2016 Northwest Arkansas Holiday Events Guide

Happy November! It’s time to kick off the holiday FUN season in Northwest Arkansas! We’ve got the big list of things to do with your family in November and December.

Click on the name of any event below, highlighted in red, for more information. CLICK HERE to see a printer-friendly version of this list so you can put it on your refrigerator! Or snap a pic of the front and back to save on your phone. The NWA Holiday Events Guide printable is sponsored by the Northwest Arkansas Mall.

Nov. 10: The MOMS Club Holiday Market. 6-10 p.m. Builders Stone & Supply, Springdale.

The MOMS Club will host over a dozen vendors on November 10th that will benefit the NWA Women’s Shelter. It’s open to the public, there will be food and drinks available, and there is no admission fee.

Nov. 11-12: NWA Boutique Show. Times vary, Northwest Arkansas Convention Center, Springdale.

Shop over 150 merchants featuring thousands of one-of-a-kind and custom items. Home decor, gifts, clothing, gourmet food, holiday decor, children’s items, art and more. Gwen and Shannon from nwaMotherlode will have a booth, so stop by and say hello. Look for a great giveaway + a private nursing lounge/baby changing station at our booth (Tickets required.)

Nov. 18: Santa arrives at the Northwest Arkansas Mall! Santa will be holding court at the mall’s Center Court. Times below.

Santa’s NWA Mall hours are:

Monday through Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

(Breaks: 2-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-6 p.m.)

Sundays: Noon – 6 p.m.

(Breaks:  3-3:30 p.m.)

Santa will be available on Christmas Eve until 6 p.m.

Pet photos with Santa! Get pics of your pets with Santa on Dec. 13th and Dec. 20th from 6-8 p.m.

Nov. 18: Santa arrives at Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall. Santa will be stationed at Suite 5185, next to Yum Yo’s Frozen Yogurt. Times vary.

Nov. 18-19: St. Nick on the Bricks. 101 E. Walnut St., Rogers, at the Frisco Caboose.

From 3-8 pm each day, meet St. Nick and take a selfie or get that perfect photo for your family Christmas card.

Nov. 18-19: Rogers downtown-wide holiday open house “Holidays on the Bricks.”  Times Vary.

This is the first annual Rogers downtown-wide holiday open house and they have lots of big plans for families to enjoy downtown Rogers. Join merchants and restaurants in kicking off the holiday season with fun, festive activities and great shopping. There will be something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Keep up-to-date with activities in downtown Rogers by visiting www.godowntownrogers.com

Nov. 18-19: Cocoa Stand at the Caboose. Downtown Rogers. 3-8 p.m.

During Holidays on the Bricks, come enjoy hot cocoa, candy canes, and nuts at the Frisco caboose. Downtown Dawgs will also be there serving fresh hot dogs. The Caboose will be all decked out in holiday decor, and we will have Cindy from Oftedahl’s Photography there to snap any group photos you might want to take. Perfect photo opportunity for Christmas cards this year. You may run into St. Nick and Mrs. Claus.

Nov. 18-19: St. Nick on the Bricks. 101 E. Walnut St., Rogers, at the Frisco Caboose.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., meet St. Nick and take a selfie or get that perfect photo for your family Christmas card.

Nov. 19: Sips on the Bricks, 5-8 p.m. Downtown Rogers.

During Holidays on the Bricks, downtown Rogers first annual holiday open house, we will be hosting Sips on the Bricks! Business owners will be using their best skills to craft holiday cocktails and mocktails in order to gain your vote for best drink (and not to mention bragging rights). To participate head over to Honeycomb Kitchen Shop to pick up your Sips on the Bricks card for only $5 (tickets available November 10th). Proceeds of this event go to Marine Toys for Tots Serving NWA. You will then visit each participating business to taste test their holiday concoction. Once you have tried each sip, you will cast a vote for your favorite. Your vote enters you into a drawing to win $100 in Brick Bucks and a wine gift basket! Use your holiday Brick Bucks at multiple participating businesses, which is great for holiday shopping.

