Christmas & Holiday Fun in Northwest Arkansas: 2024 Guide

The holiday magic is back, and Macaroni Kid Fayetteville 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

Sun, Dec 1

Tues, Dec 3

Milk & Cookies with Santa at Kids Unlimited in Fayetteville

Wed, Dec 4

West Fork Christmas Parade: Small Town, Big Lights

Thurs, Dec 5

Fri, Dec 6

Sat, Dec 7

Sun, Dec 8

Symphony of NW Arkansas The Snowman @ Walton Arts Center

Wed, Dec 11

Gingerbread House Competition @ Ozark Charcuterie & Wine Bar

Fri, Dec 13

Sat, Dec 14

Fri, Dec 20

Sat, Dec 21

Winter Break Wonders @ Crystal Bridges Museum
Breakfast with Santa Cow @ Chick Fil A Razorback Rd
Christmas Wonderland: Whoville Style in Bentonville

Parent tip: Event details can change! Always confirm event details before heading out.

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Macaroni Kid Fayetteville is a free resource for local families supported by wonderful local businesses! Thanks to holiday guide sponsors Lewis Automotive Group and The Candy Event for sponsoring this Christmas guide!

Lewis Automotive Group has been locally owned by the Lewis family in Fayetteville for over 75 years! You can find a family member on site 6 days a week. We take pride in offering courteous, honest service and quality products with no-pressure sales. Come check out our no-appointment-needed oil changes with a playroom for the little ones!
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.