Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the festive fun of Hot Springs with our detailed holiday guide. For those who breathe Hot Springs air daily and those just sampling it, this guide unlocks seasonal wonders.
Popular events this holiday season kick off with the Hot Springs Christkindlmarkt, a charming market filled with artisan crafts and delicious food, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Unique flavors abound at the Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook Off, where local chefs compete for the title of best chili, drawing crowds eager to taste the creativity. And you definitely don't want to miss the Hot Springs Christmas Parade, which lights up the streets with community floats, festive music, and holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Hot Springs Holiday Light Displays
Garvan Woodland Gardens Holiday Lights
- What to Expect
- A stunning garden setting adorned with thousands of twinkling lights throughout the landscape.
- Description
- A captivating display of shimmering lights illuminates the breathtaking landscape of Garvan Woodland Gardens during the holiday season. Visitors stroll along winding paths, surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights that highlight the natural beauty of the gardens. Seasonal decorations and themed displays add to the experience, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for families and friends to connect and celebrate together.
- Where
- Hot Springs | More Info : Garvan Woodland Gardens Holiday Lights
Hot Springs Holiday Markets and Shopping
Hot Springs Christkindlmarkt
- What to Expect
- Traditional European-inspired holiday market with handmade crafts and seasonal treats.
- Description
- Hot Springs Christkindlmarkt is a charming holiday market inspired by traditional European Christmas markets. It features festively lit stalls offering handmade crafts, ornaments, and unique gifts. Enjoy delicious seasonal treats like roasted nuts, gingerbread, and hot cocoa. The market offers a great shopping experience and a chance to soak in the holiday spirit with family and friends.
- Where
- Hot Springs | More Info : Hot Springs Christkindlmarkt
Hot Springs Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of documentary films and industry events in a scenic resort town.
- Description
- The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is the longest-running all-documentary film festival in North America, featuring a diverse lineup of international features and shorts, gala screenings, and industry honors.
- Where
- Hot Springs | More Info : Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
Hot Springs Other Holiday Activities
Hot Springs Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Fundraising event for local youth scholarships.
- Description
- The Hot Springs Christmas Parade is an annual holiday tradition featuring elaborate floats, high school marching bands, and festive floats, all taking place in historic Downtown Hot Springs.
- Where
- Hot Springs | More Info : Hot Springs Christmas Parade
Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook Off
- What to Expect
- Local businesses compete for best chili while downtown lights are turned on.
- Description
- The Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook Off in Downtown Hot Springs features local businesses competing to create the best chili, with the event coinciding with the lighting of downtown Christmas lights.
- Where
- Hot Springs | More Info : Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook Off
Spa Running Festival
- What to Expect
- Scenic running routes through Hot Springs National Park.
- Description
- The Spa Running Festival is an inclusive event featuring various running distances, including the Summit 2 Summit Half Marathon, Spa 10K, 5K Run/Walk, and Squirt Race for kids. It offers a scenic route through Hot Springs National Park, catering to all levels of runners and walkers.
- Where
- Hot Springs | More Info : Spa Running Festival
Güdrun MTB Festival
- What to Expect
- 3-day mountain bike festival with various activities.
- Description
- The 6th annual Gudrun – Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival is a 3-day event in Hot Springs, Arkansas, featuring bike races, fun rides, bike expos, food, drinks, and music.
- Where
- Hot Springs | More Info : Güdrun MTB Festival