Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas is the gift that keeps on giving, with millions of twinkling lights, festive holiday events, and restaurants with delicious cuisineto enjoy with those you love most during the holly jolly season. Plan your getaway today with our guide to the holidays and let the magic unfold in Hot Springs National Park!
DOWNTOWN HOT SPRINGS LIGHT DISPLAY
Item one on this list has to be the nearly one million lights decorating downtown. Through Hill Wheatley Plaza, Adair Park, Arlington Park, and everything in between, these lights hanging and standing in our already-charming downtown area make it like a winter wonderland. Strolling downtown just to see the lights is worth it, but as they decorate local businesses flashing their holiday products and restaurants serving warm delights, you’re sure to find holiday joy in more ways than one.
GARVAN WOODLAND GARDENS HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Since we’re on the subject of lights, I have two more light scenes for you that you can’t miss. Second up, we have the stunning and dazzling Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens. Running from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. through December 31st (Closed Christmas Day), you don’t want to miss this light extravaganza of seven million lights. For anyone who has seen the unmatched beauty of the gardens in the daytime, this is a special and unique opportunity that should not be missed when visiting Hot Springs in the month of December.
GARLAND COUNTY COURTHOUSE LIGHT DISPLAY
Last but not least on the must-see holiday light displays, you won’t want to overlook the lights at the Garland County Courthouse. Located on Ouachita Avenue, which is just off downtown, lies the hidden magical gem that is the sparkling courthouse. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this very traditional light display will give you all the nostalgic feelings. So don’t forget to drop by when checking out the lights in the downtown area!
PICCOLO ZOPPÉ WINTER CIRCUS
Not just any circus is coming to town. Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus arriving holiday season in Hot Springs! What a better time than the holidays to gather your family and start a new tradition. Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus, is a magical European circus that is sure to capture your heart. Enjoy Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus in a heated tent at the Former Majestic Hotel site in Hot Springs, Arkansas - December 11-15!
Click here to purchase tickets now.
CARRIAGE RIDES
Speaking of traditional holiday experiences that give you all the nostalgic feelings, check out the carriage rides. Circle Double D Carriage Company leaves from The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa in the evenings, giving you a horse-drawn carriage ride downtown alongside the lights. Bundle up and take your sweetie along for an enchanting ride through hsitoric downtown - a magical experience during the holidays!
GINGERBREAD HOUSE AT THE ARLINGTON HOTEL
While at The Arlington checking out the carriage rides, don’t forget to slip inside the hotel to write a letter to Santa and see the annual giant gingerbread house set up in the lobby. This 11-foot gingerbread house has been a tradition for four decades. Covered in real candy and gingerbread, each area of the house pays extreme attention to detail. Visitors can enter to win a prize if they guess the closest to the number of candy pieces used in this year’s creation. The house will be on display through New Year's Day.
KRINGLES IN THE PARK
Another can’t-miss downtown attraction during the holidays is Kringle’s in the Park. Although less of an attraction and more of a year-round business bringing ample amounts of holiday cheer, this still isn’t something you want to miss especially during the holidays. Kringles in the Park is decorated from ceiling to floor with Christmas decorations available for purchase. It’s like getting an inside glimpse of Santa’s actual workshop. Kringles and Kones is located across the street from the shop, serving up delectable Christmas-themed treats and beverages.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Whether you're shopping in advance or looking for last minute gift ideas, downtown Hot Springs has a variety of boutiques with perfect gifts for everyone in your family! Handmade soaps from Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium, vinyl records for the music lover at Downtown Record & CD Emporium, Arkansas-made items from All Things Arkansas, retro extraordinary gifts from Stella Mae's, housewares from Wrapped Gift Boutique - the list goes on and on! Browse a full list of shopping in Hot Springs to plan your day of shopping here.
SPREAD GOOD CHEER
Last, and of the utmost importance among all else on this list — spread some good cheer. The holiday season is here, but there are always happenings around the world available on our screens at the tip of our fingertips. Sadness and sorrow can feel overwhelming sometimes, so spread good cheer when and where you can. So yes, enjoy holiday lights and all things Santa, but also take some time to be a friendly face to a stranger, volunteer for a local organization, give your leftovers to someone less fortunate. It’s a time of giving and receiving, and I hope you all have a great holiday season full of peace while doing both, my friends. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
Restaurants Open on
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
AI Sushi501-701-4323 | 1609 Albert Pike Road Christmas Eve: 12 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Arlington Hotel & Spa501-623-7771 | 239 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: Reservations | Christmas Day: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ambrosia Bakery501- | 307 Broadway Street Christmas Eve: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Ambrosia in the Park501- | 307 Broadway Street Christmas Eve: | Christmas Day: The Avenue at The Waters Hotel501-321-0001 | 340 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Big Al's Diner & Deli501-363-4793 | 2705 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 24 Hours | Christmas Day: 24 Hours The Blitzed Pig501-525-1616 | 4330 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Bubbalu's501-321-0101 | 408 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed The Bugler501-363-4709 | 2705 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Cafe Kahlo501-701-4240 | 919 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Christmas Day: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Chili's501-520-0431 | 3815 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Cracker Barrel501-525-4704 | 170 Pakis Street Christmas Eve: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Don Juan's Mexican Bar and Grill501-620-4140 | 1534 Malvern Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Dunkin' Donuts501-701-4310 | 3340 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Espresso Yourselfie501-359-3001 | 801 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Fisherman's Wharf501-525-7437 | 5101 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed The Goat501-359-3289 | 228 Cornerstone Boulevard Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m | Christmas Day: Closed Gozen Japan House501-701-4291 | 1534 Malvern Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Grateful Head Pizza501-781-3405 | 100 Exchange Street Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Hibachi Sushi Buffet501-463-9988 | 4334 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Christmas Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Hokkaido Ramen House501-321-8222 | 3310 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed
Hunan Palace501-525-3344 | 4737 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Christmas Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. |
IHOP501-520-4020 | 3837 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 24 hours | Christmas Day: 24 Hours Jose's Mexican Cantina & Grill2215 Malvern Avenue | 3340 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Kollective Coffee + Tea501-701-4000 | 110 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Little Italy501-781-3180 | 3812 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Mainline Sports Bar501-363-4770 | 2705 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Christmas Day: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Mama's Little Italy501-881-4121 | 1020 Airport Road Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Mueller's Bistro & Bakery501-623-7005 | 111 B Crawford Street Christmas Eve: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Newk's501-321-4221 | 1412 Higdon Ferry Road Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed The OAKroom501-363-4781 | 2705 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 5 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Phil's Family Restaurant501-623-8258 | 2900 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed
The Porterhouse501-321-8282 | 707 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Purple Cow501-625-7999 | 1490 Higdon Ferry Road Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Quetzal Mexican501-881-4049 | 1105 Albert Pike Road Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Christmas Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Red Pier Cajun Seafood & Bar501-701-4329 | 4510 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Christmas Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Rocky's Corner501-624-0199 | 2600 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Rolando's501-318-6054 | 210 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Salsa's501-520-5305 | 4324 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Santorini Greek Restaurant501-525-0780 | 401 Burchwood Bay Road Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Stubby's BBQ501-624-1552 | 3024 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Texas Roadhouse501-651-1600 | 3623 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Christmas Day: Closed Waffle House111 Central Avenue | 2017 Central Avenue | 4761 Central Avenue Christmas Eve: 24 hours | Christmas Day: 24 Hours World Buffet501-623-8880 | 1200 Albert Pike Road Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Christmas Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. |
Restaurants Open on
New Year's Eve & New Year's Day
Alexa's Creperie501-760-4799 | 238 Cornerstone Boulevard New Year's Eve: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | New Year's Day: Closed Arlington Hotel & Spa501-623-7771 | 239 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 100th Anniversary Gala Back Porch Grill501-525-0885 | 4810 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. | New Year's Day: Closed Big Al's Diner & Deli501-363-4793 | 2705 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 24 Hours | New Year's Day: 24 Hours The Big Chill501-624-5185 | 910 Higdon Ferry Road New Year's Eve: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. | New Year's Day: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. The Bleu Monkey501-520-4800 | 4263 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. The Blitzed Pig501-525-1616 | 4330 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. | New Year's Day: 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. Brick House Grill501-321-2926 | 801 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. | New Year's Day: Closed Cafe Kahlo501-701-4240 | 919 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. | New Year's Day: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Diablo's Tacos & Mezcal501-701-4327 | 528 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Don Juan's Mexican Bar and Grill501-620-4140 | 1534 Malvern Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | New Year's Day: Closed Espresso Yourselfie501-359-3001 | 801 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. | New Year's Day: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Fisherman's Wharf501-525-7437 | 5101 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. | New Year's Day: Closed The Goat501-359-3289 | 228 Cornerstone Boulevard New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Gozen Japan House501-701-4291 | 1534 Malvern Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. The Heist501-596-8800 | 723 Central Avenue #200 New Year's Eve: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. | New Year's Day: Closed Hibachi Sushi Buffet501-463-9988 | 4334 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Hokkaido Ramen House501-321-8222 | 3310 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hunan Palace501-525-3344 | 4737 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. IHOP501-520-4020 | 3837 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 24 hours | New Year's Day: 24 hours J&S Italian Villa501-525-1121 | 4332 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. | New Year's Day: Closed |
Kollective Coffee + Tea501-701-4000 | 110 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. | New Year's Day: 8 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. La Hacienda501-525-8203 | 3836 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Little Italy501-781-3180 | 3812 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | New Year's Day: Closed Lost Creek Grill501-767-0063 | 1834 Airport Road New Year's Eve: Closed | New Year's Day: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Ohio Club501-627-0702 | 336 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. (Reservations) | New Year's Day: Closed The Pancake Shop501-624-5720 | 216 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. | New Year's Day: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Picante's Mexican Grill501-623-2300 | 801 Central Avenue #22 New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Purple Cow501-625-7999 | 1490 Higdon Ferry Road New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Quetzal Mexican501-881-4049 | 1105 Albert Pike Road New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Rocky's Corner501-624-0199 | 2600 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Rolando's501-318-6054 | 210 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Salsa's501-520-5305 | 4324 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Sam's Pizza501-525-0780 | 401 Burchwood Bay New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Santorini Greek Restaurant501-701-4053 | 1018 Airport Road New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. SQZBX Pizza501-609-0609 | 236 Ouachita Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Taco Mama501-624-6262 | 1209 Malvern Avenue New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. | New Year's Day: 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Texas Roadhouse501-651-1600 | 3623 Central Avenue New Year's Eve: 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. | New Year's Day: 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. Wok Express501-623-4932 | 1418 Albert Pike Road Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Christmas Day: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. World Buffet501-623-8880 | 1200 Albert Pike Road Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Christmas Day: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. The Vault501-596-8800 | 723 Central Avenue #100 New Year's Eve: 4:30 p.m. - 9 a.m. | New Year's Day: Closed |