15 Magical Holiday Date Ideas in Texarkana and the ArkLaTex

The holidays are the perfect time to slow down, grab your favorite person, and make some merry memories. Twinkle lights, hot cocoa, Christmas music and all. Whether you’re keeping it close to home in Texarkana or planning a festive weekend getaway, there’s no shortage of ways to add a little sparkle to the season. From cozy dinners and drive-through light shows to historic small towns decked out for Christmas, plus one ultra romantic and swanky getaway, here are 15 holiday date ideas in Texarkana (and beyond!) that are sure to bring all the festive feels. This post contains affiliate links. Navigate this post by clicking the sections in the table of contents below.

Holiday Date Ideas in Texarkana.

You don’t have to go far to find some festive, holiday fun. Texarkana has plenty of options for holiday dates, from the creative and fun, to the romantic and memorable. Here are some holiday date ideas in Texarkana that will be sure to keep you and your partner entertained!

State Line Christmas Tree Selfie.

It doesn’t get more iconic then a Christmas tree spanning two states. It’s the Texarkana State Line Christmas tree and it sits directly on the state line, in front of the post office and federal building. If you haven’t snapped a selfie with it yet, it makes for a great date! Take a tripod (here’s my favorite) , or use the selfie stand. Some tips: set your phone in vertically, on video mode. Let it record while you and your significant other give each other a spin, walk toward the tree, etc. Let the video roll the whole time. You’ll end up with 1) an amazing video that you can screenshot for photos and 2) epic b roll to make you laugh. Hop on over into Joe’s Italian Bistro for dinner, or Los Tacos right across the street.

Christmas photo ops in downtown Texarkana.

While you’re downtown, enjoy these other festive photo ops too:

• The red photo booth at the 1894 Art Gallery
• The exterior of the 1894 Art Gallery
• The windows at Harts on Broad
• The alley between the Perot Theatre and (formerly) Pecan Point
• In front of the Perot Theatre
• The Christmas tree and book stacks with cozy drinks at The Stained Page
• The Christmas trees and decor at Alley Cats Coffee Bar

Hot Chocolate and the Christmas Parade.

The Main Street Texarkana Christmas parade is always the first Monday in December. In 2025, that’s Monday December 1st and the theme is celebrating Texarkana. The parade starts at 7 PM and will run along Broad Street, from the Arkansas side to the Texas side, before turning at Silvermoon to go up Texas Boulevard, and back down W 4th Street to the Arkansas side. My recommendation? Hot chocolate or coffee at The Stained Page at 6 PM, then staking a claim on Broad St to enjoy the parade! Don’t forget hand warmers, a blanket, chairs, and a portable heater!

Shop for gifts at the Arts Market.

The Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council has a beloved holiday arts market every year. This year it’s on December 5th from 10 AM to 5 PM, and December 6th from 10 AM to 4 PM. Over 40 artists will fill every floor of the Regional Arts Center. Make a date out of it by enjoying coffee at The Stained Page, heading to shop for each other or someone else, then stopping by Cafe Lucille for brunch or lunch afterwards. Wear your favorite (or most ridiculous) holiday sweater, soak in all the holiday vibes, and live your best Christmas spirt life.

Dinner and a holiday lights drive.

One of our favorite things to do for a holiday date idea in Texarkana, or for a family fun night, is Here is a map to Christmas lights in Texarkana to help you plan your night! My recommendation for a date night: dinner at Verona, Benchmark, Pop’s Place, or Ironwood. If you get dinner first, swing through a coffee shop and pick up some hot chocolate for your drive. Pump the Christmas tunes and have fun! If you make your hot chocolate at home first, don’t forget some festive mugs to enjoy your hot chocolate or coffee in.

A tip – Pine Street Forever doesn’t just go all out for Halloween, they are THE place to drive by and check out Christmas decorations too! Don’t forget to drive the loop at Texarkana College as well.

DIY dates.

Feeling crafty? Or maybe you’re the creative type? How about a DIY date? There are two options for some unique holiday dates in downtown Texarkana.

First, The Crafty Nook! This new Texarkana, Arkansas business is a craft cafe where you choose your project, then work on it while enjoying a coffee or tea in their creative space. You can also sign up for classes and they will be offering some fun holiday crafts too. Follow The Crafty Nook on Facebook for class updates and hours.

Next, the new Mayo Arts Makerspace and Artspace building from TRAHC, located at 318 Pine Street. The arts makerspace offers themed craft projects that rotate each month. You can get a membership or pay the drop in fee ($10/person) to play! The clay and pottery studio is now open as well. TRAHC offers all sorts of classes at this new building and taking a class together to learn a new skill (like a pottery wheel) is a very fun and unique date! (Ghost, anyone?!). Follow their Facebook page for schedule and class updates.

Thrifted Christmas fun.

Texarkana has lots of great flea markets and antique stores. A holiday date idea in Texarkana is to head to one of the flea markets (like Goodwill or Salvation army) and grab some silly Christmas sweaters or clothes. Then, put them on, grab some hot chocolate or coffee, and head out to the other spots to shop while you browse the stalls for the quirkiest Christmas decor you can find. Snap a selfie of you and your partner in your holiday gear, with whatever weird item you find, and post it on Facebook (don’t forget to tag me @coleyraehinteharklatex). I might just have a little prize for you if you do!

