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The holiday season is in full swing here in Northwest Arkansas, bringing endless ways to celebrate. From strolling under the dazzling lights at your local town square to enjoying a train ride, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Thanks to the area’s rapid growth in recent years, getting into the holiday spirit in NWA is easier than ever before. With festive activities, unique shops, and delicious treats around every corner, we’ve compiled a list of events and activities. Embrace the season and discover all that NWA has to offer!
Day Trips Near NWA
Do you love day-tripping with your family? You’re in luck! Northwest Arkansas is just a stone’s throw from destinations that thrive on their unique touristy charm. With the holiday season in full swing, these spots are bursting with festive activities for you and your family!
Eureka Springs, AR
Famous for its quirky charm and storied history, including ties to mobsters like Al Capone, Eureka Springs is just an hour east of NWA. Known for its festivities, this enchanting town transforms into a winter wonderland as the holidays approach. Beginning November 28, visitors can enjoy the hometown hospitality and holiday events that bring this town to life.
Branson, MO
A holiday staple located about an hour and a half from NWA, Branson is a tourist’s paradise. With a strip full of comedy shows, live music, and fantastic food, plus the old-timey Silver Dollar City amusement park, Branson makes for a magical family day trip. There’s no shortage of attractions here, especially with the city in full holiday mode!
Tulsa, OK
For a little urban adventure, Tulsa is just a two-hour drive from NWA and packed with city amenities like shopping, restaurants, aquariums, and museums. With parades, holiday festivals, and the city decked out in lights, it’s an ideal day or weekend trip that promises plenty of fun and holiday cheer.
Fort Smith, AR
Our final day-trip suggestion is the historic town of Fort Smith, only an hour south of NWA. Once a famed frontier town, Fort Smith offers classic museums, delicious dining, and a festive schedule of events. Its rich history and holiday spirit make it a perfect combination of education and seasonal celebration.
So, if you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit away from the 479, these charming destinations have you covered with attractions, activities, and the magic of the season.
Local Events in NWA
Northwest Arkansas is full of Christmas cheer this season! With conventions, plays, festive “cocoa crawls,” and even a Polar Express train ride, it’s the perfect place for young and old alike to enjoy the holidays in style. Here are some of the region’s most anticipated holiday events:
SantaCon
Held in Bentonville, SantaCon is a festive gathering that invites you to wear your best holiday costume, enjoy local food and drink, and shop to your heart’s content. Plus, 100% of the proceeds go to Sharing & Caring Benton County, supporting families in need.
Christmas on the Creek
This beloved tradition in Springdale lights up downtown with photo ops, a pajama train with Santa, storytime, delicious food, and more! It’s a perfect chance to support local businesses while soaking in the holiday atmosphere. Mark your calendar for November 30!
A Christmas Carol
Adapted by Amy Herzberg & Robert Ford, A Christmas Carol is fast becoming a NWA holiday staple. Enjoy this classic holiday tale at Theatre Squared on Dickson Street in Fayetteville, a show that is perfect for all ages!
International Hot Cocoa Crawl
One of Springdale’s iconic holiday events, the Cocoa Crawl lets you sample hot drinks from local favorites. The event is on December 6, so be sure to snag your tickets early before they sell out!
Santa Drop
On December 7, watch Santa make an unforgettable entrance as he skydives into the Arkansas Air and Military Museum at Drake Field! Gates open at 10 a.m. Afterward, join Santa for a group photo inside the C-130 Hercules.
The Rink at Lawrence Plaza
Opening on November 23, this 7,000-square-foot ice skating rink in downtown Bentonville lets you experience a true winter wonderland. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic date night or a fun family outing.
Holiday Train Ride
Take a scenic round-trip through the Boston Mountains on the Holiday Express. Running through December, this train ride comes with hot cocoa, cookies, and magical views that will put you in the holiday spirit!
There’s no shortage of holiday magic in Northwest Arkansas this year. Enjoy the season and make unforgettable memories!
City Parades in NWA
Do you love those J-I-N-G-L-E bells? If so, Northwest Arkansas is packed with holiday parades and light displays to fill your season with cheer! Each township hosts its own festivities, making it easy to catch a parade no matter where you are. Here are some can’t-miss events from the NWA area’s big metros!
