It’s without a doubt the most wonderful time of year and local businesses are looking festive! It’s a great time to take advantage of the free photo opportunities available in Texarkana and the surrounding areas.
Downtown Magic
Downtown Texarkana has kicked the holiday magic up a notch this year and there are festive things on every street. The business all along Broad Street have fun scenes painted on windows or decorated storefronts. It’s especially beautiful to stroll in the evening as the streetlights come on.
The Regional Arts Center and the ArtSpark outdoor art display have been updated with Christmas and holiday scenes, be sure to go snag a photo with your favorite piece of art. My daughter’s favorite is the saguaro with the holiday lights and my son’s favorite is the wolf.
Then, head on over to 1894 Gallery to grab some photos outside, and if they’re open, head on in to check them out while you’re there. It’s a phenomenal, ever-expanding art gallery featuring local and regional artists. Some of our favorite photos are the beautiful, red, phone booth out front and the antique garage door. Keep your eyes on the windows for a full display of nutcrackers in all different shapes, sizes, and styles. For a bit of Polar Express whimsy, grab some photos on the railcar across the street.
Hold Onto Your Britches
From there, keep heading east in Arkansas for Crossties. You can’t miss the Christmas tree forest display outside of the event venue. Local businesses and residents can adopt a tree and decorate it according to a theme of their choosing. The trees are beautiful both day and night but pop over at dusk for some extra special holiday magic as the lights come on. A wonderful thing about this event is that the money raised from the event goes toward Hold Onto Your Britches Foundation, which helps bring Christmas trees to local children in need.
As you head back up State Line, don’t miss a stop at the recently renovated photographer’s island in front of the post office. You can’t miss the giant Christmas tree which splits the state line! The newly renovated area features new signs and maps, as well as Astroturf green space and parking spaces for food trucks.
Christmas on Main
As you are celebrating the holiday season, be sure to check out the new Christmas on Main by the Perot Theater. The event is on December 18th and will feature several Christmas movies, an ice skating rink, and a special appearance by the man himself, Santa Claus.
Wishing you and your family a truly wonderful holiday season!
Nichole is a freelance writer located in southwest Arkansas, who loves all things outdoors including gardening, hiking, backpacking, and canoeing. She is a homeschooling mother to two, and they are entering their seventh year of homeschooling! They are an adventure and outdoor-loving family of four, who are often embarking on day trips and road trips to chase some shenanigans. As a family, they love supporting small and local businesses, especially local bookstores and coffee shops. Nichole hopes to inspire others to see the wonder and adventure in both the big and the small, close to home and on the road. You can follow their adventures on Instagram by following them at @coleyraeh.