Over the top Christmas drinks and dinner.

If you’re looking for a completely over the top Christmas pop up bar, you’re in luck. Texarkana has one thanks to the restaurant at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, on the Arkansas side. The Elf’n Good Times Bar and Grill pop up is a Christmas explosion with drinks and food to match. I recommend: wearing your brightest, most obnoxious Christmas sweater and living it up at this pop up. They have karaoke on Thursday nights starting at 7 PM. The restaurant opens at 5 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Check their pop up menu for holiday specials on food and drinks, or their regular menu for more food options.

A secret speakeasy.

If you haven’t heard of the 1923 Banana Club in Texarkana, you’re missing out. This hidden gem is in the basement of the 1894 building and it’s one of our favorite spots to sneak away for a date night. The vibes are always good, the gin is cold and the piano is hot ( and all that jazz). They have live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. You’ll need to join their private Facebook group to get the door code. Yes, there’s a locked door, with a code, it’s that cool of a place.

A whiskey and bourbon lounge.

Downtown Texarkana, Arkansas has a relatively new spot to grab a cocktail: The Eagle Whiskey and Bourbon Lounge. The vibes are unmatched at this new establishment. It’s an upscale whiskey and bourbon lounge and I highly recommend the “smoked eagle” old fashioned. Everything is hand crafted and it’s a great spot to sip on something for happy hour or enjoy an evening in downtown Texarkana. They have light bites like a beautiful charcuterie board and more.

Give back, together.

Volunteering with your significant other is a wonderful way to spend the holiday. There are many ways you can give back, in many different service areas. Spending some time serving together is a wonderful way to strengthen your relationship and help the community. Some places to consider are:

• East Texas Food Bank
• Get involved with LNK TXK and they can help connect you
• HandsOn Texarkana is another great resource to get plugged in and find a place to serve

Holiday date ideas just outside Texarkana.

If you’re willing and able to take a bit of a drive, there are even more options for holiday date ideas in Texarkana and beyond. I’ll start with closer to Texarkana, then move a little further out for overnight getaways! One of the things I love about living in the ArkLaTex is that you can choose your own adventure in four different states, with all kinds of unique options. Let’s go!

Plants, photo ops, ice cream and more.

Little Country Greenhouse will forever and always be one of my favorite places to visit, all year round! It’s especially beautiful at Christmas time and it’s not just for kids! Get your favorite hot drink from a local coffee shop in Texarkana and head out to New Boston. There are always all kinds of house plants in the greenhouse, poinsettias, tons of photo ops, and just all around good Christmas vibes. Tell Tom (the cat) we said hi and wave at Santa for us (or tell Bruce hello).

Ashdown Christmas lights.

The Little River County Courthouse is lit every year in an abundance of beautiful, white Christmas lights! This “Land of Lights” extravaganza begins at the beginning of December and runs through the end of the year. The Little River County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page has more information. Don’t forget about the Ashdown Christmas parade on December 1st.

Cut your own Christmas tree.

Did you know that there is a Christmas tree farm just under an hour from Texarkana? Red Colony Tree Farm feels like it’s straight out of a holiday Hallmark movie! They have imported trees you can choose from, along with a beautiful forest of trees where you can select and cut down your own Christmas tree. New this year: they also have a variety of flocked trees, including some in a fun teal color (it’s very on brand for me, I think I need one). Grab your significant other, take a little road trip to Lockesburg (AR) and soak in all of hte holiday magic. There is a gift shop and plenty of photo ops to enjoy as well. 300 Red Colony Rd, Lockesburg, AR

Candlelight Christmas at Historic Washington.

This absolutely magical, Hallmark worthy, Christmas event will take place on December 12th to 14th, 2025. Historic Washington State Park will be open from 3 PM to 8 PM. When the sun goes down, the pathways will be lit with luminary candles and lights. All of the homes will be decorated in an era appropriate Christmas style. The lights will be lit and music programs begin at 5 PM. Williams Tavern will be open for dining until 8 PM. It’s $10 (cash only) per person for the experience, and its’ money well spent! It’s such a romantic holiday date idea to stroll the luminary lit streets while you hear music drifting throughout the park.

If you’d like to make plans to stay for the weekend, here are two places I would recommend:

• Historic Jailhouse Bed and Breakfast
• Coulter Farmstead Bed and Breakfast

Holiday experiences: northwest Louisiana.

Lucky for those based in Texarkana, northwest Louisiana is just a short drive away! We love visiting the Shreveport area and there are several great options for holiday dates. There are probably so many more that I don’t have listed, but here are some of my favorites.

Christmas in Roseland.

Did you know that the American Rose Society has their headquarters in Shreveport? They have a huge holiday light installation on the grounds each year called Christmas in Roseland. It’s absolutely beautiful, and very romantic to stroll through with your significant other. For those 21+, the Blitzen Bar offers seltzers and beer to enjoy as you take in the holiday scenes. Visit the Christmas in Roseland website for more details, dates, and ticket information.

