PRESS RELEASE

(WASHINGTON, Ark.) – Historic Washington State Park will host its 36th Annual Christmas and Candlelight event on Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10. Tour venues will open at 1:00 p.m. Luminary lighting and music programs will begin at 5 p.m. See music schedule below.

Homes and buildings within the historic town will be decorated with period decorations and thousands of luminaries will light the streets. A horse-drawn surrey will be available for rides. Williams’ Tavern Restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission is $10 per adult and $6 per child (up to age 12). For more information about the event, contact the park at 870-983-2684.

We want to acknowledge and thank the different decorators that help make all the homes and structures look beautiful this time of year. We hope you come out and enjoy the hard work they put into this event. The event would not happen if it were not for the many volunteers that take part.

View handmade ornaments at the 1874 Courthouse by Carolyn Spencer of the Shover Springs Extension Homemakers Club or view some of the amazing arrangements of greenery done by the AFGC Columbia County Friends and Flowers Garden Club, Hope Civitan Club, John Cain DAR Chapter, and the Hempstead County Master Gardeners. Also take a chance to view the wonderful decorations at the Block House decorated for Hannukah by the family of Jeff and Ginger Russell.

1836 Courthouse – Pat Cleburne UDC Chapter of Hope, Arkansas

1874 Courthouse – Shover Springs Extension Homemakers Club of Shover Springs, Arkansas

Block House – Family of Jeff and Ginger Russell of Hope, Arkansas      

Morrison Tavern Inn and Kitchen – Family of Alan and Nugget Moses of Washington, Arkansas

Purdom House – Hope Civitan Club of Hope, Arkansas

Royston Log House – The Eagle’s Nest Specialty Welding and Machining of Buckner, Arkansas

Royston Town House – AFGC Columbia County Friends and Flowers Garden Club

Sanders House and Kitchen – John Cain DAR Chapter of Hope, Arkansas

Washington Jail Bed and Breakfast – Bobbye Henry, Debbie Chandler, and Nikki Chandler of Washington, Arkansas

Williams Tavern (Exterior) – Hempstead County Master Gardeners of Hope, Arkansas

Williams Tavern (Interior) – AFGC Columbia County Friends and Flowers Garden Club

Historic Washington State Park

Historic Washington State Park, located in Washington, Arkansas, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The park is a restoration village interpreting the historic Arkansas town in the 19th century. Daily tours are provided to over 15 historic sites and museums, such as the B.W. Edwards Weapons Museum and Blacksmith Shop. To learn more, visit HistoricWashingtonStatePark.com or call 870-983-2684. 

Arkansas State Parks

Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 54,400 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism and provide leadership in resource conservation. Connect with ASP on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more.

Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Stacy Hurst serves as the cabinet secretary for the department.