North Forest Lights is an artistic light and sound experience in the middle of the North Forest unlike anything Crystal Bridges has ever presented before. Five distinct installations will bring the soul of the forest to life with light, sound, and sensory effects in a captivating, family-friendly experience.
Crystal Bridges partnered with Montreal-based multimedia and entertainment studio Moment Factory to bring this concept to life. Each encounter that visitors will experience on their walk through the Ozark woods translates nature’s secret music and hidden communication into a symphony of light and sound. North Forest Lights invites people to reconnect with nature and art while helping them to feel part of it.
The five distinct installations that will come to life with light, sound, and special effects are:
- Crystal Grove – See the glowing language of young saplings, as they seem to communicate through shimmering crystal lights.
- Forest Frequencies – Channel the natural and human past as light and music connect you with the wavelengths of the Arkansas woods.
- The Hearth – Gather around a bonfire-like sculpture to immerse yourself in the warm glow and beating heart of nature.
- Whispering Tree – Communicate with a magnificent tree to learn about the color of your own voice.
- Memory of Water – Surround yourself in light and sound, as a simulated stream brings water back to this dry creek bed.
The experience will be open in the evening hours after sunset.
The forest is a natural setting with changing elevations, please watch your step.
Get your photo taken by a professional photographer at North Forest Lights!
Ironside Photography will be at the North Forest Lights "Photo Spot" on these dates: January 9, 16, 23, 30 and February 6, 13 (Photography will be canceled if it rains)
Downloaded photos for free the Monday following your North Forest Lights experience.
General FAQ
1Is this a Christmas / holiday light show?
No, this is not a holiday light show, but rather a group of installations using light and music to create unique experiences that help us connect with nature. It’s a great way to spend the holiday with families and friends.
2What are your opening hours?
North Forest Lights is open in the evening hours after sunset. Hours will vary based on when twilight occurs. Scroll up to click on the day you’d like to attend, then check the available time blocks for that day. Please note that North Forest Lights is often open after the museum is closed.
3How long does it last?
Plan on at least 1 hour to see and enjoy the experiences, although you may spend more or less time depending on your preferences.
4Can I take photos?
Yes, taking photos and videos is encouraged, however, flash photography is prohibited. Flashes will interfere with light experiences.
Near the Memory of Water installation, guests can also snap a North Forest Lights photo in the designated photo station.
5How much time can I spend visiting?
You may stay until North Forest Lights closes.
6How should I dress?
Comfortable attire and dress for the seasonal weather temperature. Check the weather forecast in advance of your experience date and time. Comfortable walking shoes are encouraged.
7Who can visit the experience? Is it suggested for children and seniors?
The experience is designed for all ages. If you have accessibility needs in your party, please scroll down to the Accessibility section of this FAQ for more information.
8Are there restrooms?
Yes, restrooms will be located in the parking lot and in the Village area. The restrooms in both locations are wheelchair accessible.
9Will merchandise be available for purchase?
Yes. Branded merchandise for North Forest Lights will be available for purchase in the Village area as well as a satellite location once you enter the North Forest.
10Why is it not possible to visit the experience during the day?
North Forest Lights is a nighttime lighting experience. All the installations use illuminated light effects, which cannot be seen during the day.
11Will the North Forest Trail be open during the day for guests to walk on?
Yes, the North Forest Trail will be open for guests during the day, and will close each day at 4 p.m.
12Are pets allowed if they are on a leash?
Well-behaved dogs on a leash are allowed. Dog owners are asked to clean up after their dogs and keep them under control at all times.
Tickets
1Why should I purchase my ticket ahead of time?
Tickets can be purchased on site but your preferred times may be full. It is recommended to purchase your ticket in advance for you to participate at your desired time.
Adult member tickets are limited to 2 tickets per member purchase.
2There is a time on my ticket. What does it mean?
You may arrive at the North Forest Lights entrance any time during the hour-long time slot on your ticket. You may stay until the experience closes.
3Are my tickets refundable?
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. The experience will be held rain or shine if the weather poses no threat to public safety. If the experience is canceled due to unsafe weather, then tickets will be refunded.
4Where can I buy a ticket?
Tickets can be purchased at CrystalBridges.org, through the call center at 479.657.2335, or at the outdoor Guest Services station when you arrive at North Forest Lights.
5Can I visit the experience many times with the same ticket?
Your ticket is valid for one visit to the experience only.
6Do you have group rates?
For groups of 10 or more, please reach out to our Group Tours department for coordination and assistance with tickets. Specially priced $18 group tour tickets are available for advance ticket purchases for groups of 10 or more adults. Call to reserve your tickets now at 479-418-5746.
Crystal Bridges is also offering a Winter Party Package called the Infinity and Light Package, which includes a gastro-molecular tasting menu, tickets to the Kusama Infinity Mirrored Room, and tickets to North Forest Lights to create a full evening of fun for you and your party.
7Can the exhibition coupons given to school tour groups be used to get free entry for this experience?
No, coupons given to school tour groups do not apply to North Forest Lights.
Food
1Can we eat there?
Yes! The Village food court area will offer snacks and warm beverages. A satellite drink and snack location is also available in the North Forest as you make your way to the entrance of the experience.
You may also be interested in purchasing a culinary basket to enhance your experience! Culinary baskets can be purchased online when you buy your tickets and must be purchased 24 hours in advance of your ticket departure time.
2Can we bring snacks or drinks into North Forest Lights?
No outside food and drinks will be allowed inside. Please enjoy the seasonal snacks and drinks available at the Village inside North Forest Lights.
Accessibility
1Is it accessible to all?
Yes. The trails created for this experience are wheelchair and stroller-accessible. Wheelchairs will be available for guests to check out at the North Forest Lights entrance, and a mobility shuttle will be offered to transport folks with accessibility needs by request from the parking lot to the entrance of North Forest Lights where they can meet back up with their party.
2Is there a lot of walking involved?
The full experience is about 1.5 miles (1.5 km) of walking. The forest is a natural setting with changing elevations, so please watch your step. Some benches and seating are provided along the trails.
3Are strollers and wagons allowed for children?
Yes, we encourage you to plan for about 1 mile of walking. Depending on the age and abilities of your group, you may choose to bring strollers or wagons.
Created and produced by Moment Factory
The Bogle Family, Terri & Chuck Erwin, and George’s