Lumiere Christmas.

This huge walk through holiday light experience was new in 2024 and it’s back and even better for 2025. Lumiere Christmas located in Stonewall, Louisiana and is 100% worth the drive! Turn up the Christmas tunes and head an hour south to enjoy this incredible Christmas display. You can enjoy their “snow tubing” experience, stroll the half mile long Christmas light trail, get lost in the light maze, enjoy drinks and snacks from food trucks, and shop the holiday market. I recommend: spend the extra money and get the polar punch in the light up Christmas bulb cup! There are also tons of photo ops, don’t be afraid to ask someone to snap a photo so you have a keepsake of you and your special someone enjoying the Christmas lights. They open for the holiday season on November 21st.

Christmas at Live Casino.

Shreveport has a new casino in town and it’s one that offers a unique and luxurious experience. I haven’t had the opportunity to stay at the Live Casino Shreveport yet, but everything I’ve seen looks like it’s a prime spot of a romantic holiday getaway. Even if you’re not into gambling, you can enjoy the guest rooms, try the multiple dining options, or dance the night away at one of the nightlife hot spots.

Holiday date getaways.

If you’re willing and able to drive just a little bit more, and are looking for a holiday themed getaway, I can help. Here are a few of my favorite places to get away to, and they’re even more romantic at Christmas time.

Piney Park Christmas.

While you might think that Piney Park in Marshall, Texas is just for kids and families, I assure you, everyone is welcome! It’s such a fun date night too. You can check out the slides, stroll through the light tunnel, and see the dinosaur statues with Christmas decorations while you enjoy some ice cream on the light trail. It should definitely be on your list for a holiday date idea!

If you’re looking for a place to stay nearby, I’d recommend The Fulton hotel in downtown Marshall, Texas.

Garvan Gardens Holiday Lights getaway.

Hot Springs, Arkansas is host to one of the most beautiful garden centers, Garvan Gardens. Every winter it transforms into one of the most extraordinary holiday light experiences in Arkansas, and one of the best in the United States! The exhibit begins on November 22nd and runs through December 21st, 2025. You can purchase Garvan Garden lights tickets here. I recommend getting yours early because they will sell out on Friday and Saturday nights. Follow their Facebook page for updates. Fun fact: they’re currently in the running for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights Show by USA Today’s 10Best! You can vote for them here.

While you’re in Hot Springs, one of my favorite places to stay is In the Trees. It’s very close to the Northwoods Trails and it’s exactly what you might expect. They have several styles of stunning treehouses, with panoramic views of the mountains surrounding, plus amenities like a kitchen, gorgeous bathroom, fireplace, and very cozy beds. Book early because they will fill up! PS – for an added extra special touch, add on a charcuterie board package so it will be awaiting you when you arrive.

For peace and quiet.

If you’re just looking for a way to get away from it all and enjoy some quiet time with your partner, I’d recommend A Quiet Place Mountain Escape in Mena. These brand new A frames at an up and coming mountain retreat are just the place. They’re absolutely stunning, cozy in the best kind of way, and packed with amenities (hot tub anyone?). Bring your own food and cook delicious meals in the fully equipped kitchen, or head into town to my favorite place to eat: The Ouachitas.

An ultra romantic getaway to Hot Springs.

I have the ultimate holiday date idea for you. It’s incredibly romantic and the epitome of luxury. For this holiday date idea, take a trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas and check into The Reserve. This is my go to spot to get away, check in to check out, and it’s also my husband and my favorite place for a weekend date. All of the rooms are beautiful, but the Arlington Suite is our particular favorite (the fireplace and the bathroom are incredible). I also recommend adding on the breakfast so you can enjoy a chef prepared meal in the stunning dining room. They can accommodate for food allergies, you just need to let them know before hand. Here are a few more things to enjoy while you’re there:

• The Astral Spa at Oaklawn Casino – the only Forbes 4 Star Spa in Arkansas, it’s even better than some places I’ve been to in Scottsdale (AZ). It is stunningly beautiful, offers a full luxury experience, and many spa treatment options.
• The Vault – a gorgeous restaurant in an old bank, and they can make almost anything on the menu gluten free!
• Stroll the main street (Central Ave) to take in the beautiful Christmas lights and cute shops.
• Stop by the Hot Springs National Park visitor center and grab a national parks passport stamp too.

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Make This Season Magical (Together).

Whether you’re sipping cocoa by the fire, strolling under Christmas lights, or trying something completely new, the most important part of the holidays is spending time with the people you love. I hope this list gives you fresh inspiration to carve out a little festive fun, and maybe start a new tradition or two. If you try one of these date ideas, tag me on Instagram, TikTok or on Facebook so I can cheer you on! Be sure to check back for more holiday happenings across the ArkLaTex. Joining my newsletter is a great way to stay in the know.

Looking for more Christmas in Texarkana inspiration? Check out this blog post: the best Christmas attractions around Texarkana.