Historic Washington State Park Celebrates 38th Annual Christmas and Candlelight Event with Music, Luminaries, and More This Weekend

Historic Washington State Park will host its 38th annual Christmas and Candlelight celebration this weekend, and those looking for a historically-themed Christmas event will not want to miss this two-day event.

The park will host its 38th annual Christmas and Candlelight this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14. Candlelight tours will be held from 1-8 p.m. both evenings. Music will be played in the Royston House, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches, and the 1874 Courthouse starting at 5 p.m. Williams’ Tavern Restaurant will also be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for a Christmas buffet. A horse-drawn surrey will be available for rides at a cost of $5 per person.

Park staff will line the streets both evenings with candles to provide a natural and historic Christmas look. Decorations, music and more will help set the mood for a historic Christmas experience.

Pam Beasley is superintendent of Historic Washington State Park. She said the park and entire community goes all out to make this one of the most memorable Christmas events in the state.

Although a host of activities are planned for this weekend, Beasley said the lighting of the luminaries is one of the event’s biggest highlights.

Luminary lighting and music programs will begin at 5 p.m. A Christmas Bazaar will be held in the historic gym from 3-8 p.m.

This year, the park celebrates the 200th anniversary of the town of Washington, which was found more than a decade before Arkansas received its statehood. Beasley said this year’s Christmas and Candlelight will showcase this special year for the town of Washington.

Volunteers are needed throughout the weekend and Beasley said the park is extremely grateful to anyone who can lend a hand.

Cost to participate in the Christmas and Candlelight tours is $10 for adults and $6 for children six to 12-years-old. Children under six are free. Parking is $5 (cash only). Otherwise, there is no cost to enjoy the park, musical entertainment and other features.

Christmas and Candlelight is sponsored by Historic Washington State Park, the Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation and the townspeople of Washington. Historic Washington State Park is located 19 miles from Nashville on Highway 278.

For more information, contact Historic Washington State Park by calling (870) 983-2684 or visit the park’s page at www.arkansasstateparks.com.