New Daytime Winter Festival Debuts at Garvan Woodland Gardens in November

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Fall colors mark the changing of the seasons at Garvan Woodland Gardens.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Garvan Woodland Gardens is launching a new daytime winter festival this month, as well as taking advantage of the gorgeous fall days with a series of outdoor fitness programs.

This year, the garden will celebrate the winter season with the new daytime "Winter Garden Festival" beginning Nov. 21 and continuing through Dec. 31 (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, when the garden will be closed). There are plenty of photo opportunities by favorite garden displays, as well as a new display along the recently paved Camellia Trail featuring winter landscape installations designed by Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design students. The Garvan Pavilion will be transformed into a life-sized snow globe. The Chipmunk Café will be open each night, serving salads, sandwiches and snacks, and visitors can enjoy free hot chocolate. Because the festival is held during daytime hours, areas that were previously inaccessible during Holiday Lights will now be available to experience, including the Evans Children's Adventure Garden, the Evans Tree House, the Hixson Nature Preserve and the Perry Wildflower Overlook. Masks are required for entry and in some areas of the garden.

"Group Health Walks" will be held from 10:15-11:15 a.m. each Monday through Nov. 30. Participants can stimulate their heart and senses as Sharon Turrentine leads the group around the beautiful grounds. Participants should meet in the Welcome Center, and pets and strollers are welcome. Masks are required for entry and in some garden areas.

"Yoga at the Gardens" will take place from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Klipsch Amphitheatre. Diana Esanu, a yoga instructor, will teach the series, incorporating stretches, gentle poses, breath work and affirmations. A 10-minute guided meditation will follow. Participants are asked to bring their own mats.

"Holiday High Teas" will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8 in the Magnolia Room. This traditional English-style tea will feature a sampling of assorted scones, finger sandwiches, desserts and hot teas. Advance tickets are required. Seating will be limited for social distancing. Service will be in accordance with all health directives by the state.

Garvan Woodland Gardens is the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas and part of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. The garden is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12, free for children ages 3 and younger, and $5 for dogs on a short leash. Some events and activities are free. Some require a fee, advance registration or prepayment.

Masks are required for entry to Garvan Gardens. The interiors of Anthony Chapel and the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Center are closed to the public. Restrooms at the Grooms Quarters and Brides Hall are also closed to the public. Golf Cart Tours are available on a limited basis. Café hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

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