: Nov. 20-Dec. 30: 6-9:30 p.m. Cost: Free! Donations to local food pantries and future displays are welcome. For info: 501-413-8030, cityofsherwood.net

2. Garvan Gardens Winter Garden Festival in Hot Springs 

This daytime version of Garvan Gardens Holiday Lights Show will offer families many traditional favorites like the 50-foot Rose Tree, Holiday Train Garden, James the Train, frozen light world and light art installations created by interior design students from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas. Families will also have access to Evans Children’s Adventure Garden, Evans Tree House, Hixson Nature Preserve and Perry Wildflower Overlook.  

Where: Garvan Gardens | 550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs National Park When: Nov. 21-Dec. 31: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cost: $15 for adults, $5 for ages 4-12, free ages 3 & under For info: 501-262-9300, garvangardens.org

3. Hot Springs Holiday Lights on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs 

Swing through downtown Hot Springs to see its annual light display along Bathhouse Row starting on Nov. 23. 

Where: Central Ave. between Reserve and Fountain St., in Hot Springs National Park When: Nov. 23-Jan. 5 Cost: Free! For info: 501-321-2277, hotsprings.org

4. 3rd Annual Dino-Lights at Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs 

Visit the Mid-America Science Museum for their third annual Dino-Lights. This outdoor event is a great way for families to enjoy holiday fun while social distancing. Check the museum’s event calendar for more details on each Saturday’s special event. They have lots in store, from tinkering activities to ugly sweater night. 

Where: Mid-America Science Museum | 500 Mid America Blvd., Hot Springs When: Nov. 27-Dec. 26: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Cost: $11 for adults, $8.80 for seniors, active/retired military and kids 3-12, free for kids 2 & under For info: hotsprings.org, facebook

5. Mountain Harbor Resort on Lake Ouchita

The day after Thanksgiving is the official start of Christmas at this resort on Lake Ouachita. The festive display—which includes over 2 million lights—is free and open to the public. 

Where: Located on Lake Ouachita; see website for directions When: Nov. 27-Jan. 1 Cost: Free! For info: 870-867-2191, mountainharborresort.com 

6. 6th Annual Lights on Jupiter Christmas Light Show in North Little Rock 

Lights on Jupiter’s mission is to Lighten, Brighten and Heighten the holiday season for central Arkansas. Come enjoy over 50,000 flashing lights on two decked-out neighboring houses in North Little Rock. To take control of the lights and pick your favorite music mix, you can donate to the Hearts4Holidays project—which supports giving local older adults Christmas presents.

When: Nov. 28-Jan. 4: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5:30-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Lights will not operate in heavy rain. Where: 15401 Szymanski Road, North Little Rock Cost: Free! To control the lights, donations are required. More info: lightsonjupiter.org, facebook

7. Holidays on Main

Look no further for the perfect family photo spot. Brought to you from the same team behind Shadows on Sixth, Holidays on Main is a COVID-safe winter wonderland featuring a high-tech tree, holiday scenes, lights and décor. You can stroll (please wear masks and distance) or drive-thru this free attraction. 

Where: Union Plaza (located at Capitol Avenue and Main Street) and all along Main Street in downtown Little Rock. When: Nov. 30-early Jan. 2021 Cost: Free! For info: 501-375-0121, clongstreth@downtownlr.com  

8. Arkansas State Capitol in Downtown Little Rock 

The State Capitol will be illuminated in its annual holiday display at 5:30 p.m. on December 5. Holiday lights will shine each night Dec. 5-Jan. 1.

Where: Arkansas State Capitol | 500 Woodlane Ave., Little Rock When: Dec. 5-Jan. 1 Cost: Free! For info: 501-682-1010, sos.arkansas.gov 

9. Christmas Lights with Love at Grace Lutheran Church in Little Rock 

Enjoy a drive-thru lights experience complete with free packaged goodies, gifts and Christmas music.

Where: Grace Lutheran Church | 5124 Hillcrest Ave., Little Rock When: Dec. 13, 5 p.m. Cost: Free! For info: facebook

For more holiday light displays throughout the state, visit the Arkansas Parks & Tourism Trail of Holiday Lights website.