We recently spent a day enjoying all the festivities of Christmas in Searcy, Arkansas and we can promise you that there is something special about the holidays in this small town!
Searcy leans into the season in the best possible way. In fact, we think that Christmas in Searcy feels a bit like stepping into a Hallmark movie.
Who are we? We are Karen and Emily, a mother and daughter duo who love our home state of Arkansas. We travel all over to bring you all the best that our beautiful (and often overlooked) state has to offer! Follow us on Instagram or on our Facebook page for more Arkansas fun!
Cozy Guide to Finding Christmas in Searcy, Arkansas
Searcy has been recognized by Southern Living Magazine as one of the Cutest Christmas Towns in the South and, after seeing it in person, we can say that the title is well deserved!
From the glowing downtown square to the peaceful campus at Harding University, Searcy truly earns its reputation as one of the most charming Christmas towns not just in Arkansas, but in the south!
We hope that you enjoy our cozy guide to finding Christmas in Searcy, Arkansas!
The Pioneer Village
We started our day at the Pioneer Village.
The Pioneer Village is a collection of late 19th century buildings, farm equipment and other items of historic interest that have been saved from throughout White county by the White County Historical Society.
Some of the buildings include a log house, a school building, an old general store and postoffice, a barn, a black smith shop and more!
Every year the Pioneer Village opens its historic buildings for a day in December so that visitors can experience an old-fashioned Christmas.
I highly recommend attending this event. We absolutely loved it.
Santa was there to visit with children, the blacksmith was working in his shop, there was cider and peanuts available for the guests, and the volunteers were all dressed up in old-time clothing.
Best of all was the Christmas decor in the various buildings. It was perfectly old Arkansas Christmas.
Be sure and check the Pioneer Village Facebook page to find the dates of the Pioneer Village Old Fashioned Christmas!
The Searcy Christmas Parade
The Searcy Christmas parade is a BIG DEAL y’all! People were lining up along the parade route at least an hour ahead of the starting time.
Fortunately the route is long enough for there to be plenty of parking for all the spectators.
Be sure and check the Searcy Calendar of Events for the parade dates.
I definitely recommend attending the Searcy Christmas Parade!
We were told that there were about 150 entries including lighted floats presented by local groups and businesses, classic vehicles, firetrucks, musical numbers, and even Santa himself.
This was a true town-wide celebration! It was simple, joyful, and exactly what a small town Christmas parade should feel like.
Tips For Watching the Parade:
- It draws a huge crowd! However, because it is spread up and down Race Street we were able to find parking and a good spot along the route to watch. The most crowded area seemed to be near the square.
- This is a long parade so bring a lawn chair to get comfortable, relax, and enjoy.
- Be prepared for the weather! The smart people were bundled in blankets and had hot chocolate!
- Restaurants along the parade route might be closed for the event.
Where to See the BEST Christmas Lights in Searcy
Here are some of the best places to see the glow of the season in Searcy.
The Searcy Downtown Square
I highly recommend taking a walk around the charming downtown square of Searcy in the evening during the Christmas season!
The White County Courthouse stands at the center of the square and is adorned with lights. In addition, every street leading in to the square glows with trees wrapped in white lights.
The storefronts and government buildings are also decorated for the season.
Berryhill Park
At Berryhill Park you will find the centerpiece of Searcy’s Holiday of Lights. This is where the full Christmas light experience shines.
Walking through the park, we passed themed displays, and illuminated scenes. Our favorite display was the Christmas tree with lights timed to music.
Harding University
One of the most peaceful stops of the night was Harding University.
The campus is beautifully decorated with white lights that hang dripping from the huge trees on this gorgeous campus.
One night during the Christmas season Harding also offers horse-drawn carriage rides through the campus and holiday concerts. Be sure and check out their schedule of events for more information!
It’s a magical place for an evening walk and a perfect spot to end the night if you’re looking for something calm after all the excitement.
For more Christmas Lights in Arkansas check out our post about Lights of the Delta in Blytheville or this one about some of the best light displays in the state.
The Living Nativity in Searcy
We also visited the Living Nativity experience in town. Wow! This was SO well done and probably our favorite Christmas event in Searcy!
The living nativity is presented by the Searcy First Assembly of God Church. It is a drive-through display with live actors and animals, which takes you through the story of Christmas scene by scene.
You will truly feel as if you have been transported back to Bethlehem.
A few tips for this experience:
- Check the website for dates and hours. The event not held every night.
- Be prepared to wait in a line to be allowed drive in. This event is VERY popular.
- You will turn your car lights off when you enter the experience.
- Go slow and enjoy this reminder about the reason for the season.
- Although this is a free experience they do appreciate donations. Consider helping out.
We loved this experience. It is peaceful, moving, and a provides a quiet and thoughtful moment in the hustle and bustle of Christmas.
Shopping Local in Searcy
We had a great time doing some Christmas shopping at a few of the locally owned shops in Searcy.
Here are some of our favorites:
- DoorFrames Gift Shop is the CUTEST little gift shop. Located on a corner just off the town square this store is full of adorable items for gifts or for your home. We highly recommend this one.
- Quattlebaum Music is located right on a corner of the town square this is the perfect spot for the music lover. Quattlebaums has been in Searcy for 50 years!
- Stotts Family Pharmacy has been a family owned business since 1927. They are both a Pharmacy and a gift shop with both locally made and one of a kind items.
Where to Eat in Searcy During the Holidays
After all the walking, we were ready for a warm meal, and Searcy has no shortage of good options close to the action.
Here are some of the restaurants that you MUST try in Searcy.
- The Soda Jerk is an absolutely adorable coffee and ice cream shop with the nicest owner!
- Knight Fire BBQ is not just one of the best restaurants in Searcy, but also one of the best BBQ places in the state. You have got to give it a try on your visit to Searcy.
- Burrito Day was where we ate lunch and it was wonderful! They stand out because of their fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We also really enjoyed the casual atmosphere.
- Wild Sweet William’s Bakery is a great stop for dessert or a sweet treat to take home.
Why a Visit to Searcy Belongs on Your Christmas List
Our visit to Searcy felt warm and genuine, it’s the kind of Christmas experience that’s easy to fall in love with. It isn’t flashy or overwhelming. It’s welcoming. It’s thoughtful. And it feels real.
If you’re looking for a festive evening drive, a hometown-style holiday outing, or just a place that truly feels like Christmas then we think that Searcy is well worth the stop.
We hope that you have enjoyed this guide to Christmas in Searcy Arkansas and find it helpful as you make your Christmas season plans.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
