Nothing is better than seeing the Christmas light displays in Arkansas. Here is a list of our favorites!
These displays range from small town squares lit for the season to the dome of the state capital to gardens awash in music and light. What they do have in common is Christmas cheer and beautiful lights.
Enjoy Christmas in the Natural State!
Best Christmas Light Displays in Arkansas
When possible we have provided a Facebook page or website so that you can click through to find out the opening days and hours and all other information that you might need!
Some of these Christmas light display in Arkansas are free to visit while others require payment.
Let us know if we have missed any of the Arkansas Christmas light displays that you think should be included!
We have listed the various displays in alphabetical order by the name of the Arkansas town where they are located.
Batesville: White River Wonderland
One of the most popular Christmas light displays in Arkansas is The White River Wonderland in Batesville. In fact, this city has won accolades as the Christmas Capitol of Arkansas!
The White River Wonderland takes over the 35 acre Riverside Park and offers a magical experience. Not only do the millions of lights reflect beautifully off the waters of the White River but they also offer carriage rides, ice skating, a parade, a Ferris wheel, free movies, and so much more.
There is no admission cost and you will have the choice to walk through the display or to enjoy it from the warmth of your own car as a drive-through experience.
For More Information:
- Facebook Page: White River Wonderland
- Website: White River Wonderland
Benton: Saline County Christmas on the Square
Benton, Arkansas lights up their historic town square and the Saline County Courthouse.
To kick things off they have a downtown parade and the lighting of the Courthouse with Santa in the gazebo. Santa returns several days during the Christmas season so be sure and check the schedule of events if your children would like to meet him!
There is also a character night with Rudolph, Mickey and Minnie, and other characters that children will enjoy.
For More Information:
- Facebook Page: Downtown Benton Events
- My Saline: Christmas Parade 2023
You might be interested in: Our favorite local restaurants in Benton, Arkansas.
Bentonville: Listening Forest
The Listening Forest is at Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, Arkansas. This is a multi-media extravaganza. Various installations bring the forest to life with light, sound, and sensory effects in a captivating, family-friendly experience.
Although this is NOT officially an Arkansas Christmas light display it is still a great thing to do over the holidays with friends and family.
Tickets should be purchased in advance.
For More Information:
Bentonville: Lights on the Square
The town square of Bentonville, Arkansas is already one of the most charming places in the state. And when they light it up for Christmas…just…WOW! It really is a must see.
Not only is the square awash in lights but the windows of the surrounding businesses are beautifully decorated for the holidays.
For More Information:
You might be interested in: Things to do in Bentonville
Blytheville: Lights of the Delta
Lights of the Delta in Blytheville, Arkansas is said to be the largest Christmas Lighting Festival not just in Arkansas but in the Mid-South. They have over six million lights and 56 major motion displays!
This is a 1.5 mile drive that is surrounded by lights, lakes, and trees. You can choose to drive through the light display, but there is also the option to reserve a hayride!
For More Information:
- Website: Lights of the Delta
- Facebook Page: Lights of the Delta
Crossett: Finney’s Christmas Wonderland
Finney’s Christmas Wonderland is one of the privately owned and constructed Christmas light displays in Arkansas. It is located just near the town of Crossett.
Mr. Sam Finney began the light display in 1985 and it has grown every year. It is now a full 1/2 mile loop of lights covering both sides of the road and using over 1 million lights.
People travel from all over to see this extraordinary display of lights and music. Sam was a Vietnam Veteran and he always dedicates one section of the displays to say “thank you” to all the service men, women, and their families for all their sacrifices.
For More Information:
- Website: Finney’s Christmas Light Wonderland
- Facebook Page: Finney’s Christmas Wonderland
El Dorado: Merry and Bright Holiday Lights
The charming town of El Dorado lights up its downtown. They have an annual downtown lighting ceremony hosted by Main Street El Dorado and the Downtown Business Association.
Gorgeous Christmas lights illuminate Union Square and the Union County Courthouse.
For More Information:
Eureka Springs: Downtown Eureka Springs
You won’t be surprised to know that the unique Ozark Mountain Town of Eureka Springs has several ways to experience the sparkle of Christmas.
The historic town transforms into a wonderland! You will want to wander through the quaint streets where every shop window is decorated and the buildings are covered in lights.
There is also have a drive-through light display on the grounds of the Great Passion Play. You will definitely want to go here to see the lights and remember the meaning of Christmas.
For More Information:
Fayetteville: Lights of the Ozarks on the Fayetteville Square
Lights of the Ozarks is a long standing tradition in Fayetteville and one of the best Christmas Light Displays in Arkansas. The Fayetteville town square which is always beautiful, but it becomes simply magical during the Christmas season.
More than 500,000 lights will illuminate the square and there will be special events all during the season.
For More Information:
- Facebook Page: Lights of the Ozarks
Fayetteville: Stewart Family Christmas Light Display
If you are in Fayetteville for the lights on the square you will also want to stop by the Stewart Family Christmas Light Display. They use millions of lights, hundreds of inflatables, lots of holiday cut-outs and so much more festive decor.
There are also some rides for the children. This Christmas light display in Arkansas is one that you can’t miss. There is an admission charge of $10.
For More Information:
- Facebook Page: Stewart Family Christmas Lights
Hot Springs: Garvan Gardens
Garvan Gardens has been voted the best botanical light display in the US. It is truly a stunner!
