El Dorado, AR (November 11, 2025) – The Murphy Arts District (MAD) is excited to announce that the Trail of Lights presented by Murphy USA will open to the public on Thursday, November 20 at 5:30 p.m. The beloved holiday attraction will illuminate the MAD Amphitheater nightly through December 28, with closures on December 24 and 25. Located at 105 East Locust Street in downtown El Dorado, the Trail of Lights is free to attend, thanks to the generous support of presenting sponsor Murphy USA.
This year’s opening night will coincide with El Dorado’s Downtown Holiday Lighting, creating a festive kickoff to the season as both the MAD Amphitheater and downtown glow with holiday cheer.
“The Trail of Lights has become a signature holiday tradition for our community,” said Joanna Benson, Marketing Manager at the Murphy Arts District. “We love seeing families make memories here year after year. Thanks to Murphy USA and our many local sponsors, we’re able to celebrate Trail of Lights for a third year.”
Trail of Lights is a family-friendly spectacle that offers the perfect way for visitors of all ages to celebrate the holidays. This year’s display includes a prismatic section of lighted deer, trees, angels, and ornaments sponsored by Evers Electric Co., Inc. Guests can also enjoy a giant inflatable area sponsored by The El Dorado Insider, featuring a 15-foot snow yeti, a polar bear family, and a towering 16-foot Grinch.
Frosty’s Igloo Disco returns with its disco ball, fog machine, and upbeat party music, sponsored by Roseburg Forest Products. Adding to the fun, visitors can dance along with lighted pixel characters, including “flossing” and “dapping” elves sponsored by Rhea Lana of El Dorado.
Beloved favorites are also back, such as the animated talking trees and ornaments sponsored by Emrich & Scroggins, and the Rudolph Express train ride sponsored by Timmins Hardware, running Fridays and Saturdays. Kids can also enjoy an inflatable slide sponsored by Hargett Rentals.
The ever-popular Santa’s Mailbox will once again be available for children to send their letters straight to the North Pole. Families can capture the perfect holiday photo at Santa’s chair and tree display, sponsored by Diversified Services Lawn & Garden.
New this year, visitors can check out the elves climbing the oil derrick on the corner of Washington and Locust, as well as walk through a lighted tunnel between MAD and the Rialto, which leads directly into the Trail of Lights. These dazzling new additions were purchased by the City of El Dorado through Jubilee Décor and add even more sparkle to the downtown experience.
Classic features, including the manger scene, sponsored by CARSTAR Laney’s Collision Center, South Arkansas Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Amercable, and South Arkansas Women’s Clinic, will also return—ensuring that the Trail of Lights remains a cherished tradition for families and friends alike.
