Garvan Woodland Gardens

We had heard about a pretty impressive Christmas lights display in Hot Springs, at the Garvan Woodland Gardens, which is owned by the University of Arkansas.Though we haven’t had the chance to explore the botanical gardens during the spring, when I’m sure it has to be breathtakingly beautiful, we did head on over to check out the lights.

We decided to go a few hours before nightfall, so we could walk the grounds and look at the colors of autumn. The girls also did a “Nature Bingo” that kept them interested for the couple of hours of walking.

Though I loved all the natural beauty, the highlight for me was Anthony Chapel, constructed of floor-to-ceiling glass walls, offering the perfect view of the gorgeous woodlands. This is a popular wedding venue, so I was glad that no nuptials were taking place on this evening, and we were able to go inside.

Of course, the Christmas lights were pretty, too.

Though botanical gardens are most popular during the springtime when all is in bloom, I really enjoyed having the whole place almost to ourselves until it got dark and the lights flicked on. Then people started showing up. The girls were happy completing their “Nature Bingo” and choosing a prize from the treasure chest; and they were thrilled to end the night with hot chocolate by a fire pit, after seeing all the lights. Good stuff!