We went last Christmas for the first time and wandered the gorgeous gardens bundled up with a cup of hot chocolate in hand and found it to be a wonderful experience.
The lights in the garden are simply stupendous.
Tickets do often sell out, especially on weekends, so I highly recommend purchasing them in advance.
For More Information:
- Website: Garvan Gardens Holiday Lights
Hot Springs: Hot Springs National Park and Town
You will have the best time seeing the lights in Hot Springs! Combine this with a trip to Garvan Gardens.
Historic Downtown Hot Springs will be decorated with over 1,000,000 lights! You can stroll down bathhouse row to enjoy all the displays. The shop windows across the street will also be lit up and decorated.
Don’t miss the larger than life Gingerbread House in the Arlington Hotel lobby!
For More Information:
- Website: Winter in Hot Springs
You might be interested in: A guide to Hot Springs, Arkansas
Jonesboro: Christmas at the Park
Christmas at the Park is a winter wonderland in Jonesboro Arkansas. You will find a drive through hundreds of thousands of lights and Christmas decor including a lighted drive-through tunnel that is 300 feet long!
You can purchase admission online.
For More Information:
- Website: Christmas at the Park in Jonesboro
Little Rock: Arkansas State Capitol Building
This is the 85th Anniversary of the lighting of the State Capitol building in Little Rock.
I remember as a little girl how I loved seeing that dome all lit up! Back then it used to be in alternating strands of red and green. In recent years it has been decorated with sparkling white lights.
There is also always a pretty tree in the rotunda of the building as well as other Christmas decor and displays that you will want to stop in to see.
For More Information:
- Facebook Page: Arkansas State Capitol
You might be interested in; An amazing list of things to do in Little Rock.
Magnolia: Let it Glow Tour of lights
The small town of Magnolia knows how to celebrate the Christmas season with lights!
Start with a drive around the Courthouse Square and then go to see the lights at the Wilson-Traylor Gardens, and then on to the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) campus.
The town also hosts a contest for individual homes that are decorated. The entire town looks like a picture postcard during the holiday season!
For More Information:
Mountain Home: Coulter Celebration of Lights
This is one of the newest light celebrations in Arkansas! It was founded in 2021 by Mountain home Mayor, Hillrey Adams, in connection with Arkansas State University – Mountain Home. (ASUMH).
The event is held on the University campus and they already have more than 2 million lights! There is both a drive-through display and a walking area. Proceeds go to a scholarship program for students.
For More Information:
- Website: Coulter Celebration of Lights
Paris: Downtown Paris
The town of Paris, located near Mount Magazine State Park and the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway, lights up during the holiday season.
You will want to see the lights on the courthouse and around the old-fashioned town square. There are also themed trees which are decorated by local clubs and organizations.
For More Information:
- Facebook: Paris Arkansas Chamber of Commerce
Pine Bluff: Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends
The Enchanted Land of Lights and Legend in Pine Bluff, Arkansas is the largest drive through light display in Arkansas! This annual event features 1.3 miles of lights and over 240 displays, many of which are animated.
You will find the lights at Jefferson County Regional Park. Admission is free although there is an opportunity to give a donation at the end.
Load up the car and take your family through this lovely Christmas light display in Arkansas!
For More Information:
- Website: Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends
Searcy: Searcy Holiday of Lights and Holidays at Harding
Searcy, Arkansas is another wonderful Christmas town. You can experience the lights downtown on the square and at the historic White County Courthouse.
You will also want to see the lights at Berryhill and Spring Park and then take a stroll through the Harding University Campus.
The Harding Campus is beautiful year round, but never prettier than at Christmas when approximately one million lights hang from the huge trees.
For More Information:
- Facebook: Searcy Holiday of Lights
- Website: Harding University Lights
Sherwood: Enchanted Forest
The town of Sherwood presents its Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights. This is one of the drive-thru Christmas Light Displays in Arkansas. The entrance is located at the Sherwood Sports Complex and the trail is over 1 mile of spectacular lights.
Admission is free but they do take donations which will help fund future displays. They also encourage donations of canned or non-perishable food that are given to local food pantries.
For More Information:
- Website: Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights
Siloam Springs: Light Up Siloam Springs and Riverside Festival of Lights
Siloam Springs lights up their charming downtown area. They kick off with a Christmas parade. You will love walking through Siloam Springs enjoying the lights and seeing the decorated shops.
Riverside Festival of Lights in Siloam Springs will also be opening for only their second year. This includes acres of lights, a manger scene, horse-drawn carriage rides, a kids’ train, photo opportunities with Santa, a dedication to all Servicemen and women, and much more.
For More Information:
- Facebook: Riverside Festival of Lights
- Website: Discover Siloam
Washington: Christmas and Candlelight in Washington State Park
If you are looking for a historic Christmas experience then look no further than Washington State Park. Here you will find that they beautifully adorn the preserved homes with period decorations of pine cones, vines, evergreens, and magnolia.
They also line the streets with thousands of luminaries. You can also participate in a candlelight tours, listen to Christmas music, and take a horse-drawn surrey ride.
This event lasts only one weekend so be sure and check the link below for dates!
For More Information:
We hope that you enjoy the beauty of these Christmas Light Displays in Arkansas and the beauty of the Holiday Season.
We also have a list of the best Christmas Tree Lots in Arkansas that might interest you!
Thanks for stopping by.
