We have all struggled to find something positive in 2020. We have seen businesses struggle, people become sick, and lack interaction with our friends and neighbors.
If there is one sure thing, we can find some good cheer when it comes to Christmastime.
I can remember times when, as a family, we hopped in the car and went to look at Christmas lights. There is something magical about seeing Christmas lights at night.
Just a couple years ago, my mom and I went to Hot Springs the week of Thanksgiving. We strolled through Garvan Woodland Gardens, which has a huge Christmas light display. We had fun looking at the various displays in the garden and drinking hot chocolate once we finished our tour.
Perhaps you have gone to Branson to see Christmas lights. Or maybe you have visited Sherwood to see The Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights. Remember the feeling of seeing each light display? How did you feel? Were you in awe?
This year might be the year you want to hang around town. And why not? We have lots of great displays in the neighborhoods of Conway.
Even though Conway does not have its regular Illuminate setup downtown, the Christmas tree is still there, and it is shining brightly.
Even more, the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a contest. Homeowners have a chance to win up to $500.
“Register your home to be entered into the Light Up Conway (powered by Conway Corp) Contest for your chance to win $500! Upon registration, your address will be added to the Light Up Conway map of participants. A panel of judges will select up to ten finalists with a public vote for the final winner.”
Source: Conway Chamber of Commerce
According to the website, there will be a Light Up Conway Map to find the homes participating.
So, you see, there is no shortage of ways to see Christmas lights in Conway!
On Facebook, Conway resident John Bryan started a group last year to help others find places to see lights. He has created a fantastic list and a map to accompany the journey.
So, I say we get the hot chocolate, hop in the car, and see some Christmas lights!
John’s map has 20 stops. There are plenty of places to go. We will take a look at a few of those and wrap it all up with the complete list and the map.
The Lights of Conway, Conway First Baptist Church
This display originates from the previous Brighter Family display. The family has moved to another state and donated a significant part of their display to the church to share with the community.
The church accepts donations of which proceeds benefit local nonprofit groups. Once you drive up to the display, tune your radio to 89.9 FM to hear several favorite Christmas tunes.
The lights start on December 6th from 5:30 pm to 9 pm on weekdays and end at 10 pm on weekends. The display lasts through New Year’s Day.
Conway Area Chamber of Commerce (Giant Tree)
Conway Christmas
This is where the giant tree resides. This year, the tree will not be accompanied by a Ferris wheel, carriage rides, and funnel cakes. Illuminate activities are not taking place this year.
But don’t let that stop you! The Christmas tree is one of the top holiday picture attractions in Conway. The 54-foot tall tree is decorated, of course, with lots of Christmas ornaments and lights!
It sits in front of the Conway Chamber of Commerce, where the fountain usually sits during warm weather. It is just across the street from the new Buff City Soap and Zeteo Coffee.
Groovy Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
I drive by the dentist’s office almost every evening. They have done a great job of decorating their building with a festive holiday display.
The dentist is located at the corner of Dave Ward and Nutters Chapel, right across from the old Anytime Fitness. According to the dentist’s office, tune into 89.7 FM to hear the playlist. I am told they are groovy tunes.
Corner of Porcupine and Raccoon Trail
Picture provided by the homeowner, Terry Jarrett
The homeowner for this display said he made it for the kids. So if you have kids in the car, swing by Porcupine and Raccoon Trail just off Lower Ridge Road.
Chicot Drive
Chicot Drive, Conway – provided by Homeowner, Cheryl Nail
Chicot Drive has a few houses with some really nice displays. The street is just north of Julia Lee Moore Elementary off Country Club Road.
According to homeowner Cheryl Nail,
“To get the wow factor make sure you enter the subdivision off of Irby, come to the Krooked Kreek entry and turn right at the stop sign, and as you come down the hill on Chicot, you can’t miss it!”
Cheryl Nail
Richard Kendrick home on Chicot
Richard Kendrick House – now that looks fun!
Vilonia Light Displays
Kieth’s in Vilonia
Address: 193 Stanley Rd. Vilonia, Ar.
Candy Lane, First Vilonia
The List and the Map
Image of Christmas Lights Map
Here is the list from John Bryan and the Conway, Arkansas Tour of Christmas Lights Facebook Group.
- Marlsgate Drive
- Trails Edge Drive
- Jackson Drive
- Conway Area Chamber of Commerce (Giant Tree)
- Conway First Baptist Church
- Samantha Drive – Woodland Springs Subdivision
- Jaci Lane
- Amos Drive
- Enderlin Drive
- Wysteria Lane
- Groovy Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
- Birchwood Drive
- Gresham Drive
- Highland Park
- Sistine Chapel Drive
- Peterson Cove
- Brandywine Cove
- Lexington Drive
- Chicot Drive
- Foster Drive
- Lost Canyon Drive
You can see John’s Christmas Lights map here.
Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy seeing the lights.
If you decide to pick up some hot chocolate along the way, consider picking it up from one of our four independent coffee shops, Round Mountain Coffee, Zeteo Coffee, Blue Sail Coffee, or THINK Coffee.
Todd is a copywriter, content strategist, digital marketer and the Publisher for Conway Scene. He enjoys coffee from the local coffee shops, learning the stories of new friends, pro wrestling, and dirt track racing.