December in Arkansas means holiday lights at the State Capitol. Since 1938, the Little Rock tradition has served as a beloved herald of the season.
It began when Secretary C.G. “Crip” Hall requested lights be hung from the cupola and a silver-sprayed fir tree set up on the grounds. In 1941, a nativity scene was added and the lights installed on Dec. 10, as Hall wanted to maintain a sense of normalcy following the Pearl Harbor attacks. In 1942, World War II soldiers and nurses were added, and by 1945 the decor returned to traditional form for future celebrations.
– The Arkansas 100 reports