The Holiday Season Brings a Special Kind of Charm to the Ouachita Mountains
Twinkling lights, festive attractions, historic downtown streets, and beautiful natural scenery make the Hot Springs area an inviting destination for a winter escape.
At the heart of the celebration is Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens, one of Arkansas’s most beloved seasonal attractions. Combine an evening among the lights with a visit to historic Hot Springs, delicious dining, and a relaxing stay at The Reunion Resort Villas in nearby Hot Springs Village, and you have all the ingredients for a memorable holiday getaway.
Experience the Magic of Garvan Woodland Gardens Holiday Lights
Located along the shores of Lake Hamilton, Garvan Woodland Gardens is a beautiful destination throughout the year. During the holiday season, the botanical gardens take on an entirely different character as illuminated displays transform the landscape into a festive wonderland.
Stroll along glowing pathways, admire colorful light displays, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the gardens after dark. It’s a wonderful experience for couples, families, and groups of friends looking to celebrate the season together.
The 2026 Holiday Lights celebration runs from November 21 through December 31, with closures on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Advance ticket purchases are recommended, particularly for popular holiday dates. Visit Garvan Woodland Gardens for current admission details, entry times, and visitor information.
Make It a Two-Night Holiday Getaway
Why make the trip just for an evening when there’s so much more to discover? A two-night stay gives you time to experience the holiday festivities, explore Hot Springs, and enjoy the quieter side of Hot Springs Village.
Day One: Settle In and Unwind
Begin your getaway with a scenic drive into Hot Springs Village, where rolling hills, wooded landscapes, and beautiful lakes provide a welcome change of pace from the holiday rush.
Check into The Reunion Resort Villas and settle into your private accommodations. Couples can enjoy the comfort of a Luxury Studio Suite, complete with a king bed, inviting living area, fireplace, and covered outdoor sitting area. Families and groups of friends can spread out in a Four Bedroom Deluxe Villa, featuring four private king bedrooms, individual bathrooms, a full kitchen, and generous gathering spaces.
Spend the evening enjoying dinner in Hot Springs Village or relaxing by the fireplace as you plan the adventures ahead.
Day Two: Discover Historic Hot Springs and Holiday Lights
After a leisurely morning, head into Hot Springs for an afternoon of sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
Start with a stroll along historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park. This distinctive collection of early 20th-century bathhouses offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history as a famous spa destination. Explore the architecture, browse local shops, or enjoy a traditional thermal bath experience at one of the operating bathhouses.
Downtown Hot Springs also offers an appealing mix of restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and attractions. Stop for lunch, explore Central Avenue, and take time to enjoy the city’s welcoming atmosphere.
As evening approaches, make your way to Garvan Woodland Gardens for the highlight of your holiday getaway. Allow plenty of time to enjoy the illuminated displays, take photographs, and soak up the festive surroundings.
Afterward, return to the comfort and privacy of your villa in Hot Springs Village.
Day Three: A Peaceful Morning in Hot Springs Village
Before heading home, enjoy a relaxed morning surrounded by the natural beauty of Hot Springs Village.
Take a scenic drive, enjoy breakfast or brunch, or explore one of the Village’s picturesque lakes and walking trails, weather permitting.
With more than 26,000 acres of wooded hills, lakes, and recreational amenities, Hot Springs Village offers plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the outdoors—even during the cooler months.
It’s a refreshing way to end your holiday getaway before returning to the hustle and bustle of the season.
Make The Reunion Resort Villas Your Holiday Home Base
One of the best parts of a holiday getaway is having a comfortable place to return to after a day of exploring.
Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, The Reunion Resort Villas offers luxury accommodations that combine the privacy of a vacation rental with the thoughtful amenities of an upscale retreat.
Our Luxury Studio Suites are ideal for couples seeking a quiet winter escape, while our spacious Four Bedroom Deluxe Villas make it easy for families and friends to travel together without sacrificing personal space.
And with Hot Springs Village’s dining, lakes, trails, and recreation nearby, there’s plenty to enjoy beyond the holiday festivities.
Plan Your Holiday Escape to Hot Springs Village
From the sparkling displays at Garvan Woodland Gardens to the historic charm of downtown Hot Springs, the holiday season offers plenty of reasons to plan a getaway to Central Arkansas.
Make it more than a day trip. Stay a little longer, discover more of the area, and enjoy the comfort of a private luxury villa at The Reunion.
Explore our accommodations and start planning your holiday getaway at The Reunion Resort Villas.