A December to Remember

Enjoy the holiday season in the northeast and southeast sections of Arkansas.

Youngsters and the young-at-heart will enjoy the many parades, lighting ceremonies and celebrations throughout eastern Arkansas.

On Dec. 1, Batesville is the place to be! The town lights up with over half a million lights at 6 p.m. at the Batesville Municipal Building on Main Street. Later that evening, the Christmas parade begins at 7 p.m. on Main Street.

Tuesday, Dec. 2, Paragould hosts the annual Christmas parade, with this year’s theme of “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.”

Hoxie is the site for the 7th annual Dickens in the Park/Winter Wonderland on Dec. 4, featuring the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, carolers, a visit with “Charles Dickens” and the characters from “A Christmas Carol,” the Hoxie Christmas parade, and Winter Wonderland at the Hoxie Service Center. Thursday, Dec. 4 is also the date for the 67th annual Jonesboro Christmas parade along Main St., as well as the annual Christmas parade and lighting ceremony in downtown Rector. Downtown Pocahontas, a National Historic District, “lights up” for the season on Dec. 4 and the annual Christmas parade winds down the city streets. After the parade, the Randolph County Heritage Museum on the town square offers dinners and baked goods.

On Friday, Dec. 5, Forrest City is the site for the Community Christmas parade, featuring bands, floats, marching groups, classic cars and Santa!

In Newport, the lighting ceremony at the Jackson County Courthouse is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, and features a giant snowman, a 15-foot Santa and thousands of lights. Santa will be there with hot chocolate and cookies for visitors.

Sunday, Dec. 7, is the date for Piggott’s annual Christmas Fest, featuring a parade around the court square, entertainment performed from a 1930s-style gazebo that’s magically transformed into a carousel, and a visit from Santa.

For kids of all ages, you’ll find plenty of yuletide fun in eastern Arkansas! Happy holidays!