The holiday magic is back, and Macaroni Kid Rogers-Bentonville is your go-to destination for family-friendly holiday fun this season! From festive events to spectacular light displays and Santa visits, we have your ultimate guide to the best local holiday events. Explore our curated list of activities and make your holidays unforgettable.
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Must-See Holiday Attractions in Northwest Arkansas
Discover the best holiday attractions and festive experiences in Northwest Arkansas that will bring cheer and winter magic all season long:
Lights of the Ozarks
- Location: Fayetteville Square, 1 W Center in Fayetteville AR
- Highlights: Lights of the Ozarks is a holiday celebration of lights in Fayetteville, AR, that begins on the Friday prior to Thanksgiving with an official lighting at 6:00pm - an event known as Light Night, followed by a holiday parade on December 5th. Lights of the Ozarks will continue to illuminate the Historic Square each evening from 5:00pm to 1:00am through January 1. Along with the dazzling display of twinkle lights, you'll find a festive selection of seasonal activities, holiday music, winter treats, hot cocoa, and vendors on the Downtown Square each night during Lights of the Ozarks. Take a slow drive around the Square or park and stroll around!
- More Info: Lights of the Ozarks
Lights on the Bentonville Square
- Location: Bentonville Square, 100 NW 2nd St, Bentonville Ar
- Highlights: Every year, the Bentonville Parks and Recreation team transforms the square into a sparkling winter wonderland that’s completely FREE and perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you're a kid or just a kid at heart, a stop on our square is sure to brighten your holiday season. Thousands of glowing lights fill the trees, wrap around the buildings, and twinkle across the square. At the center of it all stands a massive, glowing Christmas tree that’s perfect for family photos or just soaking in the holiday spirit. An ice skating rink is open downtown at Lawrence Plaza during the season.
- More Info: Lights on the Bentonville Square
Stewart Family Christmas Lights
- Location: 4279 E Wyman Rd Fayetteville, AR
- Highlights: Immerse yourself in a spectacle of over 6,000,000 lights, accompanied by hundreds of inflatables. Discover your Holiday Dream Theme! Meet Santa every night! Meet the Grinch every weekend night!
- Admission is $10, children 2 and under free. Hours: 5-10 pm weekdays, 5-11 pm weekends
Additional Attractions:
Train Rides
Pony Rides
Camel Rides
Food Trucks - Expect traffic delays, especially on weekends.
Wheelchair Accessible: Assistance may be required on walking paths. - More Info: Stewart Family Christmas Lights
Winter Glow at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
- Hours: Friday, Sat and Sunday starting Dec 6th, 5:30-9:00 PM
- Location: 4703 N Crossover Rd Fayetteville, AR
- Highlights: 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 pm to 9:00 pm each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the three weeks before Christmas.
- Admission is $15 adults, $7 for kids, age 3 & under free or family pass (4 people) $45
- More Info: Winter Glow
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Upcoming Holiday and Winter Events in Northwest Arkansas
Looking to find holiday events in Northwest Arkansas? Want to know where to meet Santa? Stay updated with the best seasonal events happening throughout Northwest Arkansas.
We’ll update this list frequently as more family-friendly holiday events are announced, so make sure to check back often!
Sat, Nov 30
- Shop Small event with crafts for kids @ The Amazeum
- Downtown Springdale Christmas on the Creeks with Santa & Tree Lighting
- Holly Jolly Pony Extravaganza @ Wonderland Christmas Tree Farm
- Downtown Springdale Christmas Parade
- Christmas on the Creeks in Rogers
Sun, Dec 1
- Festival of Trees @ Mount Sequoyah: Snapshots with Santa
- Christmas Carols with Ozark Handbell Ensemble @ Fayetteville Library
Tues, Dec 3
Wed, Dec 4
Thurs, Dec 5
- Lights of the Ozarks Fayetteville Christmas Parade
- Winter Nights free family fun night @ Walton Arts Center
Fri, Dec 6
- Holiday Cocoa Crawl in Springdale
- Winter Nights free family fun night @ Walton Arts Center
- Holiday Movie Night @ The Boardwalk Food Court
- Rogers Christmas Parade
Sat, Dec 7
- Breakfast with Santa @ West Fork
- Cookies with Santa & Crafts with Macaroni Kid @ Lewis Ford
- Hot Cocoa with Santa at TheatreSquared
- The Special Santa Event (for special needs kids)
- Pictures with Santa Chris @ Crystal Bridges
- Lowell Christmas Parade & Christmas market
- 5th annual Santa Drop @ Arkansas Air & Military Museum
- Winter Wonderland at the Stables @ Equestrian Bridges
- Pancakes with Santa @ Big Whiskey's Siloam Springs
- Storytime & Photos with Santa at Once Upon a Time for Kids Bookstore
- Deck the Kitty Halls Holiday Craft Night
- Elkins Christmas Parade and Santa and Live Nativity
Sun, Dec 8
Fri, Dec 13
Sat, Dec 14
- Candyland Pajama Jam with Santa Claus in Rogers
- Frosty's Friends Scavenger Hunt at Best Friends Pet Resource Center
- Bentonville Christmas Parade
- Swim with Santa @ Arkansas Swim Academy (must register)
- Free Spinning Snowflake ornament craft @ Lowe's Rogers
Tues, Dec 17
- Christmas Pajama Storytime @ Bentonville Library
- Free Spinning Snowflake ornament craft @ Lowe's Rogers
Fri, Dec 20
- Santa's Sweet Treats & Breakfast Event in Bentonville
- Pet Ornament Making @ Best Friends Pet Resource Center
- Christmas Wonderland : Whoville Style @ Benton County Fairgrounds
- Free Christmas Movie @ Auditorium in Eureka Springs
Sat, Dec 21
- Morrison Manor Winter Wonderland drive-thru Christmas Lights
Parent tip: Event details can change! Always confirm event details before heading out.
Macaroni Kid Rogers-Bentonville is a free resource for local families supported by wonderful local businesses! Thanks to holiday guide sponsor The Candy Event for sponsoring this Christmas guide!Sandor Mejias Brito | Canva via Pexels
The Candy Event will help you discover a delightful assortment of individually handcrafted candies and fudge, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Each piece is crafted with care, ensuring a unique taste experience that brings joy to both the young and the young at heart. Explore our selection of hard-to-find candies that evoke nostalgia and create new memories with every bite. Treat yourself or share the love with someone special! You can find us at Midtown Mall, Gathered Goods and the Fayetteville Farmers Market.