Follow the Holiday Lights Through Northwest Arkansas
The holidays shine a little brighter in Northwest Arkansas. From twinkling downtown squares and festive parades to outdoor ice skating, live theater, and only-in-the-Ozarks traditions, communities across the region are ready to celebrate.
Make a night of it, make a weekend of it, or follow the lights from one city to the next. Here are a few of the holiday experiences worth adding to your Northwest Arkansas itinerary this season.
Fayetteville, AR: Lights, Shows, and Holiday Traditions
Fayetteville gets an early start on the season, with its famous downtown lights setting the stage for weeks of performances, festivities, and community celebrations.
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
November 18–December 20 | TheatreSquared
TheatreSquared brings a beloved classic to the stage just in time for the holidays with Little Women, following the March sisters through a story of family, ambition, love, and growing up.
Lights of the Ozarks Light Night
November 20 | Fayetteville Square
The holiday season officially lights up downtown Fayetteville when the historic square transforms into a glowing winter wonderland. Take an evening stroll beneath thousands of lights and enjoy one of Northwest Arkansas’ signature holiday sights.
Tuesdays and Saturdays, November 28–December 19 | Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
WinterFest brings holiday fun to the garden with family-friendly nature exploration, seasonal crafts, storytime, local makers, and more. Return in the evening for a stroll along the Garden’s light trail, with something different to discover during each session.
December 3 | Fayetteville Square
Find your spot downtown as illuminated floats and holiday cheer make their way through Fayetteville during the Lights of the Ozarks Parade.
And the season doesn’t slow down there. Centennial Park welcomes the USA Cyclocross National Championships, December 9–13, while TheatreSquared puts a comedic spin on the holidays with Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some), December 10–24. On December 11, Fayetteville Festivus brings another night of holiday fun to the Square.
Bentonville, AR: Skate Into the Season
Bentonville pairs the glow of its downtown square with one of the season’s quintessential activities: a spin around the ice.
November 21 | Downtown Bentonville & Lawrence Plaza
Watch downtown Bentonville come to life for the holidays during the annual Lighting of the Square, then lace up your skates at The Rink at Lawrence Plaza. The lighting celebration is free, and advance reservations are recommended for skating.
The holiday fun continues with the Bentonville Christmas Parade in December, with the 2026 date to be announced.
December 31 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Amazeum
Sticking around through New Year’s Eve? Families can finish 2026 at the Scott Family Amazeum with Zing in the New Year.
Eureka Springs, AR: Christmas Around Every Corner
With its winding streets, historic architecture, and unmistakable personality, Eureka Springs already feels a little storybook. Add holiday lights, festive events, and a full calendar of Christmas traditions, and the effect gets even more magical.
November 28–January 1
Christmas takes over Eureka Springs for more than a month, giving you plenty of opportunities to experience the town dressed for the season.
December 4 | 6 p.m.
Head downtown for a holiday parade Eureka Springs-style, surrounded by the lights and historic architecture of the city.
December 5 | 1–5 p.m.
Step inside some of the town’s distinctive spaces during the annual Christmas Tour of Homes, followed later in the season by the Christmas Tour of Inns on December 12.
For an only-in-Northwest-Arkansas holiday stay, head to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Throughout December, you can pair an overnight stay near rescued big cats and other wildlife with special Christmas lodging perks like a 20% lodging discount, keepsake mug and ornament, and 2027 calendar. It’s one way to make the holidays a little wilder.
Cane Hill, AR: A Christmas Classic in a Historic Setting
In Cane Hill, the season slows down for an intimate take on a story generations have loved.
December 4 | 6 p.m.
December 5 | 4 p.m.
Historic 1891 Presbyterian Church
Experience A Christmas Carol inside Cane Hill’s historic 1891 Presbyterian Church. This two-person interpretation of the classic tale features costumes, a foley artist, and the ringing of the historic church bell, bringing a timeless holiday story to life in a setting filled with history of its own.
Rogers, AR: Downtown Cheer and Holiday Sips
Downtown Rogers brings plenty of ways to celebrate, whether your perfect holiday outing includes a parade, a festive drink, or a little nostalgia.
December 5 | 4–8 p.m. | Downtown Rogers
Don your ugly sweater or Santa hat and sip your way through downtown Rogers. Participating merchants will compete to create the season’s favorite holiday drink, with complimentary cocktails and mocktails included with event entry. You can taste, vote, and get into the spirit with a holiday costume contest along the way.
December 6 | 6:30 p.m. | Downtown Rogers
Dazzling floats and school bands fill the streets during the annual Rogers Christmas Parade. Arrive early for the Christmas Village vendor market beginning at 5 p.m., plus photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch at Frisco Plaza.
Holiday cheer also makes its way to Uptown Rogers with the Founders Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, bringing together seasonal treats and community celebration. And for a nostalgic holiday detour, pair a family viewing of A Christmas Story with a visit to the Daisy Airgun Museum, then take a stroll through downtown Rogers under the holiday lights.
Make a Holiday Weekend of It
The lights may lead the way, but they’re only the beginning of a holiday getaway in Northwest Arkansas. Book a stay near your favorite downtown and give yourself time to explore. Spend an afternoon shopping for locally made gifts, warm up over dinner or a seasonal drink, catch a holiday performance, and end the evening beneath the lights. Then, wake up and do it all again in another Northwest Arkansas community.
With celebrations beginning in November and continuing through New Year’s Day, there’s plenty of time to start a new tradition, or several.