Holiday Fun in Arkansas: Your Seasonal Bucket List

By: Telcoe Federal Credit Union

The holiday season is right around the corner. Whether you’re dreaming of festive light displays, charming small-town celebrations, or Christmas shopping until you drop, the Natural State offers endless ways to make the most of the season.

Here is your ultimate holiday bucket list – made for memory-making, laughter, and festive cheer.

1. Wander Through Winter Wonderland at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Located in Hot Springs, Garvan Gardens lights up for the holidays like nowhere else. They have millions of lights woven through botanical gardens, natural landscapes, and open fields.

· The Holiday Lights will run from the Saturday before Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve

· Stay warm with a hot cocoa or a walk to the Grand Pavilion where the scenery glows all around

2. Experience Central Arkansas’ Signature Holiday Moments

   

If you are in the Little Rock area and want to stay local, don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays right here in Central Arkansas

· The Big Little Rock Holiday Parade: This downtown event features dazzling floats, holiday characters, and community cheer.

· State Capitol Lighting Ceremony:  The Arkansas State Capitol becomes a glowing landmark of holiday spirit and begins every year with the official lighting ceremony

· GloWILD at the Little Rock Zoo: GloWILD lights up the zoo with larger-than-life animals and holiday lights.

· Ballet Arkansas’ Nutcracker: Ballet Arkansas brings a timeless holiday tradition you don’t want to miss with the classic Nutcracker performance.

3. Visit the Christmas Capital of Arkansas in Batesville

Riverside Park in Batesville transforms into a winter wonderland each winter, which earned Batesville the title of the Christmas Capital of Arkansas. This year, White River Wonderland will have some fun new additions featuring a “Reindeer Speedway” which is a self-propelled racing track great for friends and family. 

· White River Wonderland opens right around Thanksgiving and runs through the beginning of January

4. Explore Enchanting Christmas Markets

Get in the holiday shopping spirit with Arkansas’ seasonal Christmas markets. No matter what part of Arkansas you are in, these markets have your Christmas shopping lists covered.

·Peppermint Land Holiday Expo, Little Rock 

·Holiday Market at Chenal, Little Rock 

·Mistletoe Kisses Market, Hot Springs 

·Winter Market NWA – Bentonville

·Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse – Des Arc

As you check off your Arkansas holiday bucket list, Telcoe Federal Credit Union is here to help you enjoy every moment with confidence. Whether you’re budgeting for festive fun, planning a winter getaway, or looking for smarter ways to save before the new year, Telcoe offers personalized financial solutions to keep your holidays bright.

Check out Telcoe’s Christmas Club Savings Accounts, an easy way to save a little each month for a stress-free holiday season. Visit us online or stop by a branch to see how we can support your merry plans—this season and all year long.