Christmas Parade of the Ozarks
Join Springdale on November 30 at 6:00 p.m. for the season’s first metro parade! Starting at the Rodeo of the Ozarks, this parade heads downtown with over 30 entries and hundreds of festive families joining the fun.
Lights of the Ozarks Parade
On December 5, Fayetteville’s downtown primes itself at 6:30 p.m. for the Lights of the Ozarks Parade, a beloved tradition filled with holiday spirit and local charm. It’s a can’t miss if you’re in the area!
Rogers Christmas Parade
This year’s theme, “The Spirit of Christmas,” brings the holiday magic to Rogers on December 6 at 6:30 p.m. Gather downtown for festive floats and a vibrant atmosphere!
Bentonville Christmas Parade
Starting at 6 p.m. on December 14, Bentonville’s parade features a full lineup of floats and marchers winding through downtown—perfect for families and holiday lovers of all ages!
Light Shows in NWA
If you’re near any NWA downtown area, be sure to explore the festive light displays! For even more dazzling sights, check out these hotspots:
Stewart Family Lights
Opening November 16, this display features 6 million lights and hundreds of inflatables! Admission is $10, and kids under 2 enter free, making it a great option for families.
Helicopter Light Tours
Take the fun of viewing holiday lights to the skies! Fly ARH’s Christmas Light Tours offer a unique perspective, letting you skip the traffic and admire the lights from above as the sun sets.
The Light Show NWA
Head to the Washington County Fairgrounds for a drive-through display synchronized with music and themed lights—a delightful spectacle for all ages!
Time Loop by Klip Collective
Through January 5, explore six immersive installations combining light and sound in an outdoor setting at Crystal Bridges in Bentonville. While not strictly holiday-themed, it’s a magical experience to ring in the season with creativity and color.
With Christmas lights numbering in the tens of millions in the NWA area, it is the perfect place to embrace the holiday spirit awash in color this season!
Holiday Markets in NWA
The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than by exploring local markets filled with holiday treasures. From handmade crafts to unique finds, these markets are the perfect opportunity to support local artists and collectors while discovering meaningful gifts for everyone on your list. Here’s a look at some must-visit markets in the area:
Community Creative Center’s 16th Annual Holiday Market
Shop unique, handcrafted gifts at this annual holiday market, running from December 2nd to 22nd. Join the open house event on Saturday, December 7th to enjoy the festive atmosphere and explore the work of over 30 talented vendors. It’s the perfect spot for finding meaningful gifts for your loved ones.
Fayetteville Holiday Markets
Fayetteville is bustling with holiday cheer and creative makers! This season, you’ll find plenty of local artists and makers. Check the weekend schedule linked above for a full list of shopping events to explore.
Bentonville Holiday Market
Mark your calendars for December 14th and enjoy the Bentonville Holiday Market, happening just in time for the Bentonville Christmas Parade! Discover unique, last-minute holiday gifts and stay for an evening of music and festive fun.
Local Donation Drives in NWA
The holiday season is the perfect time to give back to the community and embrace the spirit of generosity. Here are a few ways to help make a difference:
Festival of Stars Toy and Donation Drive
Brighten the holidays for kids at Arkansas Children’s Hospital as community members come together to deliver joy to young patients. Use the wishlist linked to donate new, unused toys and items to help bring smiles to those at ACH.
CASA Christmas for a Child 2024
Bring holiday cheer to young people in foster care this Christmas season! Every child deserves to feel special and celebrated. There are other ways to help linked above as well, such as participating in the book drive or donating toys and other needed items.
Shared Beginnings Christmas
Christ Church in Fayetteville is partnering with Shared Beginnings for a holiday toy drive. With a suggested donation value of $25, they’re accepting toys on December 14th to spread joy to local families.
Magical Christmas Toy Drive
Hosted by KNWA and FOX24, this toy drive invites you to drop off a toy at any participating location to make a difference for a child in need. Every contribution counts in creating a magical holiday for our community’s kids.
Conclusion
Northwest Arkansas is brimming with holiday cheer and community spirit, from festive day trips to dazzling lights, to holiday shopping and opportunities to give back!
Around Northwest Arkansas, there’s a special way for everyone to celebrate the season. Make sure you bundle up, grab some local treats and hot cocoa, and dive into all that NWA has to offer this holiday season!
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