Follow the Sparkle Across The Natural State

Transcription

1 Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights 2011 Follow the Sparkle Across The Natural State

2 Ozarks Follow the sparkle across The Natural State along this year s Trail of Holiday Lights. More than 60 communities join in the celebration, which begins the week of Thanksgiving and lasts through the Christmas holiday. Cities and towns host official lighting ceremonies, parades, pageants, music and more. Add some sparkle to the holiday season in the Arkansas Ozarks. Festive parades, bright home tours and dazzling light displays await you and your family in cities and towns throughout the region. A popular vacation destination year-round, the Ozarks truly shine at Christmastime. Bentonville (2) Participate in a festive parade. Lace up your ice skates for a twirl around the rink. Cozy up with loved ones while sipping apple cider. Sing along with your favorite Christmas carols. Find something special for that special someone on your Christmas list. Wherever the sparkle leads you, make sure to share your favorite photos on the official Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights Facebook fan page. It s a great way to spread the holiday cheer and create lasting memories. For more information, visit Arkansas.com/TrailofHolidayLights. The Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights is an American Bus Association Top 100 Event. Siloam Springs The season starts early in Siloam Springs with the Downtown Holiday Open House and Christmas Tree Auction, Nov. 4. Then the lights come on with the ceremonial Christmas Parade and Light Up Siloam at 5 p.m. on Dec. 3. Contact Meredith Bergstrom, (4) Bentonville Bentonville transforms into a winter wonderland at its Lighting of the Square on Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. One of the largest daytime parades in the state, the Bentonville Holiday Parade takes place downtown on Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. Enjoy lights, vendors and various special events throughout the holiday season. Contact Andy Green, (4) , DowntownBentonville.org. Rogers Siloam Springs (1) Come enjoy a Daisy of a Christmas in the Rogers Historic Downtown District. The Community Christmas Parade will start things off Dec. 5 at p.m. welcoming Santa to town. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the trains at Frisco Park, where children can have pictures taken with Santa. Contact Rhonda Bezjian, (4) , MainStreetRogers.com.

3 Fayetteville Enter the dazzling winter wonderland of lights on the downtown square beginning Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. with the Holiday Parade and lasting through Dec. 31. Nightly carriage and pony rides, fresh hot chocolate and festive holiday music make the Lights of the Ozarks an attraction that cannot be missed. Locals and visitors alike will cherish the romantic and breathtaking display of a half-million twinkling lights. Contact Tanner Montgomery, (4) , TheLightsoftheOzarks.com. Eureka Springs Eureka Springs is an enchanting place to celebrate the holidays. Citywide lighting displays illuminate the charming mountain town from 5-11 p.m., beginning Nov. 21. Check out the Reason for the Season show and drive-through light display at The New Great Passion Play, A Season of Celebration at the Pine Mountain Theatre or the Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down holiday music show. On Dec., the highlight of the holidays is the Eureka Springs Historical Museum Annual Christmas Ball at the Historic Basin Park Hotel. Dance to the music of the Jack Mitchell Combo and enjoy complimentary hors d oeuvres, sweets and libations while spreading the Christmas cheer. Contact Mike Maloney, (4) , EurekaSprings.org. Rogers (3) Berryville The Berryville Christmas Parade full of floats, queens, antique cars, horses and, of course, Santa will be held Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to watch the parade at Berryville s historic downtown square. The theme for the 2011 Christmas parade is Christmas Candy, and it promises to be a must-see event for the entire family. Contact Ginger Oaks, (80) , BerryvilleAr.com. Harrison A newcomer to the trail, the Harrison lighting display has been around since 11 and is a must-see. The Boone County Courthouse and surrounding Square will be