HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

December is full of merriment and cheer! Whether it’s a musical performance, a theatrical play or a Santa visit, there is much to see and do this time of year. Here are a few highlights that we think will have you in the holiday spirit this month.

 

Holiday Express Pajama Train—Thru Dec. 20

All aboard the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Holiday Express Pajama Train. This 45-minute-excursion is a holiday delight for the whole family. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, music and a visit with Santa. Train will run on select dates through Dec. 20 from the Springdale depot to Johnson. www.amtrainrides.com

 

Holiday Market—Thru Dec. 21

This annual market brings artists together to sell arts and crafts for the holiday season. Community Creative Center. Fayetteville. www.communitycreativecenter.org

 

It's a Wonderful Life—Thru Dec. 24

Follow George Bailey’s poignant journey as he puts his dreams on hold while rescuing the failing family business. On Christmas Eve he stands alone, wishing he’d never been born, when a mysterious stranger appears. In this profound tale of redemption and holiday magic, even the cynics among us will cheer as George Bailey learns that "no man is a failure who has friends.” TheatreSquared. Fayetteville. www.theatre2.org

 

Christmastime at the Crescent Hotel—Thru Dec. 31

Experience the holiday magic as this iconic hotel is transformed into a festive wonderland. In additional to the holiday lights and Christmas Tree Forest on display, other special events include: 5th Annual Teddy Bear Tea on Dec. 7; Green Eggs & Grinch Breakfast on Dec. 13, 10 a.m.; Santa’s Mountain Village on Dec. 13 & 14; Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 14, 10 a.m.; Gingerbread House Making on select dates; Candy Cane Hunt; Ice Skating Rink; and Sleigh Rides & Stories by the Fireplace on Fridays and Saturdays in December. Crescent Hotel & Spa. Eureka Springs. www.crescent-hotel.com/christmas

 

The Light Show NWA—Thru Dec. 31

This dazzling, drive-through attraction provides a unique entertainment option for individuals looking to enjoy an immersive visual spectacle from the comfort of their vehicle. The show features themed displays with synchronized music lights and innovative designs that change annually to keep the experience fresh and exciting for return visitors. Washington County Fairgrounds. Fayetteville. www.thelightshownwa.com

 

Lights of the Ozarks—Thru Jan. 1

Lights will illuminate the downtown square each evening from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Along with the dazzling display of twinkling lights, there will be winter treats, hot cocoa, festive music and more. Downtown Fayetteville Square. www.experiencefayetteville.com

 

Jingle Mingle—Dec. 4

A celebration bringing together scholarship recipients and supporters for a festive evening of connection. The event also serves as a fundraiser where many individuals make their end-of-year gifts to support scholarships. 6 to 9 p.m. Heroncrest Event Center. Elm Springs. www.spsfnwa.org

 

The Lights of the Ozarks Parade—Dec. 4

This holiday parade will kick off at 6:30 p.m. and travel its traditional route through downtown. Downtown Fayetteville Square. www.experiencefayetteville.com

 

Christmas at the Peel Museum—Dec. 5

A festive and intimate celebration celebrating 150 years of this beloved Bentonville landmark. Enjoy a culinary experience by chefs Case Dighero and Vince Pianalto, signature cocktails, local seasonal music, and unique auction packages. 6 to 9 p.m. Peel Museum & Botanical Garden. Bentonville. www.peelcompton.org

 

Christmas Parade of Lights—Dec. 5

A magical evening where the streets of downtown are lit up with festive floats, music and cheer. This year’s parade theme is “Scrooge.” 6 p.m. Downtown Eureka Springs. www.christmasineureka.com

 

Rogers Christmas Parade—Dec. 5

This annual community-wide parade is brought to you by the Rotary Clubs of Rogers and will follow its traditional route through downtown beginning at 6:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “The Spirit of Christmas.” Downtown Rogers. www.rogersar.gov

 

War Eagle Fair: Holiday Market—Dec. 5 & 6

This holiday market will include food, crafts, Christmas lights, Santa photos and more! Hindsville. wareaglefair.com

