By Victoria Pike
In October, you may have read my article Top 4 Halloween Attractions in Hot Springs, and in the spirit of the holiday season, I’m back with my Top 8 Christmas Attractions in Hot Springs.
#8. Downtown Hot Springs Christmas Lights Display
This event is just as simple as it sounds. Bring out the whole family for a wonderful drive or walk through downtown Hot Springs from November 19th -December 31st. Don’t miss the Christmas trees in Arlington Park, and the Christmas bulbs hanging from the real trees by the Visitor Center.
#7. Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus by the Pocket Theatre
This play is a Christmas classic for everyone. 8-year-old Virginia writes to the editor of a well-known magazine expecting no reply, but was very shocked by the results she received. Watch the rest of the story unfold at The Pocket Theatre, 170 Ravine St., Friday, December 7th at 7:30PM, and Sunday, December 9th at 2:30PM. For tickets or more information, call 501-623-8585, or visit www.pockettheatre.com or Facebook: Pocket Community Theatre.
#6. Hot Springs Bathhouse Dinner Theatre
The Hot Springs Bathhouse Dinner Theatre has a number of different shows playing throughout the holiday season. A classic feature is A Christmas Story, starring a young boy named Ralphie Parker, whose only dream is to get a Red Ryder BB Gun under the Christmas tree. Struggling with a big bully at school and his cranky dad, he finds comfort with his mother. Enjoy this show along with dinner on December 7, 9, 13, 14, 21, & 22, for only $39.95 – adults or $25 – ages 6-12. For future shows, www.hotspringsbathhousedinnertheatre.com.
#5. Sandi Patty – A Family Christmas Tour
For the first time ever, Sandi Patty and her family will spread Christmas cheer by telling stories through classic Christmas songs, such as “O Holy Night.” This magical show will stop at Hot Springs Baptist Church Saturday, December 15th, at 7PM. General admission is $20, but VIP packages are available. For tickets or more info, visit www.sandipatty.com/tour.
#4. Ice on Ice
The Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce hosts Ice on Ice, an adult-only event, at the Arlington Hotel on Thurs., Dec. 6th from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Tickets come with a signature cocktail and a chance to win a diamond. Each year 4 precious stones are hidden in the ice of your drinks. As the ice and night both melt away, winners are revealed. Tickets offer two options – $39.50 for one ticket, or the “Take the Elevator Home” package, which includes 2 Ice on Ice tickets, and a 1- night stay in the Arlington. To register, or for more info, search for Ice-on-Ice at web.hotspringschamber.com/events/.
#3. Christmas at the Arlington
Another free, family friendly event is the unveiling of the iconic gingerbread house, on Friday, December 7th, at 4:30 PM. Additionally, you may see Santa on his way back to the North Pole, and catch Christmas carolers along with the lighting of the Christmas decorations in Arlington Park.
#2. Dino-Lites! Mid America Museum
Mid America Science Museum presents the 1st Annual Dino-Lites!, hosted on the Oaklawn Foundation’s Dinotrek, the first outdoor dino exhibit in the state. Located in the 21-acre wooded area on museum grounds, community organizations and businesses chose various Christmas vignettes to decorate the dinosaurs. Dino-Lites! is included with museum admission: free Ages 0-2 (Free); Ages 3-12 ($8 + tax); and Adults ($10 + tax.) Catch Dino-Lites! Friday’s and Saturday’s til December 31, from 5 PM to 7PM. For more information, visit midamericamuseum.org/dino-lites.
#1. Garvan Gardens Holiday Lights
Garvan Gardens is always well-known for their holiday lights, featuring 18 acres of lights and a 12-minute animated light show to music on the 50’ Christmas tree, through December 31st. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for ages 4-12, and ages 0-3 are free. Though the Christmas lights are their main attraction, Garvan Gardens Anthony Chapel also hosts several other holiday-themed events including a number of concerts. For more information, visit www.garvangardens.org.
Hot Springs offers many other family- oriented and entertaining opportunities over the holidays. Unfortunately, we’re out of space. But, if you happen to find more attractions, please share them with us on Facebook: The Springs Magazine.
Happy Holidays, Everyone!