beautifully lit from Nov. 1-Dec. 26. Many events will be announced, call for details. Contact Jim Bumgardner, (80) Bull Shoals Fayetteville (4) Twinkling lights adorn branches, benches and more in Bull Shoals city park. For special events throughout the season, call or visit online. Contact Nancy Soares, (80) , BullShoals.org. Yellville Yellville invites you to get into the holiday spirit at the 15th Annual Tour of Homes on Dec. 4 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Experience the excitement of Christmas on the Square, Dec. 4 from 4- p.m., with a parade, lighting ceremony, entertainment and appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Contact Carolyn Vigna, (80) , Yellville.com. Cotter 10 The newly organized lighting event in Cotter expects to pack a holiday punch! Listed on the National Historic Register, the Arch Bridge will be decorated in its holiday best, as well as the Big Spring Park underneath. Contact Gary Flippin, (80) , Cotterchamberofcommerce.com. Mountain Home There s much to love about Mountain Home at Christmastime. The celebration begins early with the Frosty Festival, Nov. 4-5 at the Baxter County Fairgrounds. The annual Chamber Christmas Parade is a family favorite. This year s parade takes place on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. New for 2011 is Breakfast with Santa at Hackler Intermediate School, Dec. 3 at -11 a.m. Jingle on the Green at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home will be held Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. Contact Eddie Majeste, (80) , (800) , Enjoymountainhome.com. Horseshoe Bend Celebrate the season with Horseshoe Bend s annual Christmas Parade, Dec. 3. Santa will also be at the mall for photos and treats for children beginning Dec. 3. The 14th Annual Festival of Trees takes place Dec Judging of the Holiday Lighting Contest will be Dec. 1, which is also when Music in the Mountains fills the air. Contact Karen Johnson, (80) , Horseshoebendarcc.com. Mountain View Experience an Ozark Mountain Christmas in beautiful Mountain View. The Historic Courthouse, town square and Main Street will be all aglow with lights, music and spirit. The Christmas tree lighting and courthouse lighting ceremonies will be held Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Enjoy Christmas music on the square and a live nativity. Santa will be there for the children. Contact Michalle Stevens, (80) , YourPlaceintheMountains.com. Heber Springs (14) Eureka Springs (5) Heber Springs 14 On Dec. 3, a lighted Christmas Parade begins on Main Street at 6 p.m. and ends with an appearance by Santa. Snowflakes line Main Street, and 500 luminaries will glow around the lighted Historic Cleburne County Courthouse. Contact Melissa Gardner, (501) , Heber-Springs.com.

4 Pocahontas Batesville Lyon College gets festive Dec. 2 with the lighting of Brown Chapel at :30 p.m. Guests are invited to arrive early for music and hot apple cider beginning at 6:45 p.m. On Dec. 3, the entire town of Batesville will be all aglow with more than a half-million lights dazzling onlookers. The official lighting ceremony begins at 5 p.m. at the Municipal Building, followed by the parade at 6 p.m. Additional holiday events include the Festival of Lessons and Carols on Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. On Dec. 31, ring in the New Year with dinner and music on Main St. Contact Johnathan Abbott, (80) , CityOfBatesville.com. Come enjoy the Ol Time Christmas on the Square and parade, Dec. 6, followed by the Christmas tree lighting from 4-8 p.m. Silent auctions and Mrs. Santa s Kitchen baked goods for sale at Randolph County Heritage Museum. Candy canes line each lawn, and beautiful decorations and lights are on display on Maple Street at the 2th Annual Candy Cane Lane, Dec , featuring Rudolph, Frosty, Santa and his helpers. Contact Randolph County Tourism Association, (80) , SeeRandolphCounty.com. Delta Let twinkling lights lead your way on a drive through the Arkansas Delta this holiday season. Cities and towns across the region pull out all the stops to delight you and your family with parades, live nativity scenes and appearances by Santa, Rudolph, Frosty and more. Corning 1 Pocahontas (16) 16 Make plans to be in Corning on Nov. 26. Live entertainment begins at 5 p.m., followed by the countdown to the lighting