 

Christmas Events at The Aud—Dec. 5 thru 20

Upcoming showings include Dec. 5: Free Christmas Movie: The Muppets Christmas Carol; Dec. 6: Free Christmas Movie: Scrooge; Dec. 14: Daddy’s Home 2; Dec. 7: Arkansas Highlands Brass Band Christmas Concert; Dec. 12: Home for the Holidays — Holiday Show: Dec. 14: The Ozarks Chorale Holiday Concert; and Dec. 20: Free Christmas Movie. All movies begin at 7:30 p.m. The Auditorium. Eureka Springs. www.theaud.org

 

Break the Ice—Dec. 6

Join the Community Cohesion Project for a night of dancing, great food and fun for the Northwest Arkansas community. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Bentonville. www.nwaccp.org

 

Christmas in Cave—Dec. 6

This 4th annual holiday craft market features more than 60 local vendors, food trucks and Santa. Bring a nonperishable item to donate to the local food pantries. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. Main Street. Cave Springs. www.cavespringsar.gov

 

Cookies with Santa Pajama Jam—Dec. 6

It’s time to pull out your coziest pajamas and step into a winter wonderland for a magical afternoon of family-friendly holiday fun. There will be a holiday sing-along, storytime, photo ops, sweet treats and hot beverages, games, reindeer rides, dancing, ornament decorating and more. Proceeds support the Jack and Jill of America Foundation and SOAR Afterschool Program. Noon to 3 p.m. Christ Church of NWA. Fayetteville. www.facebook.com/jnjnorthwestarkansas

 

Freedom Frosty 5K—Dec. 6

Bentonville partners with Camp Alliance to provide resources directly to veterans, military, and families in support of readiness and resiliency programs. Race begins at 8 a.m. Lawrence Plaza. Bentonville. www.runbentonville.com

 

La Posada—Dec. 6

Explore local Hispanic-owned shops glowing under twinkling lights, starting the night at Cafe con Chisme and then making your way down the road and wrapping up your night at Jones Center, where the celebration continues with live music, crafts, piñatas and aguinaldos. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Downtown Springdale. www.thejonescenter.org

 

Light Up Siloam Christmas Parade—Dec. 6

Join in for this annual holiday celebration and Christmas parade. This year’s parade is themed “Christmas at the Movies” and will step off at 5:30 p.m. on Tulsa Street. The lighting of downtown will take place as the parade rolls into Jefferson/Maxwell. Downtown Siloam Springs. www.discoversiloam.com

 

Phunbags Comedy Improv Christmas—Dec. 6

Ring in the holidays with laughter at Phunbags Comedy Improv Ho-Ho Christmas Show beginning at 7 p.m. For ages 21 and up. 612 Coffee House and Bar. Fayetteville. www.facebook.com/phunbagscomedyimprov

 

Santa Drop—Dec. 6

Bring the family and watch Santa skydive at this free event. Guests will also be able to meet with Santa and take photos. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Arkansas Air & Military Museum. Fayetteville. www.arkansasairandmilitary.com

 

SantaCon NWA—Dec. 6
A holiday celebration with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Sharing & Caring of Benton County. All those ages 21 and up are invited to eat, drink, shop and be merry. Wear your best holiday garb and visit participating establishments for specialty food and drinks for event ticket holders only. Event is from 1 to 7 p.m. with an after party to follow. Downtown Bentonville Square. More information on Facebook.

