Northwest Arkansas Calendar of Events: December 2020

December 2020: Northwest Arkansas Calendar of Events

We’ve somehow made it to the end of what may be the weirdest year ever. This month in Northwest Arkansas, there will be holiday food drives, a stationary Christmas parade, shopping events, a fun dog day, a socially-distanced visit with Santa and much more. Be safe out there, mamas!

Holiday Food Drive

Join us in feeding Northwest Arkansas this holiday season. Donations from our Holiday Food Drive go right back into our community and help food insecure families and individuals. From Nov. 15 – Dec. 1, you can drop off donations at: Uncle Tanks | 885 W Henri de Tonti Blvd. Springdale, AR 72762; Southern Storage | 1551 Main Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704; LifeSource | 600 S. School Ave. Suite 2 Fayetteville, AR 72701. We are starting the Holiday season, which is the greatest time of need normally throughout the whole year.

Time: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Date: December 1

Location: 600 S. School Fayetteville

Click here for more info about the holiday food drive. 

Torchy’s Fundraiser for Compassion House

Torchy’s supports our local Rogers community and aims to connect our neighbors and organizations through what we do best, good tacos. We will be hosting fundraisers to give a portion of proceeds back to Compassion House. Just show the flyer in the post below or mention that you’re there to support and your order will help contribute to their overall donation.

Time: Noon-8 p.m.

Date: December 1

Location: Torchy’s 4950 W. Pauline Whitaker Rogers

Click here for more info about the Compassion House fundraiser. 

Southern Lights

Join McGarrah Farms at our newest location, Rivercrest Orchard. Southern Lights is a family friendly event. We are offering a Hayride through a light display, a Train Ride to see Santa, Live Holiday Music, and warm campfires! (Masks Required) *Santa will be available from 6- 9 p.m.

Time: 5-10 p.m.

Date: December 3

Location: 2991 S Dead Horse Mountain Rd, Fayetteville

Click here for more info about the Southern Lights. 

Holiday Poinsettia Fundraiser

The Peel Compton Foundation is launching the 1st Annual Poinsettia Sale.

The cost to purchase is $20 each, and a portion of the proceeds benefit The Peel Compton Foundation annual programming. There are 400 red poinsettias and 100 white poinsettias available for purchase. Each poinsettia purchase comes with a Thank You card, making these the perfect gift for the holiday season.

“The poinsettia is the perfect gift for your loved ones, it brings to mind cherished holidays of the past. To me it represents a bit of holiday cheer and tradition. If you are like me, you’re thinking, I wonder if Col Samuel Peel and Mary Peel enjoyed Poinsettias during their holiday traditions? I bet they did because the Poinsettias common name is derived from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. minister to Mexico who is credited with its introduction to the United States in the 1820’s! Thank you, Joel Roberts Poinsett!”, Laura Brewer, Peel Mansion Horticulturist said.

We will be hosting a curbside, no contact pick-up event.

Time: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Date: December 4 and 5

Location: The Peel Mansion 400 S. Walton Blvd. Bentonville

Click here for more info about the poinsettia fundraiser. 

Holiday Market at NWA Mall

Local and out of state vendors fill the Mall Concourses for 3 days of shopping. Find unique, home made, one of a kind, crafts, direct selling and morel Come find that perfect Christmas Gift for everyone on your list.

Time: all day

Date: December 4-6

Location: Northwest Arkansas Mall 4201 N. Shiloh Dr. Fayetteville

Click here for more info about the Holiday Market. 

DTR Christmas Special

Join us for the 1st DTR Christmas Special. Get your family, your team or your friends together (6ft apart of course) and send us your short video clips. Let’s celebrate this holiday season with a fun community program. Applications/videos are due by November 13, 2020. *Please note this deadline is based on availability. Applications will no longer be accepted once the event is at capacity due to time constraints.

Time: 6-7 p.m.