at 6 p.m. and a visit from Santa, who will be giving out bags of candy to every good boy and girl, as well as listening to their Christmas wishes. Christmas lights will be on Nov. 26-Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-midnight. Contact Glen Boyd, (80) Blytheville (20) 15 Piggott Piggott s Christmas Fest on Dec. 3 includes arts and crafts around the court square, entertainment performed from a 130s-style gazebo that s magically transformed into a carousel, prize drawings, local cuisine, special store sales and a visit from Santa. Don t miss the parade. Contact Piggott Area Chamber of Commerce, (80) , PChamber@Piggott.net. Rector Follow the 11th Annual Rector Christmas Parade on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. down Main Street through downtown to a free reception at the Rector Community Center on Hwy. 4. Contact Kim Romine, (80) , RectorArkansas.com. Blytheville The glow of the mid-south s largest holiday lighting festival can be seen from far away. From Nov. 21-Dec. 2, visit one of two locations the Arkansas Aeroplex and historic downtown Blytheville Sun.-Thurs., 5:30- p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 5:30-10 p.m. Free pictures with Santa every Tues., Fri. and Sat. Live nativity scene on select Tues. Hayrides every night. Entertainment on the weekends at the souvenir stand. Two new animated displays a marching band and a Christmas tree, both with music will be located at the historic Greyhound bus station. Contact George Hubbard, (80) , LightsOfTheDelta.com. Osceola Christmas in Osceola gets in gear Dec. at p.m. Watch the Christmas Parade and lighting of the tree and have your picture taken with Santa and cartoon characters. Take a carriage ride and enjoy a variety of food vendors. For other events, including holiday trees and tables throughout the season, check online for dates. Contact Susan Fetsch, (80) , OsceolaChamber.net. Jonesboro The Christmas Parade put on by the Jonesboro Jaycees begins at p.m. on Dec. 1. Winter Wonderland will be open beginning Dec. 1 from 5:30-8 p.m. on Wed., Thurs. and Fri., and Sat. from 4-8 p.m. through Dec. 1. For more information, go to JonesboroJaycees.org. Newport Jonesboro (22) West Memphis (25) Festivities in Newport begin Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. with the Christmas Parade at Lakewood Park. Contact Johnny Long, (80)

5 Wynne Local businesses participate in the annual Festival of Trees in Wynne. Stop by the Bill Thomas Building at 10 N. Falls and vote for your favorite from Nov. 14-Dec. 22. Also check out the lighting display on the courthouse lawn. The Christmas Parade will be held on Dec. 1. Contact Jan Hess, (80) , CrossCountyChamber.com. West Memphis On Nov. 23, witness the lighting of the 45 blue spruce at the West Memphis Community Tree and Park Lighting Festivities at the corner of Missouri St. and S. Worthington St. There will be Christmas music, refreshments, snow and thousands of lights. The parade will commence on Dec. and travel down W. Broadway to Worthington Park. There will also be horse-drawn carriage tours through the neighborhood district around the beautifully lit Worthington Park; see unique displays by local homeowners. Contact Sarah Christian, (80) , WestMemphis.org. Marianna Downtown Square Lighting ceremony takes place the weekend after Thanksgiving and lasts through the holiday season. City streets are lined with snowflakes, poinsettias, Christmas trees and French horns. Victorian-themed city park. Contact Ouida Storey, (80) , MariannaArkansas.org. McGehee Marianna (26) The Wiley A. McGehee Memorial Park lights up Nov. 25 and stays lit throughout the season! Come see the Santa Train at 3 p.m. at the railroad depot and take a stroll through the celebration in the park, followed by the parade at 5 p.m. Contact City of McGehee, (80) or Paula Mote, (80) Timberlands When it comes to picturesque settings, the Timberlands don t disappoint. Snap a pic with Santa or wrap your fingers around a warm mug of cocoa as you discover the magic hidden here. White Hall Christmas starts at Dollarway Rd. and Colonial Park on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. with the Christmas in the Park parade. Finish the night with the lighting of the city park and open house at city hall. Contact Lydia Scholebo, (80) 24-23, WhiteHallArkansas.org. Pine Bluff (2) Pine Bluff From Nov. 15-Dec. 31, visit the awardwinning lights display, Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends. Now in its 15th season, this 1.2-mile drive features over 140 beautiful holiday displays, many of which are animated, and is the state s largest drive-through holiday light display. Admission is free. Donations are accepted. Contact Greg Gustek, (800) , PineBluffFestival.org. Monticello Historic downtown Monticello comes alive with lights and music during the celebration of the annual Christmas Parade, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. Thousands of sparkling lights cover floats depicting favorite Christmas carols. Following the parade, a candlelight tour complete with carolers, cider and Santa will be enjoyed by all at the Drew County Courthouse Museum. Contact Glenda Nichols, (80) , MontDrewChamber.com. Hamburg 31 Experience the spirit of Christmas during Hamburg Holidays, Dec. 1, 3:30- p.m. Visit local merchants for special sales and promotions. On the square, enjoy enter tainment, holiday treats, Little Red Wagon Parade, pictures with Santa, Santa s workshop and, of course, the annual Christmas Parade. The lighting of the town will be held at the square. Contact Jennifer Foote, (80) , HamburgAreaChamber.org. North Crossett Just three miles north of Crossett on Hwy. 133 N., find an oasis of beautiful lights, Nov. 24-Dec. 31, 6-10 p.m. nightly. Christmas Wonder land consists of over a million lights with several animated scenes, snow machines, a drive-through tunnel of lights, laser light show, 20-foot snowman, several lighted 20-foot trees, the Christmas Story and bubbles for kids. This display draws crowds from three states. Contact Sam Finney, (80) El Dorado Enjoy the holiday in Historic Downtown El Dorado. The lighting ceremony will be held at the Union County Courthouse on Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. The Festival of Lights at the courthouse, city hall and throughout the town shines until Dec. 31. Take a drive under one of the largest man-made Christmas trees in Arkansas. See the largest Christmas parade in South Arkansas on Dec. 1 at p.m. Contact Christy Murphy, (80) , (888) 21-BOOM, GoElDorado.com Hamburg (31)

6 Use this map to light your way. Bull Shoals 5 Mammoth Spring 1 62 Eureka Springs Midway Bentonville 2 11 Salem Berryville 63 Lakeview Corning Piggott Mountain Home Siloam Rogers Gassville Hardy Pocahontas 1 3 Horseshoe Bend Rector Springs Springdale Yellville Flippin Cotter Cherokee 412 Calico Rock 12 Village Harrison Walnut 5 Prairie Fayetteville Ridge Buffalo Paragould National Blanchard Springs Grove Huntsville River Caverns Ozark Melbourne Folk Hoxie Jasper Center Blytheville Marshall Mountain View Winslow Jonesboro 18 Manila Leslie Batesville 22 Osceola Fairfield Bay Van Wiederkehr Marked Buren Village Clinton Newport Tree 4 Greers Ferry Harrisburg 61 Ozark 2 Fort Clarksville Heber Springs Alma 14 Smith Altus Russellville Bald Knob Marion Paris Parkin Greenwood Dardanelle Augusta Searcy McCrory Wynne 25 Petit Jean Magazine Cotton Plant West 1 2 Booneville 10 Memphis Morrilton Conway Beebe Danville 10 Fargo Ola Des Arc 1 Hughes North 45 Cabot 64 Forrest Little 62 Waldron Perryville Jacksonville Rock City Sherwood Brinkley 2 Marianna Jessieville Lonoke Hazen 430 Little Rock 11 Scott Clarendon Mount Ida Marvell Mena Benton Bryant Toltec Mounds England Hot Springs Stuttgart Helena-West Helena 1 Caddo Gap 43 Magnet 530 Cove 1 White Hall Glenwood 20 Wabbaseka Sheridan 28 Pine Bluff DeWitt 8 6 DeGray 2 Dierks 2 42 Arkadelphia 0 Murfreesboro 63 De Queen Nashville 41 Rison Star 3 4 Gurdon City Dumas 165 Tollette Washington Fordyce Foreman Prescott Hope Wilmar Ashdown 4 30 Interstate Highway 6 McGehee 4 Camden Hampton Warren Monticello U.S. Numbered Jersey 31 Dermott State Highway Lake Texarkana 82 Lewisville 16 Village State Highway Stamps Smackover 31 Arkansas Welcome Center Magnolia Hamburg El Dorado Strong State Park Location 2 82 Crossett Junction City 425 Eudora National Park Location Ozarks: Siloam Springs, Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, Eureka Springs, Berryville, Harrison, Bull Shoals, Yellville, Cotter, Mountain Home, Horseshoe Bend, Mountain View, Heber Springs, Batesville, Pocahontas Delta: Corning, Piggott, Rector, Blytheville, Osceola, Jonesboro, Newport, Wynne, West