Lighting Up a Winter Wonderland

Arkansas

Fayetteville jolts the holiday season into action on Thanksgiving eve, when the switch is thrown to ignite 300 miles (yes, miles) of tiny white lights. They outline historic buildings, trees and flower beds. Other events include a candlelight tour of historic homes, a lighted parade and caroling on the square. The lights stay on through Jan 1. Contact the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 4216, Fayetteville, AR 72701; telephone (501) 521-1710.

Florida

The Lincolnville Festival, Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 in St. Augustine, takes place in one of the oldest African American settlements in the United States and celebrates African American heritage. This street festival includes a sweet potato pie contest, barbecues, artists and craftsmen, tours of the historic area and plenty of music, as well as reenactments of runaway slaves seeking sanctuary in a nearby fort. Contact the St. John’s County Visitors and Convention Bureau, 88 Riberia St., Suite 250, St. Augustine, FL 32084; tel. (800) 653-2489.

Nevada

Rodeo-goers usually stay to the very end for the bull riding competitions because they consider it the most exciting event. At the Laughlin Invitation Series, Nov. 7 to 9, it’s nothing but bull riding--an afternoon’s worth. Contact the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 77777, Laughlin, NV 89028; tel. (800) 452-8445.

North Carolina

The Biltmore Estate, George Vanderbilt’s French Renaissance chateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, is decorated for the holidays in the most lavish manner (72 Christmas trees, 600 wreaths just to start). Decorations and holiday music are part of the self-guided tours, daily from Nov. 11 through Jan. 4. During special Candlelight Christmas Evenings, held most nights, the house is glowing with candles, all fireplaces are lighted and choirs perform. Reservations are required for evening visits. Contact the Biltmore Co., 1 N. Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801; tel. (800) 922-0046.

Germany

Heidelberg’s annual Christmas Market takes place in the city’s picturesque University Square and Market Square in Old Town, Nov. 28 to Dec. 22. Old Town churches will offer music by candlelight, dramatizations of the Christmas story and Bach concerts. Contact the German National Tourist Office, 11766 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 750, L.A., CA 90025; tel. (310) 575-9799.

Cyprus

The fourth annual Cyprus Aphrodite Half Marathon, Nov. 30, is open to all. The race begins and ends in Pafos, a historic seaside town on the west coast. Festivities include a pasta party, traditional Cypriot dinner and entertainment. For more information, contact the Cyprus Tourist Office, 13 E. 40th St., New York, NY 10016; tel. (212) 683-5280.

Events appears monthly.