Garvan Woodland Gardens Hosts Holiday Lights, Concerts and 'Santa Nights' in December

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Holiday Lights will be on display from 5-9 p.m. nightly in December (except Christmas Day) at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs. More than 4.5 million brilliant bulbs transform 18 acres of the garden into a memorable holiday display.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Garvan Woodland Gardens will host a multitude of festive events in December to help visitors get into the spirit this holiday season.

The Holiday Lights display will be available for viewing from 5-9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31. More than 4.5 million brilliant bulbs transform 18 acres of the garden into a memorable holiday display. The Chipmunk Cafe will be open from 3-9 p.m. each day during the display, and complimentary hot chocolate will be served.

"Glass Mosaics," an exhibit of work by Paula Campbell, will be on display from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily during December in the Magnolia Room. Campbell, who has worked in the horticulture department at Garvan Gardens for 15 years, will be debuting her nature-inspired glass mosaics. Campbell's works will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit the garden.

The "Jingle Dogs Pup Parade" will take place at 5 p.m. Dec. 5 on the Great Lawn. This is the one night dogs will be allowed admission into Holiday Lights. Following the parade, guests and their dogs can have their photos made with Santa from 6-8 p.m. Santa will also have a special treat for each dog.

Santa will visit Garvan Gardens for "Santa Nights at Holiday Lights," held from 6-8 p.m. Dec.5-8 and Dec.12-15 at the Garvan Pavilion. Children are encouraged to bring their wish lists to share with Santa. Rebecca Peterman, a professional photographer, will take photos that will be available for purchase on site.

Also in December, several concerts will be held in the Anthony Chapel:

• Lake Hamilton First Grade Choir Concert – Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m.
• Arkansas Youth Chorale Concert – Dec. 4, 4 p.m.
• The Village Strings Concert – Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.
• The Village Chorale Concert – Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m.
• Classics in the Chapel – Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.
• First Baptist Church Benton, Hallelujah Handbells Choir – Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
• Sharon Turrentine Holiday Concert – Dec. 11, 3 p.m.
• Crystal Chimes Holiday Concert – Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m.
• Ouachita Hills Academy Ringers of Hope Concert – Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.
• The Village Men's Chorus Concert – Thursday, Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m.
• The Muses "Voices of Angels" Concert – Dec. 18, 3 p.m.
• Hot Springs Flute Ensemble Concert – Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m.
• "4HisGlory" Concert – Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m.

Garvan Woodland Gardens is the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas and part of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. Regular garden hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. From Nov. 19 through Dec. 31, garden hours are noon to 9 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children ages 5 and younger. Some events and activities are free. Some require a fee, advanced registration or prepayment.

For more information about these events or to check on upcoming events, call 501-262-9300 or 800-366-4664.