Memphis, Marianna, McGehee Timberlands: White Hall, Pine Bluff, Monticello, Hamburg, North Crossett, El Dorado, Arkansas Museum of Natural Resourses, Texarkana, Ashdown/Little River County Area, De Queen, Nashville, Historic Washington State Park, Prescott Ouachitas: Gurdon, Arkadelphia, Hot Springs, Mena, Waldron River Valley: Greenwood, Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, Ozark, Paris, Booneville/Magazine, Altus, Wiederkehr Village, Clarksville-Johnson County, Dardanelle, Russellville, Morrilton Central: Conway, Searcy, Beebe, Jacksonville, Sherwood, North Little Rock, Little Rock, Saline County/City of Benton Indicates an award winner

7 Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources The state park in Smackover comes to life each Fri. and Sat., Nov. 18-Dec. 23 from 6-8 p.m. Each lighted scene represents the sights of the winter holiday seasons. Visit the Ice Castle and watch the falling snow! Listen to Santa s rock band. Then warm up with a cup of hot cocoa in the museum gift shop. (80) 25-28, AMNR.org. Texarkana (35) Texarkana Texarkana kicks off the holiday season with the 2th Annual Main Street Texarkana Christmas Parade on Dec. 5 at p.m. This year s lineup that crosses state lines will be Electric. Everything will be lighted with a Toyland theme. Floats and marching bands will be led by three live camels and their shepherds with city dignitaries in the saddles. At the parade s end, Santa will flip the switch to light the community Christmas tree on the Confederate Plaza lawn. Caroling will follow. Visitors will be allowed to pet the camels. Horse-and-carriage rides around historic downtown will be available that evening and throughout the holidays. Contact Main Street Texarkana, (03) 2-11, MainStreetTexarkana.org. Ashdown/Little River County Area The historic Little River County Courthouse, built in 10 and still in use today, is a wonderland of lights during the holidays. Completely lighted from dome to lawn, it is truly a sight to behold. The official lighting ceremony will be held Nov. 23 at 6 p.m. Also be sure to stop by the Two Rivers Museum on Main Street. Contact Debbie Crouch, (80) , LittleRiverCounty.org. De Queen The official lighting ceremony at the Sevier County Courthouse will precede the annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. This spectacular nighttime parade features lighted floats and marching bands through the downtown De Queen shopping area. Pop over to nearby Lockesburg and Horatio the same day for their parades. Also check out the Sevier County Museum s Historic Replica Village decorated with hundreds of holiday lights nightly, Dec. 3-Jan. 1. For museum information, (80) For all other information, contact Fonda Hawthorne, (80) , DeQueenChamberOfCommerce.com. Nashville 3 38 Nashville will be celebrating the holiday season with its annual Christmas parade, which will proceed through the decorated downtown on Dec. 3 at 4:30 p.m., followed Ashdown/Little River County Area (36) by the lighting of the city Christmas tree on Main Street. Downtown Nashville will be filled with music the entire season. Contact Mike Reese, (80) , NashvilleAr.com. Historic Washington State Park The park will be adorned with 1th-century decorations, and 3,000 luminaries will be lit at dusk on Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 from 1-8 p.m. Docents in historic dress will greet you at the decorated 1th-century buildings and homes. The sound of choirs fills the streets as you enjoy strolling through town. Tickets sold the day of are $10 (plus tax) for adults and $5 (plus tax) for children. For $1 off advance tickets, contact SARA (Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives) at (80) Contact the park at (80) , HistoricWashingtonStatePark.com. Prescott 40 Get in the spirit with the Christmas open house, Nov. 20, 2-4 p.m. Christmas on the Square begins Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. immediately following the Christmas parade on the courthouse lawn. Have breakfast with Santa on Dec. 1, -11 a.m. at the Potlatch Building-Fairgrounds. Contact Judy Duke, (80) , PNPartnership.org. Arkadelphia Gurdon Southern hospitality and Christmas cheer abound in Gurdon. Check out the Christmas parade in early Dec. Call or check online for exact dates and events. Contact Michelle Anderson, (80) , GurdonChamberofCommerce.com. Experience