What's on your list this holiday season? We have a few suggestions for you that all begin with a roadtrip to Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.
The Spa City is the place to heat up in a thermal pool, marvel at the glow of a million lights, and to let the theater fill your heart with joy. December in Hot Springs makes for a special get-away during a very special time of year. Why not wrap up 2021 with a holiday trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas!
See the Lights
There are countless holiday lights in Hot Springs. We suggest arriving in the daytime to soak up the natural beauty of Hot Springs National Park. The steam rising from the thermal springs is 100% instagramable! #visithotsprings Stay the night and witness Hot Springs turn aglow with holiday cheer. Here are the best spots to see the Hot Springs Holiday Lights.
Historic Downtown Hot Springs
Plan a drive or stroll through the heart of the Hot Springs holidays starting at 5:00PM. We recommend starting at the Hot Springs Visitors Center (629 Central) and walking North down Central Avenue to the Whittington Avenue fountain and back. Best selfie spots are the giant holiday tree complete with Santa statue sitting on a bench, Bathhouse Row, the Arlington Hotel Lobby Gingerbread House, Adair Park, and the Exchange Street Fountain.
There are numerous restaurants to eat at along your downtown stroll. Some of our favs for hot coffees, teas, and cocoa include; Kollective Coffee & Tea, The Argentinian Coffee & Wine Bar, and The Hale & The Arlington Hotel.
Elf Tips: Don't miss the Kringles in the Park Christmas store! Holiday lights are lit now to January 3rd.
And of course, don't forget to head downtown for the Hot Springs Christmas Traditions Parade tomorrow, Monday, December 6th at 6:30 along Historic Bathhouse Row.
Worth the Sleigh Ride 
OK, so maybe you don't have a flying sleigh with red nosed reindeer pulling you and your family to Hot Springs. Jump in the car and road trip around town to see these amazing displays. Garvan Woodland Gardens Wonderland display is set inside Arkansas' biggest and best botanical garden. Look for the four story treehouse, the fairy houses and the purple-headed dragon. The Gardens are open 10AM-6PM. The Dino-Lites display combines prehistoric reptiles, science, and holiday cheer at Mid-America Science Museum. A giant T-Rex will greet you at the entrance. Open 9AM to 5PM. New to Hot Springs, The Reserve bed and breakfast has lit up their four acre property for walking tours. The Garland County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and wins for most traditional holiday display.
Catch a Show
The theater is alive in The Spa City and holiday themed shows are on the bill at these venues; The Vapors, The Maxwell Blade Theater of Magic, The Central Theater and Oaklawn. Our votes for best traditional Christmas production are The Pocket Theater's adaptation of A Christmas Carol, the Hot Springs Children Dance Theater Company's Nutcracker Ballet and the Muses, Voices of Angels Sacred Classic Christmas concert.
For information on where to stay, eat, and play in Hot Springs, Arkansas visit hot-springs.cjrw.rocks or call 501-321-2027.
Restaurants Open for the Holidays
Happy Holidays from Visit Hot Springs! If you're making everything from scratch, ordering take out, or looking for a resatuarant to host your family Christmas Day - we've got you covered! Check out our list of restaurants in Hot Springs open on Christmas Day below.
Arlington Resort Hotel Buffet, 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Avenue at the Waters Hotel Buffet, 12:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
IHOP, 24 hours
Waffle House, 24 hours
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort;
Silks, 11:00 a.m. - 11 p.m.
The Bugler, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Percs, 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Big Al's, 24 hours