Last updated: November 11, 2024
Explore the holiday season in Bentonville with our guide. Find all the essential festive activities. Whether you're rediscovering Bentonville or experiencing it for the first time, this guide unlocks the city's holiday potential.
Popular events abound during the season, starting with Downtown Bentonville’s Lighting of the Square, where the festive atmosphere transforms the heart of the city into a winter wonderland. Another highlight features the Winter Nights at Walton Arts Center, showcasing enchanting performances that embody the spirit of the holidays. And the Christmas Parade of Lights in nearby Eureka Springs is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it fills the streets with vibrant floats and cheerful celebrations. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Bentonville Holiday Light Displays
Downtown Bentonville’s Lighting of the Square
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light display with a surprise laser show.
- Description
- Downtown Bentonville's Lighting of the Square is a family-friendly event where the Bentonville Parks & Recreation team illuminates the square with over 30 miles of lights, featuring a surprise laser light show. The event includes multicultural performances, food, and art, making it a vibrant celebration of the holiday season.
- Where
- Bentonville | More Info : Downtown Bentonville’s Lighting of the Square
Christmas Parade of Lights – Eureka Springs
- What to Expect
- Boardgame-themed floats and thousands of lights.
- Description
- The Christmas Parade of Lights in Eureka Springs features beautifully decorated floats, walkers, and bands illuminated by thousands of lights, with this year's theme being Boardgame Christmas. Santa will be in attendance, and participants can register to be judged.
- Where
- Eureka Springs | More Info : Christmas Parade of Lights – Eureka Springs
Downtown Fayetteville’s Lights of the Ozarks
- What to Expect
- Dazzling display of over 500,000 LED lights in Historic Downtown Square.
- Description
- Downtown Fayetteville’s Lights of the Ozarks features over 500,000 LED lights illuminating the Historic Downtown Square, accompanied by seasonal activities, holiday music, and winter treats.
- Where
- Fayetteville | More Info : Downtown Fayetteville’s Lights of the Ozarks
Light Up Siloam Springs Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with festive floats and local choirs.
- Description
- The Light Up Siloam Springs Christmas Parade is a vibrant community event featuring festive floats, holiday music, and joyful caroling by local choirs, all set against the backdrop of beautifully decorated downtown Siloam Springs.
- Where
- Siloam Springs | More Info : Light Up Siloam Springs Christmas Parade
Bentonville Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Winter Nights at Walton Arts Center
- What to Expect
- Enclosed snow globes for comfortable outdoor enjoyment.
- Description
- Winter Nights at Walton Arts Center is a family-friendly holiday bar and gathering space offering indoor and outdoor areas decorated with holly. It features trivia, karaoke, live music, family-friendly craft and story nights, and a brand-new food and drink menu. Snow globes are available for reservation, and walk-ins are welcome.
- Where
- Bentonville | More Info : Winter Nights at Walton Arts Center
Peel Museum Christmas Open House
- What to Expect
- Elegant holiday dinner with live music and exclusive auction packages.
- Description
- The Peel Museum Christmas Open House is an annual fundraising event featuring a 3-course meal curated by Chef Matthew Cooper, paired with wine from Trinchero Family Estates. The evening includes a silent auction with exclusive experience packages and live Christmas carols by the Bentonville West High School choir.
- Where
- Bentonville | More Info : Peel Museum Christmas Open House
Bentonville Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven parade with beautifully decorated floats and lively marching bands.
- Description
- The Bentonville Christmas Parade showcases a vibrant procession of floats, marching bands, and community groups. Families and friends gather along the streets to celebrate the holiday spirit with festive music and cheerful decorations, creating a lively atmosphere that encourages participation and connection. This annual event draws many locals and visitors alike, making it a cherished tradition in the region.
- Where
- Bentonville | More Info : Bentonville Christmas Parade
Bentonville Other Holiday Activities
The Rink at Lawrence Plaza
- What to Expect
- Permanent outdoor ice rink in downtown Bentonville.
- Description
- The Rink at Lawrence Plaza is a 7,000 square foot ice skating rink located in downtown Bentonville, offering a unique outdoor ice skating experience with skate rentals available for all ages.
- Where
- Bentonville | More Info : The Rink at Lawrence Plaza
Hot Cocoa Crawl
- What to Expect
- Sampling diverse hot cocoa flavors in a festive setting.
- Description
- Join Downtown Springdale for a delightful Hot Cocoa Crawl, where participants can sample various hot cocoa flavors and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Bentonville | More Info : Hot Cocoa Crawl
Jingle Jam
- What to Expect
- Holiday-themed run with swag bags for children.
- Description
- The Jingle Bell Jog is a festive 5K run that encourages participants to wear holiday-themed attire, with the first 200 children under 12 receiving swag bags. The event supports the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and features a course that begins and finishes inside the garden, with light snacks provided in the morning.
- Where
- Bentonville | More Info : Jingle Jam
Miracle Pop-Up Bar at Undercroft
- What to Expect
- Seasonal cocktails in festive glassware.
- Description
- Undercroft's Miracle Pop-Up Bar transforms into a whimsical holiday destination, offering delicious seasonal cocktails in a festive atmosphere. Join friends and family for a spirited celebration filled with nostalgic charm.
- Where
- Bentonville | More Info : Miracle Pop-Up Bar at Undercroft
Noon Year's Eve at the Amazeum
- What to Expect
- Interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for families.
- Description
- Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Amazeum with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and family-friendly fun.
- Where
- Bentonville | More Info : Noon Year's Eve at the Amazeum
Zing in the New Year at the Amazeum
- What to Expect
- Interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for families.
- Description
- Celebrate the start of a new year with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and family-friendly fun at the Scott Family Amazeum.
- Where
- Bentonville | More Info : Zing in the New Year at the Amazeum
Christmas Parade of the Ozarks – Springdale
- What to Expect
- Annual parade with 30 entries and hundreds of families lining the joy-filled streets.
- Description
- The Christmas Parade of the Ozarks in Springdale is a cherished tradition dating back to 1947, featuring a dazzling procession of floats and performers through historic downtown Springdale. The event showcases the region's rich holiday spirit with intricately decorated floats and a lively atmosphere.
- Where
- Springdale | More Info : Christmas Parade of the Ozarks – Springdale
Gravette Holiday Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with themed floats and activities.
- Description
- The Gravette Holiday Parade features floats, cars, and sometimes horses, with a theme determined later. It includes an open house at the Gravette Public Library, a holiday open house at the Gravette Historical Museum, and a police versus fire chili cook-off. Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for free pictures, and the event concludes with a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Gravette | More Info : Gravette Holiday Parade