We may not have had a freak snow like some places (side-eyeing you, Texas) but winter is definitely here in Arkansas. We've gathered all of our favorite must-do's around the state for this season so it'll be impossible to fall into the winter break blues. Whether you're looking for a new tradition or a fun activity near grandma's, we've got you covered this season.
1. Shop at this year-round Christmas store.
Kringles in the Park is the most festive store in all of Arkansas. Located in Hot Springs (118 B Central Avenue), this is the place to get all your decorations or Secret Santa gifts.
To learn more about Kringles, read the whole article here.
2. Be in awe of a frozen waterfall.
You may need to wait till later in the season, but Arkansas' waterfalls are spectacular after a good freeze. This is Glory Hole Falls located just outside of Deer.
To see this one and other frozen falls, read the whole article here.
3. Bask in the beautiful lights.
It's not the holidays without packing up the family and driving around to see all the lights. Many cities around the state go all out for the season.
For all the best spots, read the whole article here.
4. Saddle up for a unique trail riding experience.
Take an equestrian adventure at Rimrock Cove Ranch. The guided horseback tour takes you along the scenic Upper Buffalo River.
To learn more about what the ranch offers, read the whole article here.
5. Stroll around this perfectly festive park.
Riverside Park in Batesville (1850 Chaney Drive) is one of the best places to visit during winter. It has impressive light displays as well as an ice skating rink.
To see what all the park offers, read the whole article here.
6. Board the Holiday Express.
The A&M Railroad offers quite a few different holiday express train rides around Arkansas. Book your spot for a chance to ride the train and meet Santa.
For more information and tickets, read the whole article here.
7. Check out this luminous festival.
For something a little different than the park's light displays, you should visit the Arkansas Lantern Festival in Little Rock. The festival runs through Jan. 14th 2018, so there's plenty of time to add it to your winter activities.
For more details about the festive, read the whole article here.
8. Visit this Christmas Wonderland.
This Christmas indoor walk-through show is simply amazing. Located in Fort Smith (7300 Wells Lake Road), the attraction has an indoor train ride, Santa's workshop, Mrs. Claus' bakery, and dozens of festive scenes.
For more information, read the whole article here.
9. Walk through this incredible light display.
Every season, Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs (550 Arkridge Road) hosts a spectacular outdoor walk through. 18 acres of the gardens is dedicated to different light displays from a field of LED flowers to luminous shrubberies of mythical creatures.
To see more of the displays, read the whole article here.
10. Take a winter hike.
If you're fed up with long lines and the bustling crowds, take a break with a winter hike. We've found the best trails for a cold stroll so pack a jacket and enjoy the serene Arkansas nature.
To see the nine best trails for winter hiking, read the whole article here.
11. Find a new family tradition.
If you've already checked off the rest of this list we have a few more ideas for you. From finding the perfect tree to ice skating, there's no shortage of activities this season.
For more ideas of what to do this winter, read the whole article here.
What has been your favorite winter activity so far? What's your unique Arkansas holiday tradition? Share with us in the comments below!
If you're still jealous of the snow in Texas, just remember this incredibly devastating ice storm to clear up your envy.
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