December 2024: Northwest Arkansas Calendar of Events

Northwest Arkansas Calendar of Events for December 2024

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! For more Christmas fun in Northwest Arkansas (including where to see lights!) see our Holiday Events Guide.

 Winter Nights

Winter Nights has returned to Walton Arts Center Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays now through Dec. 21 with lots of free activities for families and adults. Winter Nights is a festive, family-friendly holiday bar and gathering space open 6 pm-midnight offering indoor and outdoor seating options surrounded by twinkly holiday décor to get you into the spirit of the season. Family-friendly activities are planned for 6-8 pm, and programming geared toward adults will begin at 8 pm each night. KARAOKE NIGHTS: Every Thursday, Nov. 14-Dec. 19 (excluding Thanksgiving Day), 8:30-10:30 pm; TRIVIA NIGHTS: Every Friday, Nov. 15-Dec. 20, 8-10 pm; LIVE MUSIC: Every Saturday, Nov. 16-Dec. 21, 8-10 pm; FAMILY FUN NIGHTS: Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nov. 14-21 (excluding Thanksgiving), 6-8pm. 

Date: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 21

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville

The Lights of the Ozarks Parade

The parade will wind through downtown Fayetteville on Thursday, December 5 starting at 6:30 p.m. The lights on the square are free and open to the public every evening from 5 pm until 1 am through January 1st, 2025.

Date: Dec. 5

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Downtown Fayetteville Square

Visits with Santa at Lights of the Ozarks

Bring your little ones to Santa’s Workshop for a chance to meet the big guy in red. This yearly tradition just got an upgrade – they’ll get to tell Santa exactly what’s on their wish list in his new Fayetteville workshop. Capture a holiday photo of Christmas magic in action. You don’t want to miss the busy Santa Claus while he’s downtown this season

Dates: Friday & Saturday, December 6 & 7 and 13 & 14 

Times: Santa will be in his workshop from 6-8 p.m.

Location: S. East Ave., Fayetteville

Winter Glow at Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

Sip and stroll your way through lit paths of the Garden surrounded by the winter glow of 2,000 luminarias and artistic lighting installations designed to illuminate the Garden in an entirely new way. Timed tickets will allow up to 100 family units per hour to enjoy the Garden from 5:30 – 9 p.m. each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the three weeks before Christmas. Tickets required.

Date: Dec. 6

Time: Timed tickets will allow up to 100 family units per hour to enjoy the Garden from 5:30 – 9 p.m.

Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville

International Hot Cocoa Crawl

This event, in downtown Springdale, offers a delicious tour through downtown with over 15 unique stops, each featuring a different take on the classic hot cocoa drink, some with an international twist. The cocoa crawl takes place alongside Caroling on the Creek, a delightful performance by the Springdale School District from 5 – 7 PM in Turnbow Park. Enjoy holiday carols while sipping your cocoa in the festive glow of the Downtown Outdoor Dining District. Tickets for the International Hot Cocoa Crawl are available now.

Date: Dec. 6

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Location: Downtown Springdale

Rogers Christmas Parade

Frisco Plaza, Rogers, Friday, Dec. 6, 5-8 p.m. The Rogers Christmas Village will take place before and during the Rogers Christmas Parade.

Date: Dec. 6

Time: 5-8 p.m.

Location: Frisco Plaza, Rogers

Hot Cocoa with Santa

Date: Dec. 7

Time: 10 a.m. to noon

Location: TheatreSquared, Fayetteville

Holiday Market on the Fayetteville Square

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.

Date: Dec. 7

Time: 9 to 1 p.m.

Location: Fayetteville Square

Sips on the Bricks: Holiday Edition

This local, holiday tradition is making a smashing return as a cocktail and mocktail tasting, holiday-themed costume contest, poker run and shop local extravaganza in Downtown Rogers.

Date: Saturday, December 7

Time: 4 – 7:30 p.m.

Location: Downtown Rogers

Santa Drop, Arkansas Air and Military Museum

Watch Santa skydive! This event is very weather dependent so please watch the museum’s social media closely. Gates open at 10 AM, Santa Jumps at 11 AM, Family Photos can be taken until 1 PM. Backup date Dec. 14.

Date: Dec. 7 (Backup date Dec. 14)

Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Arkansas Air and Military Museum, Fayetteville

Winter Survival Tabletop

How do wild animals survive the cold winter months? Hibernate is just one of the “ates”! Learn about all 8 “ates” or strategies used for winter survival at this tabletop display where you can come and go as you please. Make a craft to take home. A 15-minute program will start every half-hour from 11:30 – 1:30.

Dates: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8

Times: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. A 15-minute program will start every half-hour from 11:30 – 1:30.

Location: Hobbs State Park, Rogers

The Snowman: A Family Concert

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.

Date: Dec. 8

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville

Oh Deer!

The white-tailed deer is just one of the fascinating animals that call Hobbs State Park home. It’s time for the rut and now is the perfect time to learn more about these majestic creatures. We’ll have information on deer biology, chronic wasting disease and how habitat plays an important role in their future. Make a deer craft to take home! Come and go as you please. A 15-minute program will start every half-hour from 11:30 – 1:30.

Dates: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15

Times: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Hobbs State Park

Fireside with Santa

Photos with Santa, cocoa, caroling, crafts and more.

Date: Dec. 14

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: Bella Vista Public Library

2024 Bentonville Christmas Parade

The annual parade is planned for Saturday, December 14 at 6 p.m. The theme is Christmas On Canvas. This long-loved tradition is a favorite within the community.

Date: Dec. 14

Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Downtown Bentonville

Winter Solstice: Science, Folklore & Lantern Crafts

Come spend some time on the shortest day of the year at Hobbs State Park. Learn about what the solstice really means in nature and have some fun as guests explore how one ancient culture explained this important natural phenomenon. A fun, interactive, 15-minute program will be offered every half-hour from 11:30 – 1:30. where guests become part of the story. Make a solstice lantern to take home for your own solstice celebration. Come and go as you please.

Date: Saturday, December 21

Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: Hobbs State Park, Rogers