ARKANSAS, USA — Whether it be outside of homes, or in the downtown square, more and more families are taking up the tradition of bringing the whole family on a tour of bright and festive lights set up across our area.
In Northwest Arkansas, there are tons of places to engage in the age-old tradition of gazing at bright lights.
According to Christmas Light Source, the iconic holiday activity had candlelit beginnings, where candles were attached to trees using wax or pins traced back to 17th century Germany.
Just three years after the lightbulb was invented, the first Christmas tree was reportedly lit by red, white, and blue lights in New York.
These days, it's possible for families to experience full-on adventures from the comforts of their car.
Below, 5NEWS has gathered all the places you and the family can visit in Northwest Arkansas to light up the holidays.
Magical Lights Adventure Drive-Thru Display: The Magical Lights Adventure is lighting up the Washington County Fairgrounds with Christmas spirit. The drive-thru experience features a 300-foot-long light tunnel with recognizable characters like the Grinch, emojis, and even Bluey, the widely-loved children's cartoon dog.
- Cost: $25 per car or $75 for a season pass
- Location: Washington County Fairgrounds
- More info: The Drink Wagon and Christmas Light Helicopter Tour are located just outside the fairgrounds available for visitors. To pre-purchase tickets you can visit their website here. The experience is open until Jan. 1, 2024.
Stewart Family Christmas Lights Display: Open from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., the Stewart Family display hosts "6 million lights, and hundreds of inflatables." Their social media also promises visits with Santa, and pony and train rides.
- Cost: $10
- Location: 4279 Wyman Rd, Fayetteville
- More info: This display will be open until Jan. 1, 2024.
Lights of the Ozarks: Fayetteville flipped the switch on the holiday season with a parade, food, music, and a special visitor from the North Pole at the Lights of the Ozarks.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Downtown Fayetteville Square
- More info: It takes six weeks to put all the lights up starting in October. They spend over 3,000 hours decking out the square in over 500,000 lights. The last day Fayetteville Square will be lit is Jan. 1, 2024
Bentonville Square Light Show: Hundreds of Arkansans filled Bentonville Square on Nov. 18 to see the beginning of the annual Christmas light show. Arkansans will also have the pleasure of viewing the 2023 Bentonville Christmas Parade on the morning of Dec. 25.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Downtown Bentonville Square
- More info: The Bentonville Square light display will be up until the end of December.
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