Nov. 18: Lights of the Ozarks parade, Fayetteville Square. 6 p.m., Fayetteville Downtown Square

The lighting of the Fayetteville Downtown Square kicks off with the lighting night parade at 6 p.m. Many civic clubs and business are represented in the parade with cars and characters. The parade closes with a special guest, Santa Claus.  The lights will illuminate the square each evening from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Nightly carriages and pony rides, fresh hot chocolate and festive holiday music make the Lights of the Ozarks an event that cannot be missed. The romantic and breathtaking display of a half-million twinkling lights is cherished by the locals and visitors alike that stroll or drive through the Lights of the Ozarks each year.

Nov. 19: Lighting of the Bentonville Square. Downtown Bentonville, 3-6 p.m.

This marks the beginning of the holiday season. Wrap up warm and come celebrate with other families to enjoy live music, steaming hot chocolate and the beautiful lights. Entertainment starting at 3 p.m. and at 6  p.m. the mayor will throw the switch.

Nov. 20: Lighting of the Stewart Family Christmas Light Display. 4423 E. Wyman Road, Fayetteville. 6-10 p.m.

The lights will be turned on for the season at 6 p.m.

Nov. 21-Dec. 12, on Mondays. Pet photos with Santa. Pinnacle Hill Promenade Mall, Rogers.

Suite #5185 next to Yum Yo’s Frozen Yogurt. Mondays only.

Nov. 25-27: The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Walton Arts Center. Fri 7pm, Sat 2 & 7pm, Sun 2pm.

A sparkling holiday tradition with enchanting costumes, timeless storytelling and a brilliant score by Tchaikovsky. Relive Clara’s Christmas fantasy with familiar, endearing scenes and a few unique twists. Watch with delight as toys come to life, the Sugar Plum Fairy spreads her magic and the valiant Nutcracker helps Clara defeat the evil Mouse King.

Friday, November 25 at 7pm
Saturday, November 26 at 2pm
Saturday, November 26 at 7pm
Sunday, November 27 at 2pm

Nov. 26: Frozen: Skate-A-Long at The Rink, Lawrence Plaza, Bentonville. 5-8 p.m. Meet at The Rink at Lawrence for 30 minutes of ice skating fun. Learn choreographed dancing to some of your favorite holiday musicals and be able to perform the ice dances at the end! $10 per child. Two sessions will be offered at 5 pm and 5:30pm. Includes: Props and skating to “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build A Snowman” Be sure to stick around and watch the movie Frozen after the Skate-A-Long.

Nov. 26: Christmas Parade of the Ozarks. 6-9 p.m., Parsons Stadium, Springdale.

“Springdale Family Christmas,” the theme for the 20th Annual Christmas Parade of the Ozarks. The parade will begin at the rodeo grounds and proceed down Emma Avenue at 6 p.m. In addition to the parade, Springdale will be starting a new holiday tradition. Christmas on the Creek will take place at Shiloh Square, to include the lighting of the Christmas tree, caroling, downtown lights, and so much more. The parade is free to the public and free to participate.

Nov. 26: Christmas on the Creek, a new Springdale tradition. 3-8 p.m., downtown Springdale.

On Nov. 26, Springdale will begin a new holiday tradition. Christmas on the Creek will take place on the banks of Spring Creek in downtown Springdale, with a Christmas parade, lighting of the state’s largest, live Christmas tree, caroling, holiday displays in businesses and celebration of Small Business Saturday.

At 5:30 p.m., Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse will oversee the lighting of the state’s largest community Christmas tree on Emma Avenue near Shiloh Square. The tree will be decorated with ornaments crafted by Springdale students, non profits, and businesses. Carolers will wander along Emma Avenue, delighting visitors lingering in local shops to view window displays and Christmas trees. The Rodeo of the Ozarks will host its annual Christmas parade full of floats with a Christmas tree theme at 6 p.m.

A Christmas tree show will highlight beautifully decorated trees that will be available for auction at the end of the night. Hot cocoa and cider will be available for purchase, along with Christmas cookies and other holiday favorites. The evening will wrap up with photos with Santa Claus in front of the Christmas tree.

Nov. 26: Santa at Shiloh Museum, Springdale. 2-5 p.m.

Santa Claus has confirmed that he’ll be stopping by the log cabin at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History on Nov. 26 from 2-5 p.m., just before Springdale’s Christmas on the Creek event starts. He’ll be snuggled in next to the fireplace with a real crackling fire and a classic cedar Christmas tree in Downtown Springdale!

