WASHINGTON, Ark. – Historic Washington State Park will host its Annual Christmas and Candlelight event on Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9 at the park, 103 Franklin St., Washington. Admission is $10 per adult and $6 per child (12 and under) and parking is $6 per vehicle (cash only). Luminary lighting and music programs will begin at 5 p.m. and tour venues will open at 1 p.m. Tickets are required for these events.
During this annual holiday event, the homes and buildings within the historic town are decorated with period decorations and thousands of luminaries line the evening streets. Two different horse-drawn surreys will be available for rides, one in the older section of town and one that will transport visitors to the Brunson House for a dance reminiscent of those held in the 1860s to the 1870s.
The town will be divided into three different time periods, showing the progression of holiday festivities from before Arkansas statehood until the turn of the century. This year, the event will include a Christmas Bazaar where vendors will sell anything from local honey to handmade greeting cards to sweets and treats. Williams’ Tavern Restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A live nativity scene will be presented on the grounds of the Washington Methodist Church between performances at the church. Musical entertainment will be presented both nights, as well as a reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and a visit by Father Christmas. A schedule of events will be available at the 1874 Courthouse/Visitor Center.
Musical entertainment will include: Brenda Westerbuhr, Rachel Parson, Nashville Primary Choir, Shelly Keith, Hempstead County Melody Boys, Liberty Eylau High School Choir, Four States Fusion Chorus, Faith Baptist Church Choir, Ouachita Baptist University Flute Quintet, Jerome Underwood and Friends, Beryl Henry Elementary Choir, First Methodist Primary School Choir, Grace Point Mennonite Choir, Trail Life USA, American Heritage Girl Troops TX-2289, Howard County Children and Adult Center, Nashville First United Methodist Church Choir, Hope First Methodist Church Choir, Homeward Bound Quartet, Cornerstone First Baptist Church Choir, Jimmy Ivers & Bitsy Carter, Richardson Family, Her Legacy, Autumn Newsom, Brady Rhodes, and Elizabeth Woll and Friends.
The homes and structures were decorated by: Pat Cleburne UDC Chapter of Hope, Arkansas; Shover Springs Extension Homemakers Club; University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana History and Multicultural Club; Family of Alan and Nugget Moses; Hope Civitan Club; The Eagle’s Nest Specialty Welding and Machining; AFGC Columbia County Friends and Flowers Garden Club; John Cain DAR Chapter of Hope; Bobbye Henry, Debbie Chandler, and Nikki Chandler; Hempstead County Master Gardeners; and 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. except for Mondays. 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 55,006 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.