There is nothing quite like the feeling of Christmas in the Ozarks as the light displays, parades and events just keep getting bigger and better.
The good thing about Christmas lights and displays, Covid can’t take away the magic that they bring to cities around the state.
Although some events and parades have been modified or cancelled this year, Arkansas is still shining bright this holiday season, and I’ve compiled a list of a few great things to see in our region.
So, take a few evenings off, jump in the old car and start singing those Christmas Carols, sip that hot chocolate and enjoy the view…
Newly titled as the Christmas Capitol of Arkansas, Batesville is a stand out with their ever changing and growing light display.
As if it couldn’t get better, Batesville decided to step up the game and added a ferris wheel to overlook the grand display of lights this year. Adding more for the family to enjoy as they take pictures on the famous “tunnel of lights”, stroll through the newly christened and very lit up Sara Low Memorial Dog Park or take a carriage ride through the entirety of the extravagant display of lights. Lets not forget to take some time to let the kiddos ice skate while they overlook the White River as well.
There truly is something for everyone, and to officially kick of the holiday season, The Kiwanis Club of Batesville will host their annual Christmas Parade December 5 down Main Street following the route to head back up College Street to keep in the spirit of social distancing.
Speaking of Main Street, take some time to walk up and down the historic area and see all of the Christmas displays in each business. .
Executive Director Mandi Curtwright and her team have worked tirelessly with business owners to make the area something a Hallmark movie would be proud to display.
Mountain View is always a treat even on a normal day, but it’s pure magic during the holidays. Weekends are always a great time to listen to folk music on the square and shopping downtown is a must! Saturday, December 5, the city will host a Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony that will rival any in the state.
Their annual Christmas on the Square will begin at 2 p.m. with ornament making and hot chocolate sipping. At 5 p.m. story time will begin right before the parade takes over the area down Main Street.
There will be live music and a live nativity in the gazebo on the square along with a visit from Santa and tree lighting ceremony.
Ash Flat will also have their annual Christmas parade on December 5 as well.
If you’re in the Walnut Ridge area, make sure to check out the downtown wreath displays that begin on December 1 along with Christmas lights in Stewart Park.
Stewart Park is located at Park Lane and the Northeast Front Street Intersection and is a 1.25 mile loop of Christmas lights for the entire family to enjoy. 
Walnut Ridge will officially kick off the holiday season Tuesday, December 8 with a reverse Christmas parade beginning at Stewart Park as well. Cars will drive through the park loop and will exit through the area where floats and displays will be parked.
Drive through will begin at 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Santa will be in attendance to hand out candy canes with his elves.
Jackson County has been preparing for the holidays for months, and their displays are something to be proud of. If you’re not from the area, it’s 100% worth the drive over to experience the magic of Christmas with them on December 10 for their annual Christmas parade.
The parade will begin at 6 p.m. and will head down Malcolm Avenue from Hwy. 69 to the Village Mall parking lot.
After the parade, take some time to head over to Dr. Patti Mullin’s lighted Winter Wonderland on Sue Circle. Live Carolers will be on hand while you look over the beautiful displays created by Mullins and her elves.
Mullins Winter Wonderland will be open after the parade and the entire event is free to the public and brought to you by the Jackson County Community Theatre.
Calico Rock will kick of their holiday celebration with a parade on Saturday, December 12 at 6:45 p.m. The route will begin on Main Street and end at the Fire Department with Santa riding on the firetruck. Sadly, due to Covid, Santa will not be able to take pictures this year, and there will be no living windows, but windows throughout the are will be decorated.
Hardy will also have their Christmas parade Saturday, December 12 at 11 a.m. which will give all of you shoppers a great opportunity to get some items downtown!
Last but certainly not least, Pocahontas will have their annual Christmas parade Tuesday, December 15 at 6 p.m. Bring the family out to explore their lovely historic downtown area.
No matter what region of the state you reside in, there is something for everyone, so get out and take advantage of all the Natural State has to offer this holiday season.
And as Covid is still a very big issue throughout the state, each city will be maintaining social distancing and mask wearing.
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.