December 2019 Northwest Arkansas Calendar of Events
Welcome to December 2019, mamas! We all know how busy December can be, but it’s also one of the best times of year to experience some really fun community events with your kids. We’ve rounded up a bunch of family-friendly events, organized by date, so mark your planner or calendar app!
Click here to see LOTS more holiday events!
Sunday Funday Crafts
Join park staff for a fun crafting activity that’s great for the whole family. Materials and instruction are provided. Drop by Hindman Hall Museum to get crafty.
Date: December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Location: Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park 506 E Douglas Street Prairie Grove
Click here for more information about Sunday Funday Crafts.
Waterfowl in Arkansas
Where do our ducks come from? Why do they come here and why do they leave? Bring the whole family and learn about Arkansas waterfowl.
Date: December 1
Location: Hobbs State Park Conservation Area 20201 E. Hwy 12 Rogers
Click here for more information about the Waterfowl in Arkansas program.
Fire and Fellowship
Join a park interpreter to enjoy a crackling fire and some fellowship. As we reminisce by the fireside, we share our stories of the park. Everyone is welcome to join. A few rocking chairs are provided, but feel free to bring along a comfy lawn chair.
Date: December 1
Location: Lake Fort Smith Park 15458 in Mountainburg
Click here for more information about Fire and Fellowship in Mountainburg.
Read With a Ranger
This program is ideal for preschool and elementary-aged children, it introduces children to their state park rangers and emphasizes the importance of literacy, creativity, and community. Happens on the first Tuesday of the month at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. Participants will enjoy story time and a craft activity.
Time: 10-10:45 a.m.
Date: December 3
Location: Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park 506 E. Douglas Street Prairie Grove
Click here for more information about the Read with a Ranger program in Prairie Grove.
Holiday Bazaar
Shop local craft vendors and enjoy festive snacks and musical entertainment at this holiday bazaar open to everyone. Free admission. For more information call (479) 271-7120.
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Date: December 5
Location: Primrose Retirement Community 650 S. Dodson Rd. Rogers
Click here for more information about the Holiday Bazaar in Rogers.
Silver Tea
The Crystal Dining Room at the Crescent Hotel in will be turned into a Winter Wonderland. This annual event kicks off the Christmas celebrations all over town. The tables are covered with silver trays full of tea cookies and sandwiches. Each year a non-profit organization in Carroll County is chosen to receive the donations and those attending visit and share time with friends and neighbors. Admission to the tea is by donation. This year’s chosen honoree is Cup of Love Ministry.
Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Date: December 5
Location: Crescent Hotel 75 Prospect Eureka Springs
Click here for more information about the Silver Tea event in Eureka Springs.
The Nutcracker
Join The Northwest Arkansas Conservatory of Classical Ballet for an enchanted evening with Clara as she receives her most treasured Christmas gift, a Nutcracker doll. Follow along as he comes to life in her dream, and saves her from the grip of the evil Rat King and Queen and their mice minions with the help of his infantry of toy soldiers. Continue with Clara and the Nutcracker prince as they journey through the wintry Snow Forest and into the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her magical Land of Sweets.
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Date: December 6, 7 and 8
Location: Arend Arts Center 1901 Southeast J Street Bentonville
Click here for more information about The Nutcracker performance in Bentonville.
Rogers Christmas Parade
The annual city parade will feature floats, vehicles, music, candy, marching units, thousands of lights and much more. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. with pre-parade festivities taking place at the Frisco Stage beginning at 6 p.m. Free admission. For more information: (479) 936-5487.
Time: activities at 6 p.m., parade at 7 p.m.
Date: December 6
Location: downtown Rogers
Click here for more information about the Rogers Christmas Parade.
Holiday Concert
Students from the Will Bush Violin Studio in Springdale will present a concert of holiday music Saturday, December 7, at 2 p.m. at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. The students, both children and adults, will perform Christmas hymns and carols, fiddle tunes, and classical music of the season on violin, viola, cello, and guitar. For more information, call 750-8165.
Time: 2 p.m.
Date: December 7
Location: Shiloh Museum 118 W. Johnson Avenue Springdale
Click here for more information about the Violin Holiday Concert.
Rogers Historical Museum
The museum will host its Holiday Open House on Dec. 7. The event will include crafts, refreshments, activities and tours. Free admission. For more information, call (479) 621-1154.
Time: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Date: December 7
Location: Rogers Historical Museum 322 S. 2nd St. Rogers
Click here for more information about the Holiday Open House at the Rogers Historical Museum.
Creative Visions for Kids: Flat-Style Painting
Muscogee Creek artist Johnnie Diacon will delve into a traditional Native painting style that is known to the five civilized tribes: Creek, Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Seminole.
Participants will have a chance in this hands-on workshop to learn about the style of painting and create their very own Flat-Style piece of art. This workshop is geared to kids age 6-15. Participants must register for free online through the MONAH website or by calling the museum. Time: 1-3 p.m.
Date: December 7
Location: Museum of Native American History 202 SW O St Bentonville
Click here for more information about this painting workshop.
