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We've found the best 2024 HOLIDAY events and experiences in Arkansas and can't wait to share them with you so you can choose what's best for your family!
NEW FOR 2024 - This year we've included holiday events throughout Arkansas. Whether you're visiting relatives out of town or want to explore the Natural State, we've got something for everyone!
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Macaroni KID Fayetteville • Macaroni KID Rogers-Bentonville
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Ongoing Events
While we strive to keep our guides and calendars as up-to-date as possible, weather and other unforeseen circumstances may delay or cancel events. Call ahead to confirm or check social media for updates before going. Links are included in the calendar event listings for your convenience.
Lights for Lions 2024 at the Little Rock Zoo - Nov. 1, 2024 to Jan. 31, 2025 ~ website
- Donate your unwanted string lights and extension cords at the Front Gate
- The Zoo has partnered with TRG in North Little Rock to recycle the copper with proceeds going to the Lion Recovery Fund
Benton Ice Skating Rink - Dec. 1, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025 ~ website
- Free General Admission with Advance Registration
- Closed Christmas Eve/Day and New Year's Day
- Available for Private Reservations for a fee
Lights of the Ozarks - Nov. 22, 2024, to Jan 1, 2025 ~ website
The most treasured celebration of holiday lights in Northwest Arkansas, Lights of the Ozarks, returns to Fayetteville's Historic Downtown Square!
Holiday Lights Extravaganza at Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources ~ website
- Walking tour every Friday and Saturday, from Nov. 22-Dec. 21, 2024, 5:30-8:30 pm.
- $10 per vehicle with up to seven people and $2 for each additional person.
- The Holiday Hoopla on Dec. 7th is $20 per car with up to seven people and $5 for each additional person.
Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens - Nov. 23 to Dec. 31, 2024 ~ tickets
- Nestled in the picturesque Ouachita Mountains of Southwest Arkansas the gardens offer breathtaking sights (and fantastic photo opportunities) at every turn. Visit during the day and return at night for the incredible holiday display with 7 million lights!
Glisten in Greenbrier at Matthews Park - Nov. 30, 2024 to Jan. 4, 2025 ~ website
- Central Arkansas' premier winter wonderland
- Festive lights, FAB&T skating rink, special events, and more!
- Tree Lighting and Santa "Fly-In" on Sat., Nov. 30th
- Christmas Parade "Music Notes and Christmas Floats!" on Thur., Dec. 12th
ISO Foundation Toy Drive - Dec. 1-20, 2024 ~ event flyer
- Drop off new, unwrapped toys and join us for our event party on Dec. 21, 2024
Winter Glow at Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks - Dec. 6-22, 2024 ~ tickets
- Each weekend features a different theme, performers, and experiences.
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Benton Tree Lighting Ceremony at Owens Mooney Park ~ website
- Tree lighting at 5:30 pm
- Letters to Santa & Stockings Sign-ups at the Farmers Market
Festival of Trees: Snapshots with Santa at Mount Sequoyah Center in Fayetteville ~ tickets
- Bring the whole family for a fun-filled afternoon of eating cookies, taking pictures with Santa, and enjoying the atmosphere in our indoor forest of decorated trees!
Monday, December 2, 2024
Saline County Christmas Parade with Santa at the Courthouse ~ website
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Scrooged (1988, PG-13) at Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock ~ tickets
- A darkly comedic twist on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Scrooged stars Bill Murray as Frank Cross, a cynical, self-absorbed TV executive whose Christmas Eve is interrupted by three outrageous spirits determined to change his heart.
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Hotdogs & S'mores with Benton Fire Dept. at the Farmers Market ~ website
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Bernice Garden Tree Lighting ~ website
Benton Cookies with the Credit Union at the Farmers Market ~ website
1st Annual Holiday International Feast & Market in Bentonville ~ register online
- Join us for a festive celebration of global cuisine and shopping.
- Free admission with registration from 6-10 pm.
Lights of the Ozarks Parade in Downtown Fayetteville ~ website
El Dorado Christmas Parade: A Charlie Brown Christmas ~ website
- Join in welcoming special guests Melanie Kohn Bravener and Duncan Watson (the voices of Lucy & Charlie Brown!)
- See the Budweiser Clydesdales and enjoy a special performance by the UAPB Marching Band - The Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South.
Friday, December 6, 2024
Popcorn with the Benton Police Dept. at the Farmers Market ~ website
Rogers Christmas Parade and Christmas Village at Railyard Park ~ website
- Christmas Parade begins at 6:30 pm. Christmas Village is open from 5-8 pm.
- Free photos with Santa & the Grinch from 5-7 pm.