 

Sips on the Bricks: Holiday Edition—Dec. 6

This local holiday tradition is coming back as a holiday-themed costume contest, poker run and shop-local extravaganza. Downtown Rogers. www.rogerslowell.com

 

A Very SoNA Christmas—Dec. 6

Come enjoy a mix of sacred and secular holiday favorites with special guests, including the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas Singers and area high school and collegiate choruses. Performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center. Fayetteville. www.sonamusic.org

 

Winter Wonderland—Dec. 6

This is a free, fun holiday equine experience. Get a picture with Santa, ride horses, make ornaments, sip hot cocoa and get some horse hugs. 1 to 4 p.m. 5920 S. Bellview Road. Rogers. www.equestrianbridges.org

 

The Holiday Market—Dec. 6, 13 & 20

This annual event features unique handcrafted holiday wreaths, artisan crafts and baked goods in addition to seasonal vegetables, fruit, meats, eggs and cheeses. There will be local vendors, live music and food trucks on the square to get you in the holiday spirit while shopping. Downtown Fayetteville Square. www.experiencefayetteville.com

 

Holiday Haul Brunch Crawl—Dec. 7

Join in for a festive day of brunch and shopping to celebrate local businesses this holiday season. There will be brunch bites, drinks, shopping challenges and raffle prizes. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Downtown Fayetteville. www.experiencefayetteville.com

 

Holiday Tour of Homes—Dec. 7

A fundraiser for Fayetteville High School’s girls’ varsity dance team to go to Nationals in Orlando, this tour includes nine homes decorated for the Christmas season, including door prizes. 1 to 5 p.m. Various homes throughout Fayetteville. gofan.co/event/4809872

 

Winter Dreams Tour of Homes—Dec. 8

This event is a self-guided tour featuring homes throughout Benton and Washington counties festively decorated for the holiday season. Tour is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and benefits the missions of the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas. Various locations throughout Northwest Arkansas. igfn.us/l/37zw96

 

SoNA’s The Snowman: A Family Concert—Dec. 9

Join in on a special screening of The Snowman, based on Raymond Briggs’ classic children’s book, with the original score performed live by SoNA. Show begins at 2 p.m. Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center. Fayetteville. www.sonamusic.org

 

Eureka Springs Hot Cocoa Crawl—Dec. 12

Get your commemorative Eureka Springs Cocoa Crawl mug and stroll through downtown from 5 to 7 p.m., enjoying various cocoas and delicious treats along the way. Downtown Eureka Springs. www.visiteurekasprings.com

 

Festival of Stars—Dec. 12

This Arkansas Children’s event helps families create a holiday experience they may not otherwise be able to provide for their hospitalized children. Toys can be dropped off for donation from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Arkansas Children’s Northwest. Springdale. www.archildrens.org

 

International Hot Cocoa Crawl—Dec. 12

This ticketed event takes you through a sipping tour of participating establishments’ hot beverages. Each ticket also includes a free 2025 International Hot Cocoa Crawl mug. 5 to 8 p.m. Downtown Springdale. www.downtownspringdale.org

 

Gifts from the Heart—Dec. 12 thru 14

Opera in the Ozarks invites audiences of all ages to celebrate the holidays with a brand-new musical experience created especially for this year’s festive season. With four performances, including two matinees, this special program combines opera, song and storytelling in a heartwarming exploration of generosity, community and the spirit of Christmas. Inspiration Point Center for the Arts. Eureka Springs. operaintheozarks.com

 

Bentonville Christmas Parade—Dec. 13

Get ready for a jolly good time as families line up for this classic holiday tradition. This year’s theme is “Sounds of the Season.” Parade begins at 6 p.m. and follows the route down Main Street and around the square. Downtown Bentonville. www.downtownbentonville.org

 

Bentonville Holiday Market—Dec. 13

Kick off the holiday shopping season and enjoy a drink while you shop great local small businesses. Meteor Guitar Gallery. Bentonville. www.bentonvillemarket.com

 

Breakfast in PJs with Santa—Dec. 13

Wear your favorite pajamas and enjoy a delicious breakfast with jolly ol’ Santa himself. The morning of festive fun will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Life Source International Inc. Fayetteville. www.lifesourceinternational.org

 

Gravette Christmas Parade—Dec. 13

Join in for the annual parade on Main Street. Before the parade, the Gravette Public Library will host an open house. After the parade, the Gravette Historical Museum will have hot chocolate, cookies and visits with Santa at the historic Kindley House. Plus, cast your vote in the annual police vs. fire chili cook-off. Festivities begin at 4 p.m., with the parade at 4:30 p.m. Downtown Gravette. www.gravettear.com