a nautical winter wonderland as Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina on DeGray Lake is transformed with over three million lights. Display kicks off Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. with a visit from Santa. The lights will be lit nightly from 5-11 p.m. through Dec. 31. Donations for the Make-A-Wish Foundation are appreciated, but not required. Contact Vickie Egleston, (80) Historic Washington State Park (3) Ouachitas 42 From lakes to gardens to parks, the Ouachitas invite you to appreciate the beauty of nature this holiday season. These scenic settings will make the perfect background for your family Christmas card. 41

8 Mena (44) River Hot Springs The Spa City dazzles this season, starting with a parade along downtown Central Avenue on Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. On Dec. 6 at 6 p.m., experience the lighting of the Garland County Courthouse. From Nov. 1-Dec. 31, Lights on the Landscape at Garvan Woodland Gardens is a must-see with more than 1.8 million twinkling bulbs on 15 masterfully sculpted acres. Holiday lights admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children (ages 6-12) and free for ages 5 and under. Lights are on daily from 5- p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Located at 550 Arkridge Road. Contact Jimmy Sample, (501) , (800) , HotSprings.org. Mena 44 Mena hosts its largest parade of lights on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks and the lighting ceremony at historic Janssen Park. Before the ceremony, enjoy festive music in the park. The Ouachita Little Theatre will perform a special Christmas production. See the tour of homes on Dec. 4 from 2-5 p.m. Contact Ilana Burk, (4) , VisitMena.com. Waldron It s a day packed full of holiday fun in Waldron on Dec. 3, beginning with the annual chamber silent auction, 1st Saturday Tradin Days and Kiwanis Toy Sale at 10 a.m. The day continues with an annual free movie at 5 p.m., and that evening, enjoy the lighting ceremony at 6 p.m., followed by the annual Christmas parade. Contact Linda Davis, (4) 63-25, WaldronChamberofCommerce.com. Arkadelphia (42) Hot Springs (43) Valley Greenwood The Kiwanis Trail of Holiday Lights display runs from Dec. 1-31, nightly from dark- p.m. at Bell Park in Greenwood. The Snow Bird 5K takes place on Dec. 3 in downtown Greenwood. Greenwood s Garden Club Holiday House Tour, Merchants Open House and Methodist Church Tasting Tea will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Dec. 4. Then on Dec. 5, enjoy free music on the downtown square from 5- p.m., followed by the annual Christmas Parade, featuring over 100 lighted entries. Contact Roxanne Sterling or Wanda Kindberg, (4) 6-635, GreenwoodArkansas.com. Fort Smith Fort Smith spreads the holiday cheer with lights displays in Creekmore Park on Rogers Avenue. Snowflakes on Garrison will be in downtown Fort Smith, and festive holiday displays can be found at Pendergraft Park and River Park Downtown. Contact Carolyn Joyce, (4) , FortSmith.org. Van Buren Historic Main Street will be aglow with Christmas decorations and lights for the open house on Nov The Courthouse Lighting Ceremony and Festival of Trees will be Dec. 3 from 6- p.m., along with Living Windows from 5:30- p.m., where downtown merchants will show off live displays depicting the colorful history of Van Buren. The annual Christmas parade will be held Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Contact Stacie Browning, (800) , VanBuren.org. Alma The Alma community presents a drive-through lights presentation with over 40,000 lights at the Alma City Water Park. Free to the public, donations are appreciated and will be given to feed the hungry in the area. Contact Eldon Mushrush, (4) Ozark Admire the brilliance of Christmas lights on the Ozark Square between Nov. 21- Dec. 25. There will also be a special ice-skating event this holiday season. For details, contact the Visitor s Center, (4) , OzarkChamberofCommerce.com. Experience the Christmas magic across the Arkansas River Valley. Don t miss the chance to create a new tradition with your family. Van Buren (48)