The Grinch (2018)
Downtown Rogers Inc. and the Noble Insurance Agency present the showing of The Grinch. Based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday classic, it tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit.
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Date: December 7
Location: The Victory Theater 116 S. 2nd Street Rogers
Click here for ticket information to see The Grinch at The Victory Theater in Downtown Rogers.
Jingle Bell Jog 5K and Children’s Fun Run
The 8th annual event brings runners and walkers of all levels and ages. Ugly Christmas sweaters, Santa hats, elf ears – anything that sparkles and jingles is highly encouraged. The first 200 children (12 and under) will receive a swag bag. Light snacks are included the morning of the race starting at 8 a.m. Come run, walk and be merry. No pets please. Proceeds support the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks.
Time: The 5K is at 9 a.m., the Children’s Fun Run is at 10 a.m.
Date: December 7
Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks 4703 N. Crossover Fayetteville
Click here for info on the Jingle Bell Jog 5L and Children’s Fun Run
Christmas in Camp
How did Civil War soldiers celebrate Christmas when they were hundreds of miles away from home and locked in a bloody struggle determining the future of our country? Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park will host a living history event that portrays the typical lives of soldiers in a winter encampment, while also highlighting some of the Civil War Christmas traditions.
The Christmas camp will be open and free to the public on Saturday, December 7th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, December 8th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Guided candlelight tours will be offered Saturday evening for a fee and visitors must register in advance as space is limited. Tours will last approximately two hours and will include walking a distance of over a mile on a December night. Tours will begin at 7 p.m., 7:20 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. Please contact the park at (479) 846-2990 to reserve a tour.
Time: Varies by day
Date: December 7, 8
Location: Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park 506 E. Douglas St. Prairie Grove
Click here for info on the Christmas in Camp event in Prairie Grove.
Santa’s Pump Track Classic
All registrations include entry into race, event souvenir, race number for your bike, and refreshments provided by the presenting sponsor, CLIF Bar.
Time: Noon-4 p.m.
Date: December 7
Location: Runway Bike Park, The Jones Center 922 E Emma Ave, Springdale
Click here to register for the event.
Click here for more information about Santa’s Pump Track Classic at the Jones Center.
King’s River Overlook & Eagle’s Nest Falls Guided Hike
Come enjoy seeing the King’s River Overlook and hiking along its trail. This starts your adventure guided by an ONSC teacher naturalist where you will gain a perspective that you just can’t get when hiking alone. Just down the path, Eagle’s Nest Falls is an easy hike with a little bushwhacking. Get a great view from the bottom of this 41 foot falls and learn about the ecology and natural wonders of this part of our world here at ONSC. Bring your own sack lunch or snacks. No refunds or transfers to other programs after November 23.
Time:
Date: December 7
Location: Ozark Natural Science Center 1905 Madison 1305 Huntsville
Click here for more information about this guided hike at ONSC.
Annual Christmas Tour of Homes
A walking tour of Eureka’s most beautifully restored homes gives guests a glimpse of a bygone era. All stops on the self-guided tour will be lavishly decorated for the season with Victorian attired docents to relate the history of each home. Visitors will be treated to carolers, Christmas music and refreshments along their journey into the past.
Time: 3-8 p.m.
Date: December 7
Location: historic Eureka Springs
Click here for more information about the Christmas Tour of Homes.
Holiday Book Sale
Need gifts for the holidays? Want to support your library? The Friends of Fayetteville Public Library will host a holiday book sale Saturday, December 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m and Sunday, December 8 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The sale will be held in the library’s lobby. Book prices will be 50 cents for children’s and paperback books and $1.00 for hardback books. On both Saturday and Sunday, participants will have the opportunity to “fill a bag” at a cost of $5 per bag.
If participants do not wish to fill a bag, prices for both days will be: 25 cents for pocket paperbacks, 50 cents for trade paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks and 50 cents for media. Proceeds from the sale will support the library.
Time: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday
Date: December 7 and 8
Location: Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more information about the Holiday Book Sale.
Super Saturday: PlayAct performs A Barnyard Christmas Carol
The library’s teen theater troupe, PlayAct, performs this downhome version of the Christmas classic by Charles Dickens. Come on out for some knee-slappin’ laughs. If you are unable to attend this event in person, it will be available for viewing and replay via our FPL Livestream page at https://livestream.com/faylib.
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: December 7
Location: Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more information about “A Barnyard Christmas Carol” performance in Fayetteville.
Movie Night: The Grinch
Join this free movie night on the big screen in the Jones Center auditorium. December’s movie is “The Grinch” (2018).
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Date: December 13
Location: The Jones Center 922 E Emma Ave, Springdale
Click here for more info about Movie Night at The Jones Center in Springdale.
Sweets with Santa
Celebrate the holidays with sweet treats, crafts, and everyone’s favorite, SANTA. This event is for ages 4-8. Registration is required and will open November 25 at 9 a.m.
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Date: December 14
Location: Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about the Sweets with Santa event at the Fayetteville Public Library.