International Hot Cocoa Crawl for All Ages in Downtown Springdale ~ tickets
- Sample hot drinks at participating establishments. Each ticket comes with a signature 2024 Downtown Springdale mug. This event will sell out so get your ticket today!
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Tis the Season - A Christmas Brunch at Park Hill Baptist Church in NLR ~ tickets
- Enjoy delicious food, cookie decorating, and Christmas cheer
- Please bring a toy to support Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000, PG) at Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock ~ tickets
- Starring Jim Carrey as the beloved green grouch, How the Grinch Stole Christmas brings Dr. Seuss’s whimsical tale to life with laughter and holiday cheer.
A Rock Creek Christmas 2024 ~ website
- Celebrate our 3rd annual holiday event at Rose Creek Park. Help decorate our wildlife feeder tree and see unparalleled views of the Christmas fireworks at the Arkansas State Capitol.
Run, Run Rudolph at the Benton River Center ~ website
Santa in the Park & Benton Mistletoe Mistletoe Market ~ website
Family Christmas Festival at the Benton River Center ~ website
Photos with Santa at TNA Mobile Notary Services in Bentonville ~ tickets
- Join us for a magical holiday experience and make memories with Santa!
Special Santa with NWA Special Kids ~ register online
- Children with special needs can meet Santa Claus in a quiet and personal environment.
- Visit Santa's Workshop and Mrs. Claus' bakery for a hot cocoa bar & Santa's fav snack.
- Free with registration.
SantaCon NWA 2024 at Bentonville Town Square ~ tickets
- SantaCon is a fun way to spread Christmas cheer by dressing up in your best holiday costume and visiting our participating venues.
- 100% of the proceeds go to Sharing and Caring of Benton County.
Deck the Kitty Halls Holiday Craft Night at The Smitten Kitten NWA ~ tickets
- Get ready to deck the halls with holiday crafts at our event where kids ages 6 and up can get creative and festive with their furry friends!
Outdoor Christmas Porch Pot Workshop at Parks Bros Garden Center ~ tickets
- Create a unique festive arrangement of live, cut greens like fir, cedar, and pine.
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Pancakes at the North Pole at Main Event Little Rock ~ tickets
- Meet and Greet with Santa and a Pancake Breakfast Buffet
- Fun Activities, Cookie Decorating Contest, and Arcade Fun
Cocoa and Carols at Lakewood UMC ~ website
- Santa will be there with lots of Christmas treats and beautiful holiday music.
North Little Rock Elks Christmas Parade ~ website
- Celebrate "Christmas Around the World" with Santa and Friends along Main Street
57th Annual Frolic at Historic Arkansas Museum ~ webiste
- Dance to old-time reels, listen to the fiddle and hammer dulcimer, take part in holiday crafts, shop in the Museum Store, snack on ginger cake, and sip on hot cider.
Story Time with Santa at Lights of the Ozarks ~ RSVP required
- Cozy up with friends and family for cocoa and cookies as Santa Claus reads holiday stories to children of all ages! Free with RSVP; also occurs on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
Monday, December 9, 2024
Empact One Snowball Fight at the Benton Farmers Market ~ website
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
The Santa Clause 30th Anniversary (1994, PG) at Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock ~ tickets
- This holiday favorite stars Tim Allen as Scott Calvin, an ordinary man who unexpectedly finds himself filling Santa’s big boots after an accidental encounter on Christmas Eve.
MYAC Christmas Ornament Making at the Benton Farmers Market ~ website
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Hot Chocolate with CADC at the Benton Farmers Market ~ website
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Character Night with Santa at the Benton Courthouse ~ website
Holy Ghost Stories Live - The Christmas Show in Bella Vista ~ tickets
- Rediscover the wonder of Christmas with immersive Biblical storytelling and live cello accompaniment.
Greenbrier's Annual Christmas Parade ~ website
- Join us as we celebrate "Music Notes and Christmas Floats!"
Friday, December 13, 2024
Natural State Brass Band Christmas Concert for the Community at Lakewood UMC ~ website
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 35th Anniversary (1989, PG-13) ~ tickets
- Celebrate the holiday season with the Griswolds in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation! Join Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) as he attempts to create the perfect family Christmas, complete with mishaps, eccentric relatives, and one electrifying holiday display.
Special Needs Night with Santa at the Benton Courthouse ~ website
Fayetteville Festivus ~ website
- This new event features a Holiday Haul Shopping Crawl, tasty treats, food trucks, a Silent (Night) Disco, winter inflatables to play in and explore, and screenings of Nightmare Before Christmas and Gremlins!
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