December 2021: Northwest Arkansas Calendar of Events
Can you believe it’s already the last month of the year? There’s plenty to do in Northwest Arkansas during December. Hope these calendar listings help you plan a great month.
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
This performance has songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of Hairspray.
About: Willy Wonka is opening his marvelous and mysterious chocolate factory…to a lucky few. That includes Charlie Bucket, whose bland life is about to burst with color and confection beyond his wildest dreams. He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination.
Time: 7 p.m. and varies by date
Date: Dec. 1-5, 2021
Location: Baum Walker Hall at Walton Arts Center 495 W Dickson St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about this show.
Rogers Christmas Parade
Enjoy beautiful floats that pass by at the annual Christmas Parade. Santa Claus makes his appearance at the end of the parade to the delight of all the kiddos.
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Date: December 3, 2021
Location: downtown Rogers: the route will go East on Poplar, North on 1st, West on Walnut and South on 7th streets
Click here for more info about the Rogers Christmas Parade.
TheatreSquared presents “A Christmas Carol”
TheatreSquared’s A Christmas Carol is a theatrical reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic, returns after its sold-out 2019 run. Three spirits come to visit the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and take him on a fantastic journey through past, present and future. But will it be enough to save him? For all ages. Visit https://www.theatre2.org/christmas-carol to purchase tickets.
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: December 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 26
Location: event center at Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about this TheatreSquared show.
Christmas Parade of Lights
This year’s Parade of Lights, “A Cinematic Christmas” rolls at 6 p.m. through the decorated downtown streets with floats, walkers, bands and thousands of lights. For more information call 479-253-8737
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Date: December 3, 2021
Location: downtown Eureka Springs
Click for more info about the Parade of Lights.
Freedom Frosty 5K
Warm up this holiday season with Run Bentonville’s Freedom Frosty 5K. This race is family-friendly. To register or learn more, visit runbentonville.com
Time: 8 a.m.
Date: December 4, 2021
Location: Lawrence Plaza Ice Rink 214 NE A St. Bentonville
Click here for more info about the Freedom Frosty 5K.
Celebrate Hanukkah
Join Temple Shalom to celebrate Hanukkah with a dreidel game and sufganyot (donut holes!). This is a perfect chance for families to celebrate or learn Hanukkah traditions.
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: December 4, 2021
Location: Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about this Hanukkah event.
Family Movie
Families and children are invited to enjoy a film screening in Spanish of Coco. The movie will begin at 6 p.m. The first 50 families and children to arrive at the Fayetteville Public Library will receive a goodie bag which includes Experience Fayetteville and Fayetteville Public Library materials. This program is free and open to the public.
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Date: December 7, 2021
Location: Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about this family movie event.
Beth Stockdell Holiday Harp
Enjoy the magic of the harp with Beth Stockdell who will perform outside of the Art and Movement Room for all to enjoy. Browse our Lucky Day collection to the soothing tunes or stop to watch her performance. These performances are patron favorites each year and fill the library with peaceful sounds of the season. If you miss her on December 8th, Beth will return on December 17th at 2 p.m. in the third-floor lobby.
Time: 11 a.m.- noon
Date: December 8, 2021
Location: Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about this harp event.
Art on the Bricks Art Walk
Visit pop-up art exhibits and see live music the second Thursday of every month. Enjoy a mix of artists, craftsmen and musicians sharing their talent in indoor and outdoor locations. The list of businesses and artists changes from month to month.
Time: exhibits are 4:30- 7:30 p.m., live music 7-9 p.m.
Date: December 9, 2021
Location: downtown Rogers
Click here for more info about this art event.
Preschool Playdate: Squiggles and Wiggles
Join us for an afternoon of kid-friendly fun as we craft, explore, and play our way through the museum. From a kick-off performance by a guest performer to making keepsake containers in the studios, we’ve got plenty of kid-friendly creative activities for your growing artist to enjoy. And, with it all being inspired by Julie Alperts’s installation Altars, Keepsakes, Squiggles, and Bows, you know they’ll be learning every step of the way. Free, no tickets required.
