Live Reindeer and Santa’s Sleigh Highlight Holiday Lights Nov. 23

You don't have to travel far to experience a Holly Jolly Christmas. Hot Springs, Ark., is gearing up for its annual Holiday Lights at Garvin Woodland Gardens.

The fun begins on Saturday, Nov. 23, and lasts until Dec. 31, from 4-9PM in this beautiful park setting near Lake Hamilton. From the moment you step into this 210-acre garden, you will be fully immersed in over 4 million lights as you walk over lighted bridges, see spectacular lighted waterfalls, ponds, displays, set between some of the tallest pine trees in the natural beauty of the nearby Ouachita Mountains.

Visit the Chipmunk Cafe for some scrumptious snacks and treats you can enjoy in front of the open fire pit in the gardens as you sip on some hot chocolate. There are two ways in which to see this tour, you can walk or take a golf cart for an additional fee. This is one of the largest Christmas displays in the state of Arkansas.

Some of the 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.

Of course, one of the highlights of "Holiday Lights" is the all-natural wood glass chapel known as Anthony's Chapel, situated in a wooded area on a hill overlooking the gardens. The sheer peacefulness of standing inside the chapel looking out its tall glass windows at the lights below makes you completely understand the true meaning of Christmas.

Other upcoming events include the Jingle Pup Parade and Santa Nights at Holiday Lights.

Happenings on Opening Weekend:

• Schueck Rose Tree Lighting Ceremony
  Saturday, November 23, 5PM
  
• Live Reindeer and Santa’s Sleigh
  November 25, 26, 27, 4-9PM
  

For more information on these events and more go HERE.

Many families have made this a must-see attraction every year. You can bet, there will always be something new to see or do. If this doesn't get you into the spirit of Christmas, nothing else will.

Admission: $15 adults (13 and up), $5 ages 4-12, and free for ages 3 and younger. Holiday Lights is open daily from 4PM -9PM with Gates opening at 3PM. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Parking is free and the best time to visit is Mon-Thurs. Expect to wait in long lines if you plan on going Friday through the weekend.

It's worth the short drive from Texarkana to visit Garvan Woodland Gardens this holiday season and create some memories that will last a lifetime for you and your family.

Also, if you are going to be traveling in the state of Arkansas, more than 60 communities join in the celebration of Arkansas' Trail of Holiday Lights, which begins the week of Thanksgiving and lasts through the New Year. Cities and towns host official lighting ceremonies, parades, pageants, music and more. Visit their Facebook page or go to Arkansas.com.

Click here for a listing of all holiday events in Arkansas.