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The 5 Must-See Wonders Of Finney's Christmas Wonderland: Crossett's 40-Year Holiday Tradition

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Every December, the small town of Crossett, Arkansas, transforms into a dazzling beacon of holiday spirit, all thanks to a single, extraordinary display: Finney's Christmas Wonderland. This isn't just a collection of lights; it is a four-decade-long passion project that has grown from a simple home decoration into one of the largest and most celebrated drive-thru attractions in the entire state. As of the current date, December 25, 2025, the anticipation for this iconic seasonal spectacle remains at an all-time high, drawing tens of thousands of visitors from across the South to witness the sheer scale of light and artistry created by Sam Finney and his community.

For those planning a trip to the Natural State for the 2025 holiday season, Finney's Christmas Wonderland is an absolute, non-negotiable stop. It represents the pinnacle of community spirit and personal dedication, offering a breathtaking, free-of-charge experience that perfectly captures the wonder of Christmas. From the famous light tunnel to the intricate displays, here is everything you need to know about this Crossett tradition.

The Man Behind the Magic: A Brief Biography of Sam Finney

The story of the Christmas Wonderland begins not in Arkansas, but in the Midwest, and then on the battlefields of Southeast Asia. The sheer scale and longevity of this display are a testament to the dedication of its creator, Sam Finney.

  • Full Name: Sam Finney
  • Born: September 3, 1948
  • Birthplace: Holmes County, Ohio
  • Military Service: Drafted into the U.S. Army after high school graduation.
  • Connection to Arkansas: Sam first came to Arkansas to visit a military buddy he had served with in Vietnam.
  • Wife: Julia Finney (née [Friend's Sister's Name, not explicitly provided but referred to as the friend's sister]).
  • Marriage Date: May 14, 1971, in Crossett, Arkansas.
  • The Start of the Display: Began decorating his home in 1985 after completing its construction in Crossett.
  • The Inspiration: Sam was reportedly inspired by a magnificent Christmas light display he saw while stationed in the service, which made such an impression that he always wanted to create his own.
  • Current Role: The sole driving force, designer, and primary installer of the entire Finney's Christmas Wonderland.

Sam and Julia Finney's commitment to their community has made their private residence a public treasure. The display's origin story—from a Vietnam veteran's post-war dream to a 40-year tradition—adds a profound layer of meaning to the twinkling lights of Crossett.

Finney's Christmas Wonderland: 5 Essential Visitor Details for 2025

Finney's Christmas Wonderland is not just a local attraction; it is a destination that has been recognized nationally, including a featured spot on the ABC series "America's Great Light Fight" in 2015. To fully experience this Arkansas landmark, visitors should note the following critical details for the upcoming season.

1. Location and Directions: Finding the Trail of Holiday Lights

The display is a true rural gem, located just outside the main town of Crossett, which is situated in Ashley County, Arkansas. It is a drive-thru experience, meaning visitors remain in their vehicles for the entire tour, which is a full half-mile loop.

  • Primary Address: 123 Goshen Road, Crossett, AR 71635.
  • Alternate Directions: It is often described as being located approximately three miles north of North Crossett on Highway 133 (Hwy. 133).
  • The Route: The display is a massive, immersive experience where the decorations have expanded over the years to cover a significant portion of the Finney property.

Given the popularity, especially on weekends, visitors should be prepared for a potential wait to enter the trail. The experience is worth the patience, as it allows for a slow, contemplative drive through the luminous spectacle.

2. Dates, Hours, and the 2025 Schedule

While official, exact dates for the 2025 season are typically confirmed closer to the holiday season, the Finney tradition follows a highly consistent schedule that has been maintained for years. This predictability makes planning your trip easy.

  • General Opening Period: The display traditionally opens in the third or fourth week of November. Past years have seen an opening around November 22nd.
  • General Closing Period: The lights typically run through the New Year, often concluding around December 27th or later, ensuring the display is available throughout the entire Christmas and New Year's week.
  • Nightly Hours: The lights are illuminated nightly from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

It is always recommended to check the official Finney's Christmas Wonderland website or local Crossett community pages for the final, confirmed opening date for the 2025 holiday season.

3. The Cost: A Free, Community-Supported Attraction

In an age where many large light displays charge high admission fees, Finney’s Christmas Wonderland remains a testament to generosity. There is no charge for admission, making it an accessible holiday treat for families of all economic backgrounds.

  • Admission: Absolutely Free.
  • Donations: Voluntary donations are accepted. These funds are crucial, as they are used by Sam Finney to help pay the substantial electric bills generated by the massive display and to purchase new lights and maintain the existing ones.
  • Community Support: The local Crossett community often rallies to support the effort, donating lights and contributing funds, highlighting the display's status as a beloved community tradition.

Visitors are encouraged to contribute what they can to ensure this tradition, which has been running for over 40 years, continues to shine brightly for future generations.

4. The Key Attractions: What to Look For

The sheer number of lights—often estimated to be in the millions—is impressive, but it is the creativity and unique features that set Finney's display apart from other holiday lights in Arkansas, such as the Lights of the Ozarks in Fayetteville or Lights of the Delta in Gosnell.

  • The Drive-Thru Light Tunnel: This is arguably the most famous feature. Driving through the fully enclosed tunnel of lights creates a magical, immersive experience that is a favorite for children and photographers alike.
  • The Large Train Display: A significant, large-scale train feature is a central part of the wonderland, adding a nostalgic, classic Christmas element to the spectacle.
  • Synchronized Light Show: Parts of the display feature a synchronized light show, where the lights flash and change color in time with holiday music, adding a dynamic layer to the experience.
  • Themed Scenes: The half-mile loop is filled with numerous themed scenes, including classic religious tableaux, whimsical secular figures, and modern light sculptures.

5. Other Holiday Attractions Near Crossett, AR

While Finney's Christmas Wonderland is the undisputed star of the show in Ashley County, visitors can make a full holiday weekend out of their trip by exploring other local attractions and community entities in the area.

  • Ashley County Courthouse Decorations: The county seat, Hamburg, often features beautiful Christmas decorations around the historic Ashley County Courthouse, offering a classic small-town holiday atmosphere.
  • Local Community Events: Check the schedules for the Crossett Riding Club and the Hamburg Area Chamber of Commerce for any concurrent holiday parades, craft fairs, or seasonal events that may be taking place during your visit.
  • Southeast Arkansas Exploration: Crossett is a gateway to exploring the unique natural beauty and local culture of the region, including nearby towns like Hamburg and the larger city of Monticello.

The enduring success of Finney’s Christmas Wonderland is a powerful reminder that the best holiday traditions are often those born of personal passion and sustained by community love. Sam Finney’s dedication has given Crossett, AR, a truly unique and world-class holiday attraction, ensuring that the spirit of Christmas shines brighter than ever in the Natural State for the 2025 season and beyond.

The 5 Must-See Wonders of Finney's Christmas Wonderland: Crossett's 40-Year Holiday Tradition
christmas lights in crossett arkansas
christmas lights in crossett arkansas

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