9 Paris Kick off your holiday season in beau tiful historic downtown Paris with the Mercy Auxiliary Benefit Holiday Dinner on Nov. 20 at St. Joseph Catholic Church cafeteria from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for children and available at the door. After lunch, enjoy the Merchant s Open House and get a jump on your holiday shopping. On Nov. 26, be there for the 15th annual Trail of Holiday Lights official lighting ceremony. Pre-lighting entertainment begins at 5 p.m. on the south side of the courthouse, followed by the parade at 6 p.m. Santa will be there to hear all of your Christmas wishes. On Dec. 4, don t miss the Logan County Museum s annual Tour of Holiday Homes from 1-4 p.m. Tickets are $4 per person and available on the day of the tour at the Museum at 202 N. Vine Street. Contact Paris Area Chamber of Commerce, (4) , ParisArOnline.com. Booneville/Magazine Merchants kick off the season with the 2nd annual Holiday Tour of the Town held in The Meeting Place at Main and Benton streets from 5- p.m. Enjoy holiday treats, punch and hot cider as you select special gifts for those on your Christmas list. Tickets are available at local banks, the Chamber and at the door. The annual Lighting of the Trees will take place on Dec. 2 in front of City Hall located at 2nd and Main streets. The Booneville Annual Christmas Parade is Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Arrive early and listen to carolers while sipping hot cocoa. The city of Magazine will have its parade Dec. 10. Other events in Booneville include the 2nd annual Chili Cook-Off and Best Decked for the Holidays. Don t miss the Magical North Pole in The Meeting Place, where Santa and his elves will spread Christmas cheer to all. Contact Trinity Damron or Latisha Riley, (4) , Booneville.com. Altus From downtown and beyond, the lights of Altus can be seen as you enter the delightfully lit city, or you can view the bright and beautiful City Park and area businesses from atop St. Mary s Mountain for a breathtaking view! With over 100,000 lights twinkling for the season, visit downtown Altus and enjoy the glowing lights as you get a taste of Altus in the restaurants and decorated shops. Enter the Christmas Parade held on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. for a chance to win prize money; bring the whole family. Visit Santa at Altus Park following the parade. Contact Larry Stacy, (4) Wiederkehr Village Booneville (52) Paris (51) Christmas with a Swiss twist! Discover the Swiss heritage of Wiederkehr Village, located on the southern slopes of the Ozark Mountains and home to mid-america s largest and oldest winery. The glow comes not from the wine, but the 50,000 twinkling lights. Contact Dennis Wiederkehr, (4) , WiederkehrWines.com. Clarksville-Johnson County It all begins with a merchant open house on Nov. 20 from 1-5 p.m. Next, enjoy the Early Bird Sale on Nov. 25 from -10 a.m. And on Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m., stop by for the Christmas Parade and Lighting Ceremony. Contact Sue Williams, (4) , ClarksvilleArChamber.com. Dardanelle The Dardanelle Christmas Parade will be on Dec. 2 on Union St. and Front St. at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to enter the parade. No entry fee to participate. Contact Andrea Pitts, (4) , DardanelleChamber.com. Russellville Russellville presents its Winter Wonderland drive-through lights display and live nativity scene, Nov. 26, Dec. 2-3, -10, 16-1 and from 6-10 p.m. The Russellville Tree Lighting ceremony will be held on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. at the corner of West Main and Boulder. Santa will do the honors of lighting the tree. Contact Christine Graham, (4) 6-162, DiscoverRussellville.org or (4) , RussellvilleChamber.org. See the state s largest lighted Christmas Parade on Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. The parade travels from South Arkansas to West Main Street. Contact Mack Hollis or Kelli Nealy, (4) Morrilton Christmas in Morrilton begins with the annual parade through downtown on Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton hosts Night of Luminaries on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. The free community event features nearly 2,000 candle-lit paper bags illuminating the drive through campus and leading visitors to Santa himself, who will greet children following his duties in the parade. Contact Erin Horn, (501) , Morrilton.com. Clarksville-Johnson County (55) Wiederkehr Village (54) Dardanelle (56)

