The Holidays in NWA
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” – Elf
The holidays are quickly approaching and Northwest Arkansas is getting in the Christmas spirit! We look forward to seeing Christmas lights all over town, taking photos with Santa, putting up our Christmas trees, and so much more! With the holidays comes events and fun to be had. Check out some of the popular events happening around NWA!
Lights of the Ozarks- Fayetteville
Friday. November 22nd @6pm
Lights of the Ozarks takes place at the Historic Downtown Fayetteville Square. This event is a full production with a float parade, local vendors, horse-drawn carriage rides, and so much more! The Christmas light display is simply amazing. Each year the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation workers spend over 3,300 hours putting up 400,000 lights to transform the Downtown Square into a winter wonderland! Grab your family, friends, blankets, and coats for a festive night out on the square!
https://www.experiencefayetteville.com/lights-of-the-ozarks
Lighting of the Square- Bentonville
Saturday, November 23rd- events start @ 4pm
Downtown Bentonville Inc. hosts the Lighting of the Square every year. The event brings the community together for live Christmas music, free coffee & hot cocoa, and ice skating! That’s right, there will be an ice-skating rink near the Bentonville square at Lawrence Park. Santa himself will be in front of the Walton 5 & 10 from 4-7pm to take pictures and find out what is on your children’s Christmas lists. This year, a new addition called Santa’s Workshop will be happening from 4-8pm where children can play games, do crafts, and enjoy treats! A little before 6pm everyone gathers around the square to countdown the Christmas Lights being turned on. Its a magical experience being a part of the Lighting of the Square, you don’t want to miss it!
https://www.downtownbentonville.org/event/lights
Walton Arts Center- Fayetteville
The prestigious Walton Arts Center puts on A Christmas Story: The Musical during the holidays. Watch this hilarious classic be brought to life on stage! The show will be debuted On December 10th and will have multiple showings until December 15th. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance. The Walton Arts Center will also have a family screening of a beloved Christmas movie “The Polar Express.” Pjs are welcome and encouraged as there will be hot cocoa and pictures with Santa! This screening will be on December 23rd at 7pm. Tickets are $10.
https://waltonartscenter.org/tickets/series/kids-series/the-polar-express/?performanceId=18336
Children’s Christmas Train- Springdale
Saturday, December 7th from 8am-3pm
The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad puts on an experience similar to the movie “The Polar Express.” Take your family on a winter wonderland train ride from Springdale to Johnson and back. There are different packages available, but expect cookies, hot cocoa, games, and activities on your trip! This is a one-of-a-kind experience in NWA that can make your holiday a memorable one.
https://amtrainrides.com/schedule/
SantaCon- Bentonville
Saturday, November 7th from 12pm-7pm
This is a 21+ Holiday pub crawl in Downtown Bentonville around the square. SantaCon is a nationwide event that has been going on for 25 years. Everyone dresses up as Santa and spreads Christmas cheer on their mapped-out pub crawl. Some of the businesses participating in Downtown Bentonville are Scotch & Soda, Oven & Tap, The Hive, Bike, Rack, and so many more! After you’ve made your way through all the downtown stops, head to The Holler for an after party starting at 8pm! All proceeds go to Sharing & Caring of Benton County. Registration below
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/santacon-downtown-bentonville-tickets-78279226273
Join The Discussion