In the next month, the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights will be a bright spot and might become a family tradition.
It's traditional to attend a Christmas parade, pick out a tree, make ornaments, go shopping, sit on Santa's lap and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, according to the booklet published by the Arkansas Parks and Tourism Department.
The holiday trail of lights can be mapped out through the website of Arkansas.com/TrailofHolidayLights.
In Little River County and Ashdown, the historic courthouse is part of a light display until Jan. 1.
The KCS Holiday Express will bring Santa and the elves to Ashdown at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at the KCS Crossing at Main Street and U.S. Highway 71. Guests to the train can visit with Santa Claus and walk through three railroad cars filled with holiday displays.
De Queen will host a Christmas parade Dec. 2. Santa will arrive during the parade and will be in his house following the parade.
Historic Washington State Park will emphasize homes of yesterday adorned with historic period decorations of pine cones, grapevines, Magnolia leaves and evergreen trees.
Daylight tours will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Candlelight tours begin at 5 p.m. when thousands of luminarias will be lit and will continue until 8 p.m.
Plan time to visit Williams Tavern, offering a Christmas buffet from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The activities will include a horse-drawn surrey ride or shop the gift shops for special holiday gifts.
The annual Main Street Texarkana Christmas Parade in historic downtown Texarkana will take place Dec. 4. The parade is expected to have more than 100 lighted floats and entries. Live camels lead the parade, with marching bands and antique cars.
In Prescott, the Christmas Parade will be Dec. 7 in downtown on Second Street. After the parade, Christmas on the Square will happen with carolers, hot cocoa and pictures with Santa Claus.
The booklet outlining the holiday lights in Arkansas is available at the tourist centers.