Holiday Lights, Other Events Planned in December at Garvan Woodland Gardens

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This train is part of the Holiday Lights display at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs this month.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs continues its annual Holiday Lights event this month. Nearly 4 million bulbs help to transform 17 acres of the property into a memorable, holiday display.

Holiday Lights will be held from 5-9 p.m. nightly in December (except Dec. 25). The 50-foot tall musical, animated Rose Tree returns to the Rose Garden with new tunes, along with a new musical piano as the centerpiece of the Great Lawn display. The Chipmunk Café will be open from 3-9 p.m. daily during this event, and complimentary hot chocolate will be available. Golf cart rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis for a fee of $10 per person.

"Santa in the Gardens" at Holiday Lights will occur every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this month, except the week of Christmas. Santa and his elves will greet children from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Garvan Pavilion. Photos will be available on site for $5 (for one 5-by-7-inch print or four wallet-size prints) every night except Dec. 10. Members receive an unlimited admission to Holiday Lights. There are no reservations needed to visit with Santa, and children are welcome to bring their wish lists.

The Three Rivers Art Guild Art Exhibit will be held this month from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Magnolia Room. Established in 1978 in Glenwood, Three Rivers Art Guild, Inc. is a non-profit organization named for the three rivers that run through the area: the Caddo, Little Missouri and Ouachita. Guild artists work in a variety of mediums, including oils, acrylics, charcoal, pen and ink, collage, mixed media, encaustics and watercolor. Some artists carve and design gourds, while others make hand-sewn items, sculpture and jewelry. A percentage of art sales benefits the gardens.

"Holiday High Tea" will be held at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Magnolia Room. The traditional English tea style offers patrons a sampling of assorted scones, finger sandwiches and desserts, all accompanied by a variety of flavorful hot teas.

Carolers from Pearcy Baptist Church will be strolling the garden grounds singing traditional holiday carols from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 12.

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 14 at the Garden Trail and Garvan Pavilion. This holiday race aims to fight arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability. Attendees can run or walk a 5-kilometer route with their team members, and they are encouraged to wear a holiday inspired costume with jingles bells tied to their shoelaces. To register, contact 501-664-4591 or aharris@arthritis.org, or visit http://www.arthritis.org/arkansas/events/jingle-bell-run-walk/.

This month, several concerts will be held in the Anthony Chapel. Most concerts are open to the public.

• The Village Chorale Holiday Lights Concert – Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m.
• Christine Beauchamp and Ray and Ruth Leibau Holiday Lights Piano Concert – Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.
• Erica Lane "On the Eve of Christmas" – Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. (members-only event; reservations required)
• The Ringers of Hope Handbell Choir Concert – Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m.
• Todd Cranson with Henderson State University – Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m.
• The Muses Holiday Concert – Dec. 15, 3 p.m.
• Hot Springs Flute Ensemble Holiday Lights Concert – Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m.
• Lake Hamilton First Grade Choir Holiday Lights Concert – Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m.
• Scherzo Holiday Concert – Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m.
• Sharon Turrentine Holiday Lights Concert – Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m.

Garvan Woodland Gardens is the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas.

The gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, free for children ages 5 and younger, and $5 for dogs. Some events and activities are free. Some require a fee, advanced registration or prepayment.

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