Super Saturday Holiday Storytime
Join us for a holiday themed Story Time in the Storytime room.
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: December 14
Location: Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about Holiday Storytime at the Fayetteville Public Library.
Letters to Santa
Celebrate the holiday season like its 1862 by writing your letter to Santa with a quill and ink. Stop by Hindman Hall Museum to write your own letter to Santa and drop it in the mail. This activity is great for children and families.
Time: 1 p.m.
Date: December 14
Location: Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park 506 E. Douglas St. Prairie Grove
Click here for more info about the Letters to Santa program in Prairie Grove.
A Night of Merry Making
Free holiday fun for the whole family: caroling in Basin Spring Park with momandpop is at 5 p.m.; Living Windows and a living art exhibit is 5-8 p.m.; Elfie Selfie Scavenger Hunt 5-8 p.m.
snow, street theater and more throughout this spectacular night in historic downtown.
Time: 5-9 p.m.
Date: December 14
Location: Main & Spring Streets Eureka Springs
Click here for more info about “A Night of Merry Making” in downtown Eureka Springs.
Tea Kettle Falls Guided Hike
Unplug and reconnect with your family during a hike to the beautiful Tea Kettle falls. This hidden gem has no trail to follow and can be difficult to find on your own, so let a teacher naturalist lead you there. 
Along the way, they’ll share knowledge of the forest around us and do some winter birding. Bring your own sack lunch or snacks. No refunds or transfers to other programs after December 1.
Time: Noon-4 p.m.
Date: December 15
Location: 1905 Madison 1305 Huntsville
Click here for more info about this guided hike in Huntsville.
Railroad Photo Exhibit
Working on the Railroad, a photo exhibit on the history of railroading in the region, opens Tuesday, December 17, at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. The exhibit includes images from the coming of trains to Northwest Arkansas in 1881 to present-day tourist excursions. For more information, call 750-8165.
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Date: December 17
Location: The Shiloh Museum is located at 118 W. Johnson Avenue in downtown Springdale.
Click here for more information about the Railroad Photo Exhibit in Springdale.
Countdown to Christmas
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Robert Earl Keen is launching a new holiday show experience – Countdown to Christmas: Lunar Tunes & Looney Times. Keen and his band will pay homage to the space race and all things celestial in an out-of-this-world evening of family holiday fun. Opening act: Austin-based, swamp-pop-soul supergroup Shinyribs.
Time: 7-10 p.m.
Date: December 17
Location: 495 W. Dickson Fayetteville
Click here for info about the Countdown to Christmas event in Fayetteville.
A Very SONA Christmas
The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) continues its 65th Anniversary 2019-20 Season with an evening performance and a special matinee of A Very SoNA Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 21. This concert features a mix of holiday favorites with the SoNA Singers, area high school choirs, and special guest artists. For tickets and more info, including a full season lineup, visit sonamusic.org.
Time: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Date: December 21
Location: 495 W. Dickson St. Fayetteville
Click here for info about “A Very SONA Christmas” concert in Fayetteville.
Civil War Christmas
The emergence of a modern, American Christmas is traced to the Civil War Era. Get in the spirit of the season with an introduction into the roots of the holiday. We will discuss the first images of Santa, the creation of Christmas cards, and how soldiers celebrated the season.
Time: 2-3 p.m.
Date: December 21
Location: 506 E. Douglas Prairie Grove
Click here for more info about the Civil War Christmas event in Prairie Grove.
Super Saturday: Celebrate Hanukkah
Join Temple Shalom to celebrate Hanukkah with stories and traditions. All are welcome to celebrate and learn with us! This program is in the Story Time Room.
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: December 21
Location: Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about the “Celebrate Hanukkah” event in Fayetteville.
The Snowman: A Family Concert
The family favorite NWA holiday tradition returns. Join us for the 5th annual screening of the 1982 Academy Award®-nominated film The Snowman, based on Raymond Briggs’ classic children’s book of the same name.
Time: 2 p.m.
Date: December 22
Location: Baum Walker Hall at the Walton Arts Center 495 W Dickson St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about “The Snowman” family concert at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville.
Super Saturday: Artsy Craftsy
Join us for some post-Christmas crafting. Drop by the story time room between 10:30 and 11:30 for a fun craft for kids.
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: December 28
Location: Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about this post-holiday craft event at the Fayetteville Public Library.
Afternoon Tea
Don your best hats and dresses – it’s time for tea. We will share traditional refreshments, enjoy games and crafts, and practice nineteenth-century etiquette. This event is perfect for friends and families of all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Advanced registration is required and must be completed by December 27 at 5 p.m. Registration is $8 for adults and $5 for children (cash only) and may be completed by visiting Hindman Hall Museum and Visitor Center daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Early registrants can sign up to receive a formal invitation through the mail. This program is limited to 25 participants. Meet at the Latta Barn.
Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
Date: December 29
Location: 506 E. Douglas St. Prairie Grove
Click here for more info about the Afternoon Tea event in Prairie Grove.
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