Stop by the museum’s beautiful log cabin from 2-5pm to have your photo taken for only $8 for a 5×7″ print that will be printed immediately for you to take home. There will also be real nutcrackers in costume to greet you and take free photos with from the Arkansas Arts Foundation.

Nov. 27: O Christmas Tree, Rogers Historical Museum. 12:30-4 p.m.

The Rogers Historical Museum’s annual Christmas exhibit opens November 27th during its Holiday Open House. Come and learn the history of the Christmas tree on a guided tour through the Hawkins House.

Nov. 27: Holiday Open House, Rogers Historical Museum.12:30-4 p.m.

You’re invited to the Rogers Historical Museum’s 17th annual Holiday Open House. They’ll be making candles and flower pot ornaments, enjoying refreshments, taking tours of “O Christmas Tree” in the Hawkins House, and Santa will be there from 1:30 to 3:30.

Dec. 1: O Local Night, Block Street Businesses, Fayetteville. 5-8 p.m. (or later, at some businesses)

All your favorite Block St. businesses are opening their doors for an evening of sipping and shopping and celebrating all things local! Over 25 Holiday Open Houses with libations, snacks and sales. One receipt from one of these local businesses will get you 10% off at your next stop!

Thursday, Dec. 1 and every Thursday in December and Saturday, Dec. 17: The 12 Gardens of Winter. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville. Experience the magic of the 12 Gardens of BGO as they are transformed into a land of holiday cheer! As night falls, the Garden decorations will light up and activities will be available for all ages.

Each Thursday in December, and on Saturday, December 17, the Garden will extend its hours until 8 p.m. Between 5 and 8 p.m., the guests will enjoy light displays, holiday decorations, activities for children and hot beverages. Picnics are welcome, but please leave pets at home. Pay at the door (no pre-sales to attend this event).

Dec. 2: A Woodland Christmas: 32nd Annual Rogers Christmas Parade. 7-9 p.m. Who doesn’t love a parade? Especially a sparkly, musical, sugary Christmas Parade. Lots of floats, marching bands, decorated cars, scouts, dogs, choirs and kids take part each year in this extra-special event. This year’s theme for the parade is “A Woodland Christmas.” Think snow covered trees, deer, pine cones, owls, woodsy like Northwest Arkansas.

The parade begins at 7 p.m. at S. Fifth & Poplar streets. The route follows Poplar Street to the east, turning left onto S. First St., then heads north past the Frisco Stage at about 7 p.m., then turns left onto W. Walnut St., and continuing to S. 7th St. where it disbands at Tillery Elementary.

Dec. 3: Breakfast with Santa, Arts Center of the Ozarks, Springdale.

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Art Center of the Ozarks on December 3rd. Kids of all ages are invited to eat a scrumptious breakfast, make holiday crafts, and get their picture taken with Santa. Tickets are $15 for children participating in all activities and $5 for adults.

Dec. 3: A Very SoNA Christmas. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. | Walton Arts Center

A collection of favorite sacred and secular music celebrating the magic and beauty of Christmas. Featuring the SoNA Singers, regional high school choirs, and special guest soloists. Tickets required.

Dec. 3 & 10: Winter Market. We Meteor Guitar Gallery, Bentonville. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Opportunity to purchase unique holiday gifts. Whether you are looking for some sweet treats to share or a special craft for a beloved family member, you’ll be delighted.

Dec. 3: Cookies with Santa, Grace Point Church, Bentonville. 2-4:30

Sweet treats and holiday crafts for children of all ages and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Admission: $15/child 1 year and up (parents and guardians are free). Contact a Jack and Jill Northwest Arkansas Chapter member or jackandjillnwa@gmail.com for tickets. All proceeds benefit Jack and Jill of America Foundation and the Teen Action Support Center.

Dec. 3: Winter Wonderland Ball, Pinnacle Promenade Mall. 5-7 p.m.

Join Anna, Elsa, and SEVEN of their favorite princess friends. This two-hour ball will include a professional DJ to lead guests in all the best dances, lots of sing-a-longs, crafts, makeup application, mini manicures, decorative temporary jewelry tattoos, a photo booth, food, and more! Each child ticket includes two adult admissions.

Dec. 3: Children’s Christmas Train. Children’s Christmas Train riders will depart from the Emma Street Train Depot in Downtown Springdale on Saturday, Dec. 3, aboard a restored 1940’s era train.