Time: Drop in anytime from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Date: December 9, 2021
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art 600 Museum Way, Bentonville
Click here for more info about this preschool playdate.
Distribution Day
A total of 300 or more volunteers distribute thousands of pounds of food, Christmas gifts and basic needs to 1300 families (or 3600 underprivileged children) in Benton County. Family reminders: you must present your claim ticket AND a valid photo ID to pick-up items. *Name on claim ticket must match name on photo ID. Gifts not picked up on Fri., 12/10 between 8am-2pm will be forfeited. Please DO NOT bring children with you on Distribution Day.
Time: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Date: December 10, 2021
Location: Benton County Fairgrounds 7640 SW Regional Airport Blvd Rd, Bentonville
Click here for more info about this event.
Super Saturday
Sing along with local musician and library favorite Mr. Troy Schremmer as he performs a mix of Christmas songs and preschool favorites.
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: December 11, 2021
Location: Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about this music event.
DTR Holiday Movie
Each year, DTR Inc. partners with the Arkansas Public Theatre to bring a fun family holiday movie, complete with Santa and snacks. Bring the whole family, wear your pajamas and join us as we celebrate the season by watching Polar Express in our very own historic downtown theatre while sipping hot cocoa and eating a treat.
Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”; “Cast Away”) reunite for “Polar Express,” an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Tickets required. Cost is $7.00 General Admission.
Time: Doors open and Santa visits at 1 p.m. Movie starts at 2 p.m.
Date: December 11, 2021
Location: 116 S. 2nd St. Rogers
Click here for more info about this movie event.
The Snowman: A Family Concert
The tradition continues! This is a special screening of The Snowman, based on Raymond Briggs’ classic children’s book, with the original score performed live by SoNA. Following the screening, acclaimed Music Director Paul Haas will lead the audience in a sing-a-long of other holiday favorites. Join us for a merry and bright afternoon of family-friendly symphonic music.
Time: 2 p.m.
Date: Sunday, December 12, 2021
Location: Baum Walker Hall at the Walton Arts Center 495 W Dickson St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about this concert event.
Super Saturday Sweets With Santa
Join us for crafts, cookie-decorating and a special story time with Santa Claus. Each child attending will need to register separately. In keeping with the City of Fayetteville Ordinance 6465, all persons visiting the library are required to wear masks covering their nostrils and mouth.
Time: 10 a.m.- Noon
Date: December 18, 2021
Location: Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about this Santa event.
Winter Break Wonders
Make memories at the museum over your school break as you create with artists, make cozy collages and projects in the studios, and listen to fun music together as a family. Join us for special activities each afternoon, including artmaking, creative play, paper icicles, winter wind chimes, movement activities, art carts, visits by nature experts and local artists, and more. Free, no registration required.
Date: December 20, 2021 -Jan. 2, 2022
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art 600 Museum Way, Bentonville
Click here for more info about this arts and crafts event.
The Polar Express
A film screening of The Polar Express will take place at 3 and 7 p.m.
Time: 3 and 7 p.m.
Date: December 23, 2021
Location: Baum Walker Hall at Walton Arts Center 495 W Dickson St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about this movie event.
Zing in the New Year
Celebrate the end of 2021 and Zing in the New Year at the Scott Family Amazeum on Friday, December 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what kind of shenanigans might ensue! Price is $10 adults and children over 2 | children under 2 and Amazeum Members are free.
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Date: December 31, 2021
Location: Scott Family Amazeum 1009 Museum Way, Bentonville
Click here for more info on this New Year’s Eve event.
Noon Years Eve
Ring in the New Year—without staying up past bedtime! Join us for our annual family-friendly New Year’s celebration. We’ll have fun art projects, performances, a Coca-Cola toast at noon, and a family dance party. See you there, and Happy New Year!
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Date: December 31, 2021
Location: Museum wide at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art 600 Museum Way, Bentonville
Click here for more info about this event.
