Light Up the Night: 5 Places to See Holiday Lights
by Lauren James on 12/4/2013 8:00am
There is nothing like Christmas lights to brighten up the holiday season and this month, there are plenty of holiday light opportunities to get you in the spirit around central Arkansas.
Here is a look at five spots closeby to check out beautiful light displays:
- Take in a two-hour trolley tour, courtesy of Arkansas Destinations, starting at Simmons Bank on the corner of Rodney Parham and Markham in Little Rock. On the tour, enjoy hot chocolate, apple cider and sing Christmas carols with Santa Claus. It's happening 7-9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in December. Adult tickets are $15 apiece and $25 for couples, while children 6-12 years old are $12.50. Register here for one of the tours this month and get more information!
- If you're in Hot Springs, take a one-hour tour of the beautiful lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs, while enjoying Christmas music and snacks. Then, take a walk through the gardens and enjoy the one-of-a-kind displays, music and hot chocolate. The gardens are offering the special tours 6-10 p.m. every Friday and Sunday in December by Arkansas Destinations. The cost is $28 per adult, $23 for kids 5-12 and children under 5 are free. Register and get more information here.
- Little Rock turns on its brights Saturday (Dec. 7). After the Annual Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade runs through downtown, the Arkansas State Capitol will flip the switch and set off fireworks at 6 p.m. that day.*
- Then, on Dec. 19, watch as $2.4 million worth of lights are illuminated on the Main Street, Junction and Clinton Presidential Park Bridges in Little Rock. Celebrate the bridges' permanent lighting at the First Security Amphitheater, 400 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, from 5-8 p.m. that day with a festive light show and entertainment by the Natural State Brass Band and Big Dam Horns-- one of my favorite local bands!*
- Burns Park will once again be burning bright in the month of December; Hometown Holiday Lights will feature more than 50 displays set up along Funland Drive. The main draw for families-- especially those with little ones-- is that you can see all of the sights as you putter by in your car.*
*-- These holiday lights can be found in this month's issue of Little Rock Family here.
Some of these displays are a part of Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights. Get more information about the trail here!