HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs continues its annual Holiday Lights event in the month of December. 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 Chipmunk Café will be open from 3-9 p.m. daily during this event, serving hearty soups, sandwiches, snacks and beverages. Complimentary hot chocolate also will be available.

“Santa Nights” at Holiday Lights will occur Monday through Thursday Dec. 8-11 and Dec. 15-18. Santa will be available to hear children’s wishes from 6-8 p.m. at the Garvan Pavilion. Professional photographer Rebecca Peterman will take photos every night, except Dec. 16. Photos will be available for purchase on site.

The Tim Donar Photography Exhibit will be held throughout December from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Magnolia Room. Donar, a photographer and fine art printmaker from Conway, will exhibit a collection of nature-inspired photographs. His canvas prints also will be available for purchase.

“Holiday High Tea” will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesay, Dec. 2 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.

“An Evening Out, with Your Camera!,” a two-part artisan series workshop, will take place from 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2 at the Oaklawn Center on Aging, as well as from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 in the Magnolia Room at Garvan Woodland Gardens. The staff of the Oaklawn Center for Aging and photographer Taylor Bellott will teach attendees tips and provide hands-on practice with basic and intermediate techniques for successful photography after dark.

“Going Wild for a Natural Holiday,” a part of Children’s Crafts, will take place from 3-5 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 6 in Millsap Bride’s Hall. Children will make ornaments from natural materials with the garden’s resident artist, Suzie Burch. She’ll transform pinecones, tree bark, berries, feathers and other found objects into beautiful hand-made works of art, and will then allow the children to do the same.

“Tai Chi in the Gardens,” a part of the health series, will be held from 1:30-2:30 p.m. through Dec. 4 (except Thanksgiving Day) on the Great Lawn. Kathy Packard of the Oaklawn Center on Aging will be teaching all ages about the practice of Tai Chi, the ancient low-impact method for staying flexible and toned for life. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Garvan Pavilion.

Carolers from Pearcy Baptist Church will stroll the garden grounds singing traditional holiday carols on Thursday, Dec. 11, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Anthony Chapel.

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13 on the Garden Trails and at the Garvan Pavilion. Chosen as one of the “most incredible themed races,” Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is a fun and festive way to kick off the holidays by helping others. The event will raise funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. Attendees can run or walk a 5-kilometer route with their team members and are encouraged to wear a holiday inspired costume with jingle 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/.

Also this month, several concerts will be held in Anthony Chapel at the garden. Most concerts are open to the public.

• The Village Chorale Holiday Concert – Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m.

• The Village Strings Holiday Concert – Wednesday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m.

• Lake Hamilton First Grade Choir Holiday Concert – Thursday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m.

• Bob Byers and Friends – Sunday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m.

• Christine Beauchamp and Ray and Ruth Leibau Piano Concert – Monday, Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m.

• Hallelujah Handbell Choir Concert – Tuesday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.

• Ringers of Hope Handbell Choir Concert – Wednesday, Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m.

• The Muses Holiday Concert – Sunday, Dec. 14, 3 p.m.

• Erica Lane Holiday Concert – Monday, Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m.

• Crystal Chimes Celebrate Christmas – Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Hot Springs Baptist Church Choir Concert – Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m.

• Sharon Turrentine Holiday Concert – Sunday, Dec. 21, 3 p.m.

• Hot Springs Flute Ensemble Holiday Concert – Monday, Dec. 22, 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 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, call 501-262-9300 or 800-366-4664.