5 Arkansas Magical Christmas Towns That Are Like a Hallmark Movie

Now that we made it through the Thanksgiving holiday it's officially the Christmas holiday season and December promises to be a month filled with holiday cheer no matter where you live especially in the state of Arkansas.

If you looking to venture outdoors for the festive fun of the holidays or you just want to do some Christmas shopping in a charming small town in Arkansas that is reminiscent of a Hallmark movie there are several towns that will get you into the holiday spirit.

Let's take a look at the 5 Arkansas Towns That Are Decked Out for the Holidays.

Searcy

Southern Living just named Searcy, Arkansas as the Most Magical Town in Arkansas located 50 miles north of Little Rock. There are dozens of Christmas-themed events going on during the month of December including their annual Christmas parade. The entire town and park are lit up with millions of twinkling lights at every turn including Arkansas' oldest courthouse the 1871 White County Courthouse with a domed clock tower. Take in a holiday movie at the historic Rialto Theater that will take you back to the glory days or stroll along the lighted storefronts and Christmas displays in every window. On selected days children can have breakfast with Santa or leave a letter for Santa at participating businesses. Bundle up and sip on some hot chocolate on a vintage carriage ride around this charming village.

Eureka Springs

This charming small town in Arkansas looks like those Christmas Village scenes you buy in the stores to decorate your mantel. You will feel like you are in the Swiss Alps but instead, you will be surrounded by the beauty of the Ozark Mountains as you stroll along brick-covered streets and lighted storefronts. Every year the town hosts a Hallmark-type celebration that really makes you feel like you're in a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Bentonville

Bentonville in Northwest Arkansas may be the birthplace of Walmart but it is so much more than that, it is also recognized for being one of the "Best Places to Live" in the U.S. and for being known as a charming Christmas town. Besides 35 miles of sparkling Christmas lights around the city, there are tons of festive activities for families including ice skating, horse carriage rides in the town square, and visits with old St. Nick making this a Christmas destination.

Nearby Fayetteville is also a great place to visit during the holiday season with millions of lights, displays, and activities for families as well.

Hot Springs

Hot Springs National Park Arkansas is one of the most charming towns in Central Arkansas with plenty to see and do in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains. As you stroll down lighted storefronts and the infamous Bathhouse Row you have to stop in at Kringles in the Park, a year-round Christmas shop. The holiday season couldn't be much brighter than with the rows of lighted LED Christmas trees across from the historic Arlington Hotel.

Garvan Woodland Gardens - Hot Springs

And while in Hot Springs it's worth a visit to Garvan Woodland Gardens a winter wonderland of lights and displays that will dazzle your mind.

Batesville

Known as the "Christmas Capital Arkansas" due to its millions of dazzling twinkling lights every year this charming town is transformed into a winter wonderland paradise in the 35-acre Riverside Park. In addition, visitors can frolic and play with horse-driven carriage rides, a parade, free holiday movies at the historic Melba Theater, train rides, ice skating, and riding on a huge lighted 70-foot-tall Ferris wheel. Batesville is worth the drive for anyone who loves the magic of the holiday season. The White River Wonderland of Lights is a drive-thru and walk-through park.

There are so many great places to visit in Arkansas this holiday season these are just a few of the best.

See the complete list of the Trail of Lights in Arkansas here and Merry Christmas!