 

Rogers Historical Museum Holiday Open House—Dec. 13

Join in for this year’s event featuring guided tours of the 1895 Hawkins House, holiday crafts, refreshments, and of course, Santa Claus. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rogers Historical Museum. www.rogershistoricalmuseum.org

 

White Elephant 5K—Dec. 13

This event includes Lights of the Ozarks, holiday music, hot cocoa and “White Elephant” gifts. The 5K and 1-mile road run/walk races are sure to be jolly. Downtown Fayetteville Square. www.fayetteville-ar.gov

 

Beer & Carols—Dec. 14

Come sip and support the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter at this annual Christmas concert produced by Beer & Hymns, a nonprofit that raises funds for local charities. Enjoy sing-along carols and seasonal hits led by the Beer & Hymns band. All ages are welcome. Wear an ugly sweater or tacky holiday outfit for a chance to win prizes. There will be a Group Prize, Adult Prize and Kid’s Prize awarded. 5 p.m. Metroplex Event Center. Rogers. www.beerandhymns.com

 

Smoothman Music Productions Holiday Show—Dec. 16

Hosted by Anthony Ball, this variety show brings together the region’s top vocalists and musicians, backed by the incredible NWA Jazz and More Orchestra. The event supports Music Moves and its mission to keep Black music, history and culture alive in Northwest Arkansas through education and performance. 7 p.m. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Bentonville. crystalbridges.org

 

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra: A Holiday Equinox—Dec. 17

A festive show featuring the incomparable voice of Clay Johnson backed by the jubilant sounds of the big band. This joyful production brings to life classic Christmas songs with a delightful mix of jovial humor and heartwarming nostalgia. 7 p.m. Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center. Fayetteville. www.waltonartscenter.org

 

The Nutcracker—Dec. 19 & 20

Join the NWA Conservatory of Classical Ballet for an enchanting evening with Clara as she receives her most treasured Christmas gift, a Nutcracker doll. Arend Arts Center, Bentonville High School. www.nwaballet.com

 

Every Christmas Story Ever Told—Dec. 19 thru 21

Tired of seeing Dickens’ A Christmas Carol for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to take matters into their own hands — staging every Christmas story ever told. From Santa facts to international traditions to a Frosty vs. Grinch smackdown, this fast-paced romp has it all.TheatreSquared. Fayetteville. www.theatre2.org

 

Handel’s Messiah by VOCE NWA—Dec. 20

Experience the magic of Handel’s Messiah with the professional singers of Voices of the Ozarks NWA. Conducted by Valery Saul, this holiday performance begins at 2 p.m. Inspiration Point Center for the Arts. Eureka Springs. operaintheozarks.com

 

Winter Glow—Dec. 21

Celebrate the season at this magical, one-night-only event. Enjoy live music and festive entertainment, sip warm drinks, and soak in the joy of the winter solstice with family and friends, surrounded by the glow of luminaria and lights. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Fayetteville. www.bgozarks.org

 

Holiday Films at Walton Arts Center—Dec. 23

Watch The Muppet Christmas Carol at 2 p.m. and Home Alone at 6:30 p.m. Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center. Fayetteville. www.waltonartscenter.org

 

A Bash with a Splash—Dec. 31

Eureka Springs’ New Years Celebration will begin at 8 p.m. There will be a carnival style parade, the JukeBoxx Party Band live in Basin Park with a laser light show, and the epic countdown and ball drop to ring in the new year. Downtown Eureka Springs. www.christmasineureka.com

 

New Year’s Eve: Around the World—Dec. 31

Get ready to ring in the New Year in style with Downtown Bentonville Inc.’s global celebration beginning at 8 p.m. and going until 12:30 a.m. Journey across the globe with music, food and fun from different cultures, and a midnight champagne toast. Event is presented by Liquid I.V. and co-chaired by Walmart’s Andrew Melsness and Todd Garner. Ledger. Bentonville. www.downtownbentonville.org