It’s no secret that this year has been memorable for all of the wrong reasons, but the upcoming holiday season provides an opportunity to end it on a high note with fun activities and exchanging gifts with family and friends. While it’s certainly tempting to bundle up inside, shop on Amazon and watch a Christmas movie on Netflix to get in the holiday spirit, it’s even more fun to enjoy the wide variety of activities and local businesses that Arkansas has to offer. Here are some of our favorites selected by our team of rockstars.
Holiday Activities
Natalie – Christmas in Little Italy – Hosted by the Little Italy Arkansas Heritage Society and Museum on December 12, this safe and socially distanced event is fun for the whole family with decorations, carolers and a drive-thru visit with Santa, as well as a donation drive to benefit the children of Little Italy and surrounding communities.
Bethany – White River Wonderland – Tucked away in Independence County, Batesville’s winter paradise spans four parks and 15 acres with impressive light displays, carriage rides, ice skating, train rides and a 70-foot LED Ferris Wheel that provides a bird’s-eye view of the entire landscape.
Candice – Holidays on Main – Downtown Little Rock Partnership and Little Rock Zoo have teamed up to give central Arkansas residents a safe and family-friendly holiday celebration. Free and open to the public through early January, Holidays on Main features holiday scenes, lights, a high-tech tree and decorations in Union Plaza and along Main Street in downtown Little Rock.
Joshua – Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights – If it’s Christmas lights you seek, the City of Sherwood has you covered. Located at the Sherwood Sports Complex, the Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights includes over a mile of spectacular lights on a drive-thru trail.
Zach – Garvan Woodland Gardens – Even without its traditional Christmas lights display, Garvan Woodland Gardens is still the place to be this holiday season with the Winter Garden Festival, featuring favorite garden displays and creations by students of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design.
Jane – Capitol Christmas Lights – December in Arkansas means holiday lights at the State Capitol. For more than 80 years, this tradition has been synonymous with Christmastime in the Natural State.
Holiday Shopping
Natalie – Trailblazer Roasting Company – Coffee makes the perfect gift for any caffeine addict and Trailblazer Roasting Company is central Arkansas’ premier source for coffee. With single-origin, blends, decaf, flavored coffee and fun sample packs, Trailblazer Roasting Company has something for everyone.
Bethany – Belle & Blush – Self-care enthusiasts will love the cosmetics, skincare, bath & body and hair care products available at Belle & Blush. With custom-made gift boxes, it’s never been easier to shop for the beauty junkie in your family.
Jane – Box Turtle – This quaint boutique in the middle of Hillcrest has plenty to offer holiday shoppers in the form of clothing, accessories, home decor, stationary and beauty supplies. Box Turtle also proudly carries brands from independent designers and local artists that are eco-conscious and give back to the community.
Joshua – Lost Forty – A staple in the Arkansas brewing community, Lost Forty offers more than two dozen beers that are brewed, canned and distributed exclusively in the Natural State, as well as a full line of fashionable hats, shirts and accessories.
Candice – Stifft Station Gifts – This unique gift shop includes everything from home decor and garden accessories to clothing and jewelry with a heavy emphasis on handmade items from local artists and creators.
Zach – Card World of Bryant – As the sports card industry has experienced a rapid boom in popularity in recent months, Card World of Bryant is the perfect shop for longtime collectors or new hobby enthusiasts with rookie cards and inserts of the hottest stars, as well as a wide variety of unopened packs and boxes.
