I may be partial, but I think Arkansas has some of the coolest attractions around, especially during the Holidays. It’s a special place year round, but as the Holidays approach you can find plenty of unique events and attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re looking for a special way to celebrate this year, I encourage you to join us at Moss Mountain Farm for a Holiday tour, and while you’re in the area try to catch some of the other interesting events and attractions Arkansas has to offer.
Holiday Tours at Moss Mountain Farm
Roland, AR
December 5 – 12, 2019
Deck the halls with a special Holiday lunch tour of Moss Mountain Farm this season! Get into the Christmas spirit with a tour of my Jefferson-inspired Arkansas farm home while it is decked out for the Holidays. Experience a guided exploration of the terraced gardens overlooking the Arkansas River, the English rose garden, and ornamental one-acre vegetable garden. Take a stroll through Poultryville, where you may see your favorite animals from Allen’s television show — Trudy, Moose, Smudge & Squeak and Amos, just to name a few.
For lunch, savor a Seasonal Salad from my cookbook, Seasonal Recipes from the Garden. Dessert will be the famous buttermilk pecan pie with homemade whipped creme.
Gift someone special the experience of Moss Mountain Farm this Holiday season. Better yet, join them on a tour and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Click here to view dates and tickets.
North Forest Lights at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Bentonville, AR
October 26, 2019 – February 16, 2020
While you can catch this event through the Holidays and into February, North Forest Lights is an experience you don’t want to miss. An artistic light and sound experience in the middle of the North Forest, this exhibition is unlike anything Crystal Bridges has ever presented before. Five distinct installations bring the forest to life with light, sound, and sensory effects in a captivating, family-friendly experience.
Crystal Bridges partnered with Montreal-based multimedia and entertainment studio Moment Factory to bring this concept to life. Each installation that visitors will experience on their walk through the Ozark woods translates nature’s secret music and hidden communication into a symphony of light and sound. North Forest Lights invites people to reconnect with nature and art while helping them to feel part of it.
Visit crystalbridges.org for tickets and more information.
Caroling in the Caverns
Blanchard Springs Caverns, Fifty-Six, AR
November 29 – December 22, 2019
Marvel at the beauty of astonishing natural formations coupled with the sounds of carols resounding through the caverns at Blanchard Springs. Musicians perform your favorite old-time Christmas songs for a magical Holiday experience you have to see and hear to believe.
Shows are every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting November 29. Each show seats 100 people and they fill up quick, so get tickets while you can.
Visit yourplaceinthemountains.com for tickets and more information.
Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens
Hot Springs, AR
November 23 – December 31, 2019
The most celebrated outdoor Holiday light display in Arkansas opens at Garvan Woodland Gardens the Saturday before Thanksgiving, running through New Year’s Eve. Garvan Gardens is a sight to behold any time of year, but during the Holidays these tranquil gardens are transformed into a magical winter wonderland aglow with over 4.5 million lights in a myriad of natural settings.
Features include the luminescent Garden of the Pine Wind, the 50-foot tall Holiday Tree which plays holiday tunes animated to a light show, the Parterre garden on the Great Lawn, and traditional holiday scenes in the woodlands. Conclude your walking tour with free hot chocolate.
Visit garvangardens.org for tickets and more information.
The Capital Hotel
Little Rock, AR
The Capital Hotel is known as Little Rock’s “front porch”, a beacon to southern culture, since President Grant stayed as a guest in 1876. Opened in 1870, this Downtown landmark has been the “Grand Dame” of downtown life in Little Rock for well over a century. Located only 2 blocks from the Old State House and a 15-minute walk from Riverfront Park, it’s a perfect place to stop while exploring Downtown Little Rock.
The Capital features a bevy of popular Holiday events throughout December which typically sell out quickly, including a Tree Lighting Ceremony, Storytime with Santa, Lunch with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and more. Even if you can’t catch one of their Holiday events, it’s worth stopping by the hotel to dine at One Eleven at the Capital or enjoy a drink at the Capital Bar & Grill. Get into the Holiday spirit by catching one of many performances by local choirs in the hotel December 9-19.
Visit capitalhotel.com for more information.
Bright the Night at Capitol Plaza
Little Rock, AR
November 25, 2019
Kick off the holiday season with Bright the Night – a lighting ceremony for downtown Little Rock’s public tree at Capitol Plaza. This is the perfect way to experience the sights and sounds of downtown Little Rock during the Holidays. The celebration will take place at the corner of Capitol Avenue and Main Street and will feature festive music from Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
The lighting ceremony begins at 6 PM, and to make the event more sustainable, this year’s tree is coming from Bemis Tree Farm, right here in Pulaski County, and will be replanted following New Year’s Day. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and bring your little ones for a photo with Santa Claus. Best of all, the event is free to attend.
Visit downtownlr.com for more information.