The Holiday Season is Officially ON in Northwest Arkansas!
Northwest Arkansas, the most wonderful time of the year is finally here! We are packing the calendar from now until December with the biggest, brightest, and merriest events of the year.
From dazzling lighting ceremonies and parade spectacles to rock operas and festive pop-up bars, we have it ALL. Get your planners ready—you do not want to miss a single second of this lineup!
Lighting Up the Night: This Weekend!
Lights of the Ozarks
📍 Where: Historic Downtown Square, Fayetteville
🗓️ Opening Night: Friday, November 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM (Lights on at 6:00 PM)
On Friday, November 21st, witness the magic moment! It’s opening night for the legendary Lights of the Ozarks. Be there at 5:00 PM as the switch is flipped and over 400,000 lights illuminate the square. It runs nightly through January 1st, so make it your new favorite tradition!
City of Bentonville Lighting of the Square
📍 Where: Bentonville Square
🗓️ Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The glow continues on Saturday, November 22nd! Gather on the Bentonville Square for the official lighting ceremony. With the ice rink open nearby and music filling the air, it’s the picture-perfect way to spend the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
The Light Show Northwest Arkansas
📍 Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, Fayetteville
🗓️ Date: Nov 21 - Dec 31, 2025
⏰ Time: Evenings (Check schedule)
Running throughout the season, buckle up for The Light Show NWA! This continuous drive-through experience features immersive displays synchronized to music. It’s a dazzling show you can enjoy right from the warmth of your own heated car!
Holiday Spirits & Shopping
Railyard Market
📍 Where: Railyard Park, Rogers
🗓️ Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Keep an eye on the Railyard Market! While the main season has wrapped, they are hosting a special holiday market on Saturday, November 29th. It’s the go-to spot to grab unique, handmade gifts from amazing local artisans.
Miracle Pop-Up Bar at Undercroft
📍 Where: Undercroft, Bentonville
🗓️ Date: Open Now through December 31, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM - Late
Ready for some holiday spirits? The Miracle Pop-Up Bar has officially launched at Undercroft! Step into a kitschy winter wonderland and sip on the most creative holiday cocktails in town. It runs through New Year's Eve, so grab a drink and get merry!
Magical Journeys & Rock Operas
Wizards of Winter
📍 Where: The Auditorium, Eureka Springs
🗓️ Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
Get ready to ROCK in Eureka Springs! Wizards of Winter is bringing their holiday rock opera to The Auditorium on Friday, Nov 28th. It’s a high-energy celebration that mixes the spirit of Christmas with the power of rock and roll!
Holiday Express Train Ride
📍 Where: A&M Railroad, Springdale
🗓️ Date: Starts Saturday, November 29, 2025
⏰ Time: Check Schedule
All aboard! Starting Saturday, November 29th, take a ride on the Holiday Express with the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad. Travel through the Ozarks surrounded by decor, music, and holiday cheer. It’s a magical scenic adventure for the whole family!
December Spectaculars: Parades & Santas!
SantaCon Northwest Arkansas
📍 Where: Downtown Bentonville & Rogers
🗓️ Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 6th—the Santas are coming! SantaCon NWA is back. Grab your red suit and join the sea of Santas for the jolliest party of the year across Bentonville and Rogers. It’s a sight you have to see to believe!
Christmas Dance: Once Upon a December
📍 Where: Space to Dance, Springdale
🗓️ Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
Cap off your evening with elegance at the Christmas Dance: Once Upon a December. Taking place on Dec 6th, this is a beautiful way to celebrate the romance and magic of the holidays, whether you are watching or dancing!
Bentonville Christmas Parade
📍 Where: Downtown Bentonville
🗓️ Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
Finally, on Saturday, December 13th, the Bentonville Christmas Parade takes over the streets of downtown. It’s one of the best parades in the region, filled with floats, bands, and endless holiday cheer!
Wow! From markets to parades and rock concerts, Northwest Arkansas is the place to be this holiday season. Which event is top of your list? Let us know in the comments!
Stay warm out there, NWA. We'll see you at the lights!
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