10 Little Rock (65) Central The cities take on a whole new energy when injected with the spirit of Christmas. Come to Central Arkansas to take in the sights, shopping and entertainment! Saline County/City of Benton (66) Conway Conway is ablaze with more than a million lights. Enjoy the holiday Festival of Lights each night, Thanksgiving Day until New Year s Day. A variety of entertainment occurs each evening. Located off Dave Ward Dr. Contact Rachel Earls, (866) Conway ( ), ConwayArkansas.org. Searcy Searcy sets the stage for Christmas with its Holiday of Lights Parade on Dec. 3. at 6 p.m. at the courthouse square. Also this season, witness the awe of a live nativity scene and Holiday of Lights Pageant. Contact Lillie Cook, (501) , Searcy.com. Beebe Beebe welcomes you and your family to enjoy the colorful lights display at Daniel Park on North Main Street. The annual Christmas Parade takes place Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. and marches from the public school into downtown. Contact Dr. Ruth Couch, (501) , chamber@beebeark.org. Jacksonville 62 Sherwood (63) Searcy (60) Come join us as the city of Jacksonville rings in the Christmas season. The Holiday Lighting Ceremony will take place Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Jacksonville City Hall. The 54th Annual Christmas Parade will be held Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Jacksonville, where Santa will make his first appearance of the season. Contact Michelle Whited, (501) , CityOfJacksonville.net. Sherwood The holiday spirit takes over Sherwood Forest on Nov. 28-Dec. 30 and lights it up nightly from 6-:30 p.m. This mile-long trail of spectacular lights features reindeer in a soda shop, the Sherwood Express and Santa Claus himself. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Everyone receives a candy cane. Contact Dianna Price, (501) North Little Rock Start a new family tradition by visiting the Holiday Lights in Burns Park. Sit back and enjoy traditional lighting displays of the past mixed with new state-of-the-art LED displays of the future. Drive through the lights, Nov. 28-Dec. 30 from 6-10 p.m. Admission is $5 per car, $10 per passenger vans and $20 per RV or motorcoach. Enjoy a fun walk through the lights displays at Dashin Through the Lights, Dec. 3, 5-6 p.m. The Holiday Lights Festival will be held Dec. 3 from 4- p.m. at Burns Park. Contact Travis Young, (501) 53-30, NLRPR.org. Little Rock Grab your mittens and head downtown to the River Market s open-air pavilions for ice-skating, Nov. 1, 2011-Jan. 8, Join Little Rock s Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade, Dec. 3, which ends in front of the Arkansas State Capitol. Following the parade, Secretary of State Mark Martin and Santa Claus lead the annual Capitol Lighting Ceremony, featuring fireworks, music, children s activities and more. The lights will be on nightly, Dec Contact the Secretary of State s office, (501) , SOS.Arkansas.gov or Holidaysinlittlerock.com. Saline County/City of Benton On Dec. 5 at 6 p.m., Saline County will celebrate the holidays with the Benton Hometown Christmas Parade. Afterwards, Santa will visit children at the Saline County Courthouse gazebo from - p.m. Free cocoa and cookies will be served during Santa s visit, and local talent will perform on a stage on the courthouse square. Children s photos with Santa will be available online. Santa will visit throughout the season as well. Contact Holly Beaver, (501) , SalineCounty.org. 66

11 When the air turns cool, tiny lights are strung all across Arkansas, and the state truly starts to shine. Follow the sparkle on the Trail of Holiday Lights. Mark your calendars: The fun begins the week of Thanksgiving. This brochure offers a glimpse of the excitement that awaits you as you trek from town to town spreading holiday cheer. As of September 1, 2011, all information provided for this publication was accurate and up-to-date. We encourage you to call ahead to confirm specific events and stay current on all Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights events on our official Facebook fan page. Additional information is also available online at Arkansas.com/TrailofHolidayLights. For tips on traveling The Natural State, order your FREE Arkansas Vacation Planning Kit online at Arkansas.com or by calling NATURAL. SCAN WITH MOBILE QR READER FOR VIDEO.