If you are planning your first trip to Garvan Gardens Christmas lights this year, this post is for you! Today, I am going to share the things a first-timer might be curious to know before taking a trip to Hot Springs to the Garvan Gardens Christmas lights display. Read on and load up your family for a new family tradition!
Where is Hot Springs, Arkansas?
Where is Hot Springs, Arkansas? Hot Springs is located about one hour southwest of Little Rock. It is located in Garland County at the edge of the Quachita Mountains.
A resort town of about 35,000 people, Hot Springs brings visitors from all over Arkansas and from other states.
What is Garvan Woodland Gardens?
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a gorgeous cultural garden center sustained by the University of Arkansas Foundation. Specifically, the program is sustained by the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. The history of the Gardens traces back to 1956 when the original owner of the land, Verna Cook Garvan, began to garden on the land, according to the facility’s website. Now, Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs boasts educational programs and seasonal events year round. Additionally, the gardens are hosts to special events – such as garden weddings and beautiful weddings in the Anthony Chapel.
Things to Know Before Visiting Garvan Gardens Christmas Lights Display
What are the Garvan Gardens Christmas lights 2019 dates?
The 2019 dates for the Garvan Woodland Gardens Christmas lights are Saturday, November 23 through Tuesday, December 31. The Gardens are closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
What are the Garvan Woodland Gardens Christmas lights 2019 hours?
The Garvan Gardens hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the Garvan Gardens holiday lights. Personally, I recommend arriving right at 4:00. This way, you will have an hour or so of daylight and the rest of the time in the dark. Some of the displays at Garvan Gardens are nice to see during the daylight. Others are better suited for moonlight. My photos before dark are much better than the ones I took in the dark.
What are the prices for seeing the Garvan Gardens holiday lights?
We paid $15 for each adult and $5 for each of our daughters (ages 4 and 6). It is my understanding children 3 and under have free admission. Also, anyone with an annual Garvan Gardens membership receives free admission.
Can I purchase tickets in advance for the Hot Springs Christmas lights?
When we attended last year, I don’t believe it was an option to purchase tickets in advance. However, according to the Garvan Gardens website, it appears the facility is offering advanced reservations as an option this year for visiting the Garvan Gardens holiday lights. Check out the website for more information.
Are there any special programs or presentations during the Garvan Gardens holiday lights display?
Yes! In 2019, the Gardens has a special event happening from Monday, November 25-27 from 4-9 p.m. with live reindeer and Santa’s sleigh. Families can have their photos made with the reindeer and feed them! My family and I are hoping to make it for one of these fun nights! How cool to actually get to see live reindeer!
What should I wear to see the Garvan Gardens Christmas lights?
Definitely, I suggest dressing comfortably and warmly. You will do a lot of walking. Silly me. I forgot my coat. I had to borrow my husband’s gloves and wear his huge coat part of the time. My girls were snug in their jackets, mittens, and knit hats.
Check the weather and temperature before you head toward Hot Springs, but chances are you will need some outer layers. As noted on the Gardens’ website, the Christmas lights display remains open even during rain. However, management will close the attractions (no refund) if there is lightning or dangerous conditions.
What is the parking situation?
Parking lines the street leading to the Garvan Gardens parking lot. If you are one of the earlier ones to arrive, parking should not be too much of an issue. But the later you arrive, the trickier parking will be. There were parking attendants outside last year to help with parking.
What do I do when I arrive?
Upon arrival, you need to enter into the main lobby and purchase your tickets or check in with the attendant.
What are the bathrooms like?
There are nice bathrooms situated around the Garvan Gardens property. The bathrooms are heated making for a nice little potty break here and there in the cold temperatures.
Are there any places to purchase snack food at Garvan Gardens Christmas lights display?
Out in the Gardens, we found several stations with fresh popcorn and hot chocolate for sale. The vendors also sold other packaged snacks like chips and candy bars. I believe they were cash-only vendors.
What kind of Christmas light displays will I see?
When we walked in, we were impressed by the piano near the front entrance that plays music with beautiful lights all around. As you continue down the paths, you will split off into different sections with different themed displays. My girls loved this old rustic train depot.
One of the highlights has to be the 50-foot Christmas trees which are synchronized to Christmas music. Unfortunately, I forgot to get any still photos of the gorgeous trees because I was busy videoing my girls dancing in front of them.
Luckily, I remembered to snap a picture of my girls with a statue Santa among grand lit nutcrackers.
Additionally, you will find various woodland lights displays sprinkled around.
These woodland lights are just so magical!
Did I hear there is a children’s garden area with a tree house?
The Evans Children’s Adventure Garden is the place for your little ones to romp and stomp. Mine were enamored with the huge Bob and Sunny Evans Tree House. The Tree House was built in 2018 and has four levels which resemble different parts of a tree.
The children’s area itself features a suspension bridge, a waterfall, and plenty of rocky areas for kids to climb and explore.
Are there any stores at Garvan Gardens?
There is one gift shop – in the same building you will come in as you enter. They have some really cute things. I may or may not have spent too much money in there last year on some super cute pom pom trees. The gift shop accepts credit and debit cards.
Does Garvan Gardens have a restaurant?
Garvan Gardens has a restaurant – also in the same building you enter when you arrive. The restaurant is called Chipmunk Cafe. The night we were there, it was a popular place – with people lined up to enter. We did not eat there so I cannot attest to the quality of the food. I believe the cafe remains open until 9 p.m. and serves soups and sandwiches.
Where Else Should I Visit While in Hot Springs?
Keep in mind you will be leaving Garvan Gardens at night – probably close to 9 p.m. and a lot of Hot Springs restaurants or attractions might be closed at that hour. If you want to make some other stops in Hot Springs, I would encourage you to do those before you go to the gardens.
I’ll mention a few of my favorite spots for a casual dining experience. I would presume you aren’t interested in fancy places if you are dressed casually for a family Christmas excursion.
Rolando’s Restaurante
Rolando’s is known in Hot Springs (with two other Arkansas locations in Fort Smith and Fayetteville) for it’s tilapia, tamales, and other Ecuadorian-inspired cuisine. Give the queso flamado a try!
Fisherman’s Wharf Steak and Seafood
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of my absolute favorite spots in Hot Springs. It is casual and relaxed with a lake life attitude. In the warmer months, my friends and I love to eat there after spending a day on the lake. The shrimp and catfish is delicious, as is the fried zucchini!
McClard’s BBQ
If you mention places to eat in Hot Springs to any group of locals, you are almost always going to hear about McClard’s BBQ. Try the tamale spread!
Rocky’s Pizza
I almost didn’t add this one because the Rocky’s Pizza website is down and the Facebook page has not been updated in a long while. But I ate at Rocky’s earlier this year and the pizza was just as stellar as ever. If you like Chicago Style Pizza, this is your place!
Well, there you have my tips for visiting Garvan Gardens Christmas lights for the first time! Personally, I think Garvan Woodland Gardens Christmas lights display is such a festive display of holiday lights of the south! I hope you have a merry time and make lots of memories this year!
And if you need more Christmas inspiration, be sure to check out some of my other Christmas posts:
Christmas Bottlebrush Trees Display
Black and White Christmas Tour
Red Christmas Home Tour
Make a Santa Wish List Ornament
The 12 Days of McDonald’s Printable for McDonald’s Gift Card
Chocolate Saltine Cracker Cookies – Christmas Crack
Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse
30 Inspirational Christmas Displays – Tour of Trees
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