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 post office, a barn, a blacksmith shop and more!
Every year, the Pioneer Village opens its historic buildings for a day in December so 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, cider and peanuts were available for guests, and the volunteers were dressed in old-time clothing.
Best of all was the Christmas decor in the various buildings. It was perfectly old Arkansas Christmas.
The 2026 date has not been posted yet, so be sure and check the Pioneer Village Facebook page before making your plans.
The Polar Express PJ Party
If you’re visiting Searcy with kids, here’s another Christmas event to add to your list.
The Polar Express PJ Party will be held at the historic Rialto Theater on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Put on your Christmas pajamas and head downtown for a fun start to a full day of Christmas activities in Searcy.
Best of all, the Searcy Christmas Parade takes place later that same evening, so you could easily make a day of it.
Check the Searcy Calendar of Events for the latest information before you go.
The Searcy Christmas Parade
The Searcy Christmas Parade is a BIG DEAL, y’all!
The 2026 Searcy Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 5, from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
When we attended, people were lining up along the parade route at least an hour before the starting time.
Fortunately, the route is long enough that there are plenty of places to watch. The parade travels through downtown Searcy and ends at Berryhill Park.
I definitely recommend attending the Searcy Christmas Parade!
We were told there were about 150 entries when we attended, including lighted floats presented by local groups and businesses, classic vehicles, fire trucks, musical groups, 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.
Be sure to check the Searcy Calendar of Events before you go in case there are any changes.
Tips For Watching the Parade:
- It draws a huge crowd! However, because the parade stretches through downtown and along 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 or have different hours during the event.
Where to See the BEST Christmas Lights in Searcy
One of the things Searcy does especially well at Christmas is lights!
The city’s annual Holiday of Lights officially kicks off for 2026 on Tuesday, November 17, at Berryhill Park. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., with the Christmas lights coming on at 6:00 p.m.
After that, there are several places around town where you can enjoy the glow of the season.
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, the streets leading into the square glow 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 was the Christmas tree with lights timed to music.
Harding University
One of the most peaceful stops of the night was Harding University. This is actually my alma mater but I’m not biased at all!
The campus is beautifully decorated with white lights that hang from the huge trees across this gorgeous campus.
Harding also traditionally offers special Christmas events during the season, including holiday concerts and other activities. Be sure to check Harding’s schedule of holiday events for current dates and 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 in Searcy.
Wow! This was SO well done and probably our favorite Christmas event in Searcy!
The Living Nativity is presented by Searcy First Assembly of God Church. It is a drive-through experience with live actors and animals that takes you through the story of Christmas scene by scene.
You 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 is not held every night.
- Be prepared to wait in a line to be allowed to 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.
We loved this experience. It is peaceful, moving, and 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 music lovers. Quattlebaums has been in business 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 trip.
Come for the lights, stay for the parade, wander around downtown, and make time for experiences like Pioneer Village and the Living Nativity. Those were the things that made Christmas in Searcy especially memorable for us.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to Christmas in Searcy, Arkansas, and that it helps as you make your Christmas season plans.
