Holiday Lights, 'Santa Nights' Among December Events at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs

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The 50-foot tall Rose Tree sponsored by Schueck Steel plays a 15-minute musical animated light show, as part of the annual Holiday Lights event that continues through December at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — The annual Holiday Lights event will continue during the month of December at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs. This holiday display is illuminated by more than 4 million bulbs over 17 acres of the property.

The lights are available for viewing from 5-9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 31 (expect Dec. 25). The Chipmunk Café will be open from 3-9 p.m. each day during the display, and complimentary hot chocolate will be served. Dogs are not allowed in the garden during Holiday Lights.

Santa will be in town for "Santa Nights" at Holiday Lights, held from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 7-10 and Dec. 14-17 at the Garvan Pavilion. Children can bring their wish lists to share with Santa while Rebecca Peterman, a professional photographer, captures those moments. The photographs will be available for purchase on site.

"Holiday High Tea" will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, in the Magnolia Room. The traditional English-style tea offers guests a sampling of assorted scones, finger sandwiches and desserts, all accompanied by a variety of flavorful hot teas.

"The Last Polaroid Show: Capturing the Flora and Architecture of Como Park's Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Photography Exhibit" will be on display during the month of December in the Magnolia Room from noon to 9 p.m. daily. This exhibit celebrates the art of Polaroid, with works by Denise Rouleau and Mark Roberts, representing the end of an era of photographing with SX-70 (Time Zero) Polaroid film. This film, which is no longer produced, is unique to work with because the film dyes are like wet paint that can be hand manipulated before they harden, resulting in surreal and impressionistic images. The exhibit images were captured at the conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota.

"Story Time Theater" will be held Dec. 12 in the Magnolia Room, with a program for children ages 6-9 from 2-3 p.m. and for children ages 10-12 from 3-4 p.m. Laine Carlson will tell stories that cultivate creativity as the children immerse themselves in a wintery wonderland. Children can use props and costumes to bring the stories to life.

Also in December, 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. 1, 6:30 p.m.
• "Classic in the Chapel" Holiday Concert — Wednesday, Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m.
• The Village Men's Chorus Holiday Concert — Thursday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m.
• Fun City Chorus Holiday Concert — Monday, Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.
• Ringers of Hope Handbell Choir Holiday Concert — Tuesday, Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m.
• The Village Strings Holiday Concert — Wednesday, Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.
• First Baptist Church of Benton Hallelujah Handbell Choir Concerts — Thursday, Dec. 10 6 and 7:30 p.m.
• The Muses "Voices of Angels" Winter Holiday Concert — Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 p.m.
• Lake Hamilton First Grade Choir Holiday Concert - Monday, Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m.
• Crystal Chimes Holiday Concert — Tuesday, Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m.
• Hot Springs Baptist Church Choir Holiday Concert — Wednesday, Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m.
• Hot Springs Flute Ensemble Holiday Concert — Monday, 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.

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.