Date: December 4

Location: online

Click here for more info about the DTR Christmas Special. 

Stationary Christmas Parade

Holiday floats and displays will be available for viewing at various locations on the upper loop, through downtown, and throughout the city from 6-8pm. There will also be areas set up to safely drop off donations for your favorite charities all along the parade route. View the digital display location map by clicking here.

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Date: December 4

Location: Eureka Springs

Click here for more info about the Stationary Christmas Parade. 

Santa’s Pump Track Classic

Runway Bike Park is hosting the 3rd annual Santa’s Pump Track Classic. This bicycling event is for kids, ages 3-12. Learn more and register for the event by clicking here.

Time: Noon-4 p.m.

Date: December 5

Location: Runway Bike Park 922 E. Emma Springdale

Click here for more info about this bike event. 

Meals on Wheels Holiday Fundraiser

An all ages event with live music, food, and prizes! All funds raised benefit the Fayetteville Meals on Wheels program. We will have space outside to socially distance while participating and the event will be livestreamed. This event is in partnership with Subaru Share the Love. Online donations can be made by clicking here. 

Time: Noon-2 p.m.

Date: December 5

Location: online

Click here for more info about this fundraiser. 

2020 Christmas Toy Run

Help Santa Deliver toys to the NWA Children’s Shelter. Ride check-in at 10:30 a.m. in the Bass Pro parking lot. Santa’s escort will leave for the NWA Children’s Shelter at 11:30 AM. Cost to ride is a $5 donation and a toy. Santa will have a free lunch for all helpers at Pig Trail HD after the parade. Your donation of a new, unwrapped toy for a local child is appreciated. We are collecting toys for boys and girls ages infant-16 years. All monetary donations benefit NWA Children’s Shelter.

Time: 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.

Date: Saturday, December 5th, 2020

Location: Bass Pro parking lot

Click here for more info about the Toy Run. 

Feliz Navi Dog Day

Let’s celebrate our Furry Friends while they help you sniff out the perfect tree. Barksberry Place Groomers, and Camp BowWow will once again be joining us with some fun giveaways, so be sure to stop by their booths. The Rogers Humane Society will also be here from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with some sweet pups who would sure like a new home for Christmas, so please stop by and give those Furry Friends some love, and see if they just might be the perfect fit for your family. Homemade dog treats and fresh water will also be available at the Gift Shop.

Time: 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Date: December 5

Location: Wonderland Christmas Tree Farm 14821 Miser Rd. Pea Ridge

Click here for more info about Feliz Navi Dog Day. 

Socially Distant Pictures with Santa

Santa Claus is coming to Downtown Rogers. Children of all ages can share their wish list with Santa and have their picture taken (safely) together. Sessions are approximately 3-5 minutes and include 1 5×7 picture. Reserve your spot today. Book your spot using the “Find Tickets” button on our event page.

COVID NOTE: Everyone’s safety is extremely important to us. It may be 2020, but we are doing our best to keep this sweet tradition alive and as safe as possible. Masks will be required when not being photographed. Santa’s elves have informed us that for everyone’s safety he has requested no children sit on his lap this year. We will offer creative alternatives to allow children to talk with Santa and have a picture taken with him, all while maintaining a safe distance.

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

Date: December 5

Location: Brick and Mortar 120 W. Walnut Rogers

Click here for more info about pictures with Santa. 

Very Merry Mini Sessions

This is a first time event, the Very Merry Mini Sessions at the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks by Capture Me Photography. These 10 minute mini sessions are great for the entire family in the “Christmas tree farm” in the garden.

Time: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Date: December 6

Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks 4703 N. Crossover Fayetteville

Click here for more info about this family photo event. 

Holiday Drive Through Event

Join Father Christmas and our Heritage School Christmas Carolers as we celebrate the Holiday Season COVID style. This will be a contact free event, featuring drive-through, socially distanced caroling. Come celebrate the season with us without having to leave the comfort of your car!

