Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the holiday frenzy that we forget to explore. This holiday season, pack your bag and get out of town to experience all that Arkansas has to offer during Christmastime.
Here’s a roundup of a few of the best holiday happenings around the state from our sister publication, Little Rock Family. Find the full list here.
Eureka Springs
This enchanted town, known for its history and Passion Play, is about as far away as you can travel and still be in Arkansas. The drive up to the far northwest takes about three and a half hours, but the reward is an array of great events for families. Several, like the Great Passion Play Drive-Through Light Display, the Snow Village and Train Exhibit, are open all season long.
Fayetteville
The award-winning Lights of the Ozarks festival in downtown Fayetteville is a must-see event. Families can enjoy a carriage ride around the square as you take in the sights. This magnificent event featuring a half-million Christmas lights can be enjoyed throughout the entire month of December.
Searcy
This town less than an hour from Little Rock hosts one of the most popular Christmas events in the state: The Living Nativity. Put on by the First Assembly of God Church, it has drawn more than 100,000 visitors over 12 years, and it features more than 100 costumed volunteers recreating Bethlehem storefronts, Herod’s palace, the wise men’s tents, and a manger scene at the center of it all. The drive-through production often has long lines, with hourlong waits on Saturday nights. The church keeps the queue entertained with videos on two large screens and audio via FM signal to car radios.
Bentonville
Dress up in your cold weather gear and head to Bentonville’s Lawrence Plaza. The plaza changes from a summertime splash zone to a fun-filled ice skating rink every Christmas. While your there, check out the Bentonville square lights, as well.