The 40-minute ride to Johnson and back will include singing Christmas carols, stories, and even a visit from Santa himself. After returning to the Train Depot, families can enjoy holiday games and entertainment – ride ponies dressed as reindeer, operate a model train, participate in the cake walk, write a letter to Santa or just enjoy the characters and live music in Santa’s Village. Children and families are also encouraged to dress in holiday attire.

Children 2 and under do not require a ticket but will have to sit on your lap. $10 for ages 3-12, and $20 for adults. This event will sell out. The Children’s Christmas Train is a fundraiser for the Children’s Safety Center of Washington County, which provides services for abused children.

Dec. 3: Breakfast with Santa, Siloam Springs Community Building. 8-11 a.m.

Annual Breakfast with Santa presented is by Heritage League of Siloam Springs. Tickets are $10 per child (no charge for adults) and include a cereal breakfast bar, craft, letters to Santa, and a visit with Santa himself. Each child will have their photo taken and a letter from Santa will arrive addressed to them after the event. Tickets may be purchased at Creative Corner on Broadway, Jepsons Drug and Occasions in Siloam Springs.  Tickets must be pre-purchased.

Dec. 3: Siloam Springs Christmas Parade. 5:30 p.m.

The annual Christmas Parade in Siloam Springs is presented by Heritage League of Siloam Springs. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. in conjunction with Light Up Siloam Springs.

Dec. 4: Winter Dreams Tour of Homes. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., homes in Benton and Washington counties.

The Junior League of Northwest Arkansas presents its 18th Annual Winter Dreams Tour of Homes. Join us on Sunday, December 4th, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and kick off the holiday season. Guests will be able to tour 7 homes decorated in various holiday styles throughout both Benton and Washington Counties. In addition, guests will be greeted in several homes by the lovely music from the Arkansas Philharmonic’s Youth Orchestra.

Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased the day of the event, at any home on the Tour, and at anytime on our website at www.juniorleaguenwa.org.

Dec. 4: SoNA and WAC present The Snowman: A Family Concert, Walton Arts Center, 2 p.m.

Remember what it was like as a child to wish your favorite toys could come to life? Presented by the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) and Walton Arts Center, The Snowman: A Family Concert brings that magical thought alive with a very special screening of the hit film “The Snowman” complete with live orchestral soundtrack! Tickets only $8.

Dec. 8: Gingerbread House Decorating, Fayetteville Public Library. 4 pm, *registration required.

Walmart Storytime Room. Get in the Christmas spirit by decorating your very own gingerbread house as a family. FPL provides the house and icing and you bring the candy and imagination. Any material that inspires you is welcome including candy, cookies, ice cream cones, colored icing, etc.

This event is free and open to families. Please note that you need to bring your own decorations.

*Registration date: Thursday, November 17.

Dec. 9: Caroling on the Creek, Downtwon Springdale. Shiloh Square, 106 East Emma. 5-8 p.m.

An evening of holiday music on the Downtown Springdale Shiloh Square featuring choirs from Springdale Public Schools. Caroling, Food Trucks, Hot Cocoa, Bake Sales, Face Painting with Mrs. Claus, and so much more. And of course SANTA will be there to help spread holiday cheer!

Dec. 9: Harry Potter Magical Holiday Ball, Rogers Barnes & Noble, 7-9 p.m.

Join B&N as we celebrate our first Yule Ball – Harry Potter style. Prepare for magical activities, enchanting events, and even more Harry Potter-themed fun for all ages.

Dec. 10: Bentonville Christmas Parade. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dec. 10: Winter Market. Meteor Guitar Gallery, Bentonville. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Opportunity to purchase unique holiday gifts. Whether you are looking for some sweet treats to share or a special craft for a beloved family member, you’ll be delighted.

Dec. 10: St. Nick on the Bricks, downtown Rogers. 101 E. Walnut St., by the Frisco Caboose. From 10 am-3 pm meet St. Nick and take a selfie or get that perfect photo for your family Christmas card.

Dec. 10: Fayetteville Metro Kiwanis’ Breakfast with Santa. 8-10 a.m. at Powerhouse Restaurant in Fayetteville.

Tickets are $5 each for all you can eat pancakes, sausage, juice & coffee.  Pictures with Santa are free, but a donation is appreciated.  All proceeds benefit children’s charities throughout Northwest Arkansas.   Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting any member of FMK or at the door.

Dec. 10: IRWP Hosts Annual Christmas in Cave Springs Celebration. 2-8 p.m., Cave Springs.

The Illinois River Watershed Partnership, along with the city of Cave Springs and community partners, is hosting its annual Christmas celebration featuring nature-inspired gift making, a holiday hayride, pictures with Santa and Christmas caroling on Main Street. Festivities will take place at the IRWP’s Watershed Learning Center, 221 S. Main St, and the city of Cave Springs and area businesses are hosting family friendly events, too. Admission to all events and parking is free! You can also donate a non-perishable food item or monetary gift to the Cave Springs Christmas Cop program at the leaning center from 2-6pm. For more info, email contact@irwp.org or call (479) 422-1014.

Dec. 10: Santa’s North Pole Party. 3-5 p.m., St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Springdale.

Join NWA Circle of Friends for an afternoon of holiday cheer benefiting Arkansas Children’s Northwest. Santa Claus will be reading his favorite Christmas stories, have your picture taken with him in addition to fun games, crafts, hot cocoa, and cookies. There will also be a silent auction of festive holiday wreaths available to deck your halls. (Tacky Christmas sweaters optional.) Tickets are $10 per child and available for purchase now or at the door the day of the event.

Dec. 10: Wampus Wonderland. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Washington County Fairgrounds, Fayetteville.

You’ll find your favorite indie crafters, outsider artists, food trucks, Krampus impersonators, amazing music, Sasquatch-sized men, fun activities and more. Along with world class arts and crafts, there will be a social area full of incredible fun + food and drinks, including funnel cakes, giant corn dogs and $5 lemonades.

Dec. 10: Christmas at the North Pole (The Jones Center). Shows at 1 & 5 p.m, The Jones Center for Families, Springdale.

Ozark Figure Skating Club will host it’s annual Christmas show on Dec. 10, with shows at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. This year’s show is titled Christmas at the North Pole. The show will take place at The Jones Center at 922 E. Emma Ave. in Springdale, Ark. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. The show lasts about an hour, and there will be concessions available. After each show, the audience is invited to come downstairs to skate with Santa and the cast for about an hour. Skating with Santa and the cast and skate rentals are free with admission to the show.

Dec. 10 and 11: Northwest Arkansas Regional Dance Company presents “The Nutcracker”.

A nonprofit dance company, made up of area students from 8 to 18, presents the classic ballet at Rogers Heritage High School on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. General Admission tickets available at the door.

Dec. 13 & 20: Pet photos with Santa, Northwest Arkansas Mall, Fayetteville, 6-8 p.m.

Bring your pets to get a pic with St. Nick!

Dec. 13: Tour Kansas City Southern’s Holiday Express train, 4 p.m., 201 Avenue Two Southwest (at intersection of AR-59 and Atlanta Street) Gravette

The train will stop in 22 communities in seven states on 26 dates, including Gravette. At each stop, visitors can board the train, visit with Santa and his elves and tour the inside of three cars of the festive six-car train.  Each event is free and open to the public.

Led by KCS’ Southern Belle business train, the Holiday Express train includes a smiling tank car “Rudy”; a flatcar carrying Santa’s sleigh, reindeer and a miniature village; a ginger bread boxcar; a newly remodeled elves’ workshop; the reindeer stable; and a little red caboose.  Each car is dressed in lights.

Dec. 15: Teen Gingerbread House Decorating, Fayetteville Public Library. 4:30 p.m.

Teen Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop (Grades 5+)* Get in the Christmas spirit by decorating your own wacky gingerbread house. FPL supplies the house and icing and you supply the candy and imagination! This workshop is free and open to those in grades 5th and up. Be sure to bring your own selection of candy for decorating (and of course snacking). *Registration opens:  Thursday, November 24

Dec. 15: Where is the King, Meteor Guitar Gallery Stage, Bentonville. 7 p.m.

One night only: Lions, sheep, camels, and many other animals bring you the Christmas story told through their perspective as eyewitnesses to the Savior’s birth and narrated by a grandmother and two teens who are searching for more than a commercial Christmas. Great entertainment for all ages with 10 song and dance numbers presented by kids ages-5-15. Where is the King? will delight and entertain you this holiday season.  One hour show. Presented by ETCNWA (Eclectic Teaching Consortium). Free Admission.

Dec. 16: Central UMC Christmas Block Party (Including live nativity), Central United Methodist Church, Fayetteville. 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Central UMC is inviting everyone to it’s first Christmas block party, December 16. Live nativity, Christmas train rides, food, pony rides, carols, games and much more will help create lasting memories for the whole family. Everyone is welcome and everything is free.

December 16: It’s a Wonderful Life. Arkansas Public Theater, 2nd St., Rogers, 7:30 p.m.

On Dec 16, 7:30n It’s a Wonderful Life $8/ticket and a cash bar

Dec. 17: Holiday Movies, Arkansas Public Theatre, 2nd St., Rogers.

• On Dec. 17, 10 am “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas“ $5/ticket (includes hot chocolate, donuts, and a small gift)
• On Dec. 17, 2pm “Elf“ $5/ticket (includes hot chocolate, donuts, and a small gift)

Dec. 7: The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Storytime, Saturday, 2 p.m., Springdale Public Library

Stop by and listen to the Grinch read The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and make a fun Grinch craft.

December 17: St. Nick on the Bricks. 101 E. Walnut St., Rogers, near the Frisco Caboose.

From 10-3 pm meet St. Nick and take a selfie or get that perfect photo for your family Christmas card.

Dec. 18: The Bella Vista MusiCOOL, Santa at 2:30 p.m. and music at 3 p.m., Riordan Hall.

Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra and Youth Orchestra present Christmas Around the World. There’s no admission charge to the Holiday MusiCOOL. Christmas lights will create a wonderland outside the hall, and inside, guests can visit with Santa and enjoy some hot chocolate while listening to the sounds of the APO.

Select chamber ensembles from the APO and the APYO will perform an intimate program of a potpourri of Christmas music from around the world, conducted and hosted by APO music director Steven Byess. Whether you love the grand sonic splendor of the full orchestra and choruses, the sublime and scintillating atmosphere of chamber ensembles, or both, the APO has something to indulge your musical holiday spirit.

Also grooving to the sounds at the Holiday MusiCOOL will be none other than COOL Santa himself. COOL Santa, wearing his trademark dark sunglasses, will arrive via his music-instrument-packed sleigh and will be at Riordan Hall starting at 2:30 p.m. He will be available for photos for 30 minutes prior to the start of the musical program, during intermission and for 30 minutes after the music ends. Event attendees receive a free 4×6 photo. The photo booth includes plenty of festive props, including Santa hats, elf ears and more

Dec. 20: Pet photos with Santa, Northwest Arkansas Mall, Fayetteville, 6-8 p.m.

Bring your pets to get a pic with St. Nick!

Dec. 22: Ho Ho Ho Holiday Skate Day (The Jones Center) Springdale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This is a great opportunity for kids to have festive fun on and off the ice while parents finish last minute holiday plans. Ice skating, hot chocolate, making ornaments and more holiday fun! $25/SKATER. To register, call 479-756-8090 ext. 2100 or stop by the reception desk in person to register your child.

For more information, contact our Skating Coordinator, Robin Aprea, at raprea@jonesnet.org.

Dec. 24: Santa at Northwest Arkansas Mall until 6 p.m.

Santa will be at Center Court until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve if the kids want see him on the big night.

Dec. 31: Last Night Fayetteville, New Year’s Eve event.

Last Night Fayetteville is an exciting performing arts festival taking place on the downtown Fayetteville Square on New Year’s Eve. Join Fayetteville to celebrate the Last Night of the year with a variety of performances hosted in multiple indoor venues around the downtown square highlighting the area’s finest musicians, actors, performers & artists. With 8 stages of entertainment to choose from, the evening guarantees fun for everyone. And don’t miss your chance to count down to 2017 with the world famous Hog Drop & fireworks at midnight, followed by the official after party.

Dec. 31: Noon Year’s Eve Family Celebration, Crystal Bridges Museum. 11 am to 3 pm

Ring in the New Year (without staying up past bedtime) at this second annual family celebration. Fun art projects, performances, and a huge family dance party! Free, no registration required. Museum-wide

Note from the mamas: We’ll continue updating this list as we find or hear about events/activities. Please let us know if there’s something you’d like for us to add. Email the details to Shannon & Gwen: mamas{at}nwamotherlode{dot}com. Thanks!