Northwest Arkansas Holiday Events Guide 2025: Christmas lights, activities and events
Happy holidays, mamas! We’re ready for some the fa-la-la-la-fun Northwest Arkansas!
Click on the name of any event for more information. See a list of where to see Christmas lights at the bottom of the post. Bookmark this one because we’ll be updating often with new holiday events!
Fayetteville/Springdale (Washington County):
Nov. 14-Jan. 1, 2026: Christmas at Pinpoint, Fayetteville. 21+. Arkansas’ only pinball bar is getting festive again this year.
Nov. 19 – Dec. 24, 2025: It’s A Wonderful Life, TheatreSquared, Fayetteville. Eight actors portray 65+ roles in this T2 original adaptation of what the American Film Institute called “the century’s most inspirational film.” It’s a Wonderful Life follows George Bailey’s poignant journey as he puts his dreams on hold while rescuing the failing family business. On Christmas Eve he stands alone, wishing he’d never been born, when a mysterious stranger appears. In this profound tale of redemption and holiday magic, even the cynics among us will cheer as George Bailey learns that “no man is a failure who has friends.” For all ages.
Nov. 21 through Dec. 31, 2025: The Light Show NWA, Fayetteville. A holiday drive through light show with over 900,000 lights at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Tickets required for the drive through experience.
Nov. 29, 2025: Wonderland Arts Market at 10 a.m. at Mt. Sequoyah in Fayetteville. Free event.
Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025: Christmas on the Creek. Noon to 7 p.m. downtown Springdale. This free, full-day celebration features a holiday vendor market showcasing local artisans and makers, free photos with Santa at the train station (305 E Emma Ave.), live music, and the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Shiloh Square. The event wraps up with the Christmas Parade of the Ozarks, proudly hosted by the Rodeo of the Ozarks.
Dec. 4, 2025: The Lights of the Ozarks Parade Fayetteville Square. The Lights of the Ozarks Parade will wind through downtown Fayetteville on Thursday, December 4 starting at 6:30 p.m. The parade route will progress along East Avenue, clockwise around the Square, and northward on Block Avenue. The lights will be at the square from November 21, 2025 to January 1, 2026. The lights will be turned on the Friday before Thanksgiving with Light Night, an energetic countdown and ceremonial flip of the giant switch at 6:00 p.m. followed by live music and merriment.
Dec. 6, 2025: A Very SoNA Christmas at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Walton Arts Center.
Dec. 6, 13, 20, 2025: Holiday Market on the Fayetteville Square, Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Holiday Market will feature unique handcrafted holiday wreaths, artisan crafts, and baked goods in addition to seasonal vegetables, fruit, meats, eggs, and cheeses. Local vendors and live music. This is the last market on the Square before the market moves indoors.
Dec. 6, 2025: Santa Drop at 11 a.m. at the Arkansas Air & Military Museum. This is a free event. Gates open at 10 AM, and Santa skydives at 11 AM. Then, Santa comes out and takes pictures in the back of the C-130 Hercules. If weather conditions are not safe enough for Santa to jump, they will postpone the event to December 13th.
Dec. 6, 2025: Hot Cocoa With Santa at 10 a.m. at TheatreSquared in Fayetteville. This free community event features a magnificent hot cocoa bar with tons of toppings, a kids’ craft station, story time with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa, and plenty of reindeer games for all. Walk-ins are welcome, but please RSVP so they can best prepare for your visit.
Dec. 7: 2025: The Snowman: A Family Musical at 2 p.m. at Walton Arts Center. This fun holiday show combines a classic children’s book with live symphony music in a one-of-a-kind concert created specifically for families. The Snowman is based on Raymond Briggs’ classic children’s book, with the original score performed live by the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas ( 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. The event is perfect for kids, especially those who love animated movies and music.
Dec. 12, 2025: International Hot Cocoa Crawl, downtown Springdale, 5-8 p.m. Hundreds of attendees will stroll through downtown, sipping a variety of hot cocoa creations – some classic, others featuring unique international flavors. Guests can enjoy the sparkling holiday lights, visit participating businesses, and discover festive specials along the way. Tickets are $15 for adults $10 for kids 12 and under when purchased in advance online HERE.
Friday, Dec. 12, 2025: Drop off your kiddos for a night full of Elf on the Shelf Bingo and Gingerbread House Making Fun at Kindness & Joy Toys in Fayetteville. $30. 6:30-8 p.m. This is for school-aged kiddos (ages 5 & up). The kids will play Elf on the Shelf Bingo (with prizes for winners) and make and decorate their very own Gingerbread House There will also be pizza and cookies.
Dec. 21, 2025: Winter Glow at Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville. Celebrate the season at Winter Glow, a magical, one-night-only event at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Enjoy live music and festive entertainment, sip warm drinks, and soak in the joy of the winter solstice with family and friends, surrounded by the glow of luminaria and lights. Tickets required.
Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025: Holiday Film: The Muppet Christmas Carol at 2 p.m. at Walton Arts Center.
Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025: Holiday Film: Home Alone, 6:30 p.m. at Walton Arts Center. Tickets are $5
Rogers/Bentonville (Benton County):
Nov. 21-22, 2025: The 19th Annual NWA Boutique Show at the Rogers Convention Center will offer a curated collection of over 185 boutiques featuring home decor, gifts, art, jewelry, fashion, holiday items, gourmet food, candles, toys, children’s clothing and more. There’s a VIP shopping event, a Girls Night Out, and general admission shopping hours.
Nov. 22, 2025: City of Bentonville’s Lighting of the Square. Downtown Bentonville Square. Ring in the holiday season at the City of Bentonville’s Lighting of the Square. There’s a fun evening of fun lined up for the entire family. Lights come on at 6 p.m.
Nov. 22, 2025: The Rink at Lawrence Plaza opens. The 7,000 square-foot ice skating rink located in downtown Bentonville opens for the season on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Nov. 28-29, 2025: Winter Market of NWA. An incredible day of shopping, supporting over 50 local vendors, and finding unique gifts for everyone on your list. From handmade crafts to delicious treats. Benton County Fairgrounds.
Dec. 5, 2025: Rogers Christmas Parade, Downtown Rogers, Friday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 6, 2025: Sips on the Bricks, downtown Rogers, 4-7:30 p.m. Sips on the Bricks is a holiday drink contest, costume contest, and shop local extravaganza in Downtown Rogers.
Dec. 13, 2025: The 2025 Bentonville Christmas Parade is planned for Saturday, December 13 at 6 p.m.
Where to See Christmas Lights:
The Light Show NWA, Fayetteville. A holiday drive through light show with over 900,000 lights at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Kickoff Nov. 21 through Dec. 31, 2025: Tickets required for the drive through experience.
Lights of the Ozarks, downtown Fayetteville Square. The lights will illuminate the square from November 21, 2025 to January 1, 2026. The lights will be turned on the Friday before Thanksgiving with Light Night, an energetic countdown and ceremonial flip of the giant switch at 6:00 p.m. followed by live music and merriment.
Downtown Bentonville Square. The lights on the downtown Bentonville Square will be flipped on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Stewart Family Christmas Light Display. 4279 E. Wyman Road, Fayetteville. Opening night Satruday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m.. Six million lights and hundreds of tons of inflatables. Train Rides, Camel Rides, Pony Rides, and Food Trucks.
McKim Family Lights. Starts the night after Thanksgiving. 3506 Hamm Lane, Springdale. Lights are on Sunday-Thursday 5:30 pm-9 pm, Friday-Saturday 5:30-10 Tune to FM 91.1 to hear the music.
Be the first to comment