Time: 2-4 p.m.

Date: December 6

Location: Washington County Historical Society 118 E. Dickson St. Fayetteville

Click here for more info about this holiday drive-thru event. 

All Aboard! Holiday Express Pajama Train

Springdale to Johnson, an estimated 1 hour round ride will have departures at 1am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm. Enjoy holiday themed train cars with onboard caroling and letters to Santa.

For safety the A&M RR is following all state CDC guidelines including social distancing, temperatures taken at check in and facial coverings required during all train rides. Due to Covid-19, Santa will be at the depot for social distanced visits and hot chocolate and cookies will be served after each train ride. For reservations visit amtrainrides.com or call 479-725-4017

Time: varies

Date: December 5, 6, 12, 13

Location: Arkansas and Missouri Railroad, Springdale

Click here for more info about the pajama train. 

Annual Christmas Sale for Sharing and Caring

Toys, games, RC motorcycles, Titleist golf balls, golf towels, PC/Console gaming items, Hatchimals, Paw Patrol GALORE, electronics accessories and more.Every sale supports underprivileged Benton County children. Cash, credit and check accepted. *Please note: this is a COVID conscious event. Masks will be required, temperatures taken and COVID questions asked/recorded.

Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Date: December 10

Location: 706 S. Walton Blvd. Suite A Bentonville

Click here for more info about the annual Christmas sale. 

Sharing and Caring Distribution Day

Every year, families in the Sharing & Caring program receive their gifts and basic necessities at Distribution Day, when moms are thrilled that their children will experience the joy of Christmas and dads profusely thank us for help during a difficult time.

We see that 1,300+ families are served with help of our 300+ volunteers. We hand out thousands of pounds of food and 3,600+ underprivileged children receive Christmas gifts and basic needs all right here in Benton County. Distribution Day is our favorite day of the year, a day of overwhelming emotion and incredible joy for everyone involved.

Family reminders: You must present your claim ticket and a valid photo ID to pick-up items. The name on claim ticket must match name on photo ID. Gifts not picked up on Fri., 12/11 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 11

Location: 7640 SW Regional Airport Blvd. Bentonville

Click here for more info about Distribution Day. 

Breakfast with Santa

A Holly Jolly time for the whole family. Come enjoy all you can eat pancakes while hanging with the BIG MAN himself. Santa will be taking family photos as well as some “Socially Distanced” holiday pics. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance by clicking here.

Time: 9-11 a.m.

Date: December 12

Location: Big Sexy Food 107 E. Emma Springdale

Click here for more info about the Breakfast with Santa event. 

Arkansas Truck Scene Toy Drive

Truck clubs “Just Truckin & Ondiados” with Christian Roque’s car team “Reckless” and videographer Josz Vizuals will be hosting a toy drive event at Lokomotion in Fayetteville. There will be food and live music. The food truck is “The Little Red Barn/Fabrica de Churros” and DJ will be “DeeJay Inquieto”. All truck clubs, car teams, solo riders, anyone is welcome! We are uniting for this special event for the community. Come hangout and have a good time at this meet/event.Please bring a toy or you can also donate money at the donation box that will be there.

Time: 11a.m.-4 p.m.

Date: December 12

Location: Lokomotion 4520 N. College Fayetteville

Click here for more info about the toy drive. 

Come Play In the Lights

Come play in the lights with our two incredible neon art installations designed by Brian Bailey. We have DJ Ambrosia spinning the records, Nate with 2nd smoke cooking up the plates, and B. Watts Photography of course hosting it all at his studio, Studio 4seven9.

Part of the proceeds made from this event will go to 2nd hand smoke feed the community project. There will be 3-60 minute flights with a maximum of 20 people per flight. To be able to practice social distancing. Masks are required. There will be pre-screening questions and a temperature check. If you’re interested in the food we ask that you please pre-order to guarantee that you will have a plate.

Also, we’ll be allowing people to come take selfies, boomerangs, and video with the lights throughout December. So, come with friends or family. It will be available Thursday through Sunday from December 3-23, for $25+tax. This will be 30 minute flights with a maximum of 8.

Time: 3-6 p.m.

Date: December 12

Location: Studio 4seven9 2231 N. Lowell Rd. Ste C 2 Springdale

Click here for more info about this art event. 

11th Annual Potter’s House Christmas

Things may look different this year, but there is still much to be thankful for. For the 11th consecutive year, we are calling out to our community to help us celebrate all that the Lord has done through relationships. Instead of our typical community gathering, this year’s event will be a holiday drive-thru experience that provides gifts, family portraits, and a family dinner to enjoy at home. You can choose to support our efforts by volunteering, gift purchases, or financial donations. Visit our website www.pottershousekids.com to learn more on ways to be involved.

Time: 2-5 p.m.

Date: December 13

Location: Donald W. Reynolds Boys and Girls Club of Fayetteville 560 N. Rupple Rd. Fayetteville

Click here for more info about the Potter’s House Christmas event. 

Tour of Trees

The Tour of Trees is always a favorite. Drive through anytime in the month of December, or join us on the 15th to see (and vote on) the variety of trees, enjoy live Christmas music, and have a great time along the way. This is strictly a drive-thru event, but residents will enjoy it, as well, in designated areas. This is as close as we can get to making a connection with the community these days, but we know it will be a way to lift the spirits of everyone. We will also have a drop-off area for Necessities Drive donations.

Time: 5:30-7 p.m.

Date: December 15

Location: 2300 SE 28th St. Bentonville

Click here for more info about the Tour of Trees. 

Toy Drive for Children’s Shelter

Join us for the 3rd Annual Toy Drive benefiting NWA Children’s Shelter at Grubs Rogers Dec 16th. Santa will be making an appearance, music by Will Brand, and 20% of food sales will be donated to NWA Children’s Shelter! Can’t make it Dec 16th? That is okay! Just drop off an wrapped gift at any of these locations beforehand: Salon H Ross; SubieGurus; House Inc. NWA Children’s Shelter toy list is below in feed. Let’s all come together to help the children at NWA Children’s Shelter have the BEST Christmas ever.

Time: 5 p.m.

Date: December 16

Location: Grub’s 3001 S. Market St. Rogers

Click here for more info about the toy drive. 

Holiday Floral Workshop

In this beginner-focused workshop, we will work with Laura Brewer, Peel Heritage Garden Site manager and floral design professional, to design and build a beautiful holiday themed floral centerpiece. Participants will learn how to properly care for their flowers, multiple floral design styles, and get to bring home their very own centerpiece to enjoy over the holidays.

This course is for beginners, families, and floral enthusiasts alike are invited to come build an arrangement with us. Cost is $60, which includes a floral arrangement that you get to take home. Bring a face mask, a good pair of scissors or snips, and a creative mind.Contact Kenny Williams with any questions at kenny.williams@peelcompton.org.

Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Date: Dec. 16 and 17

Location: Peel Mansion Conservatory 400 S. Walton Blvd. Bentonville

Click here for more info about the floral workshop. 

Children of Veterans Sleigh-thru Christmas

You can drive through or walk in to receive your gifts and food. Sign up here by November 30.

This year you will also receive a time to arrive to pick up your gifts, to comply with Covid Restrictions.

Time: 3-8 p.m.

Date: December 19

Location: Center for Nonprofits at St. Mary’s 1200 W Walnut St, Rogers

Click here for more info about this event. 

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

The museum offers a variety of workshops, gallery tours, sketchbook clubs and outdoor events throughout the month.

Click here for more info about events at the museum.

The Fayetteville Public Library

The Fayetteville Library continues to offer story times, workshops and discussions for a variety of ages almost daily.

Click here for more info about activities happening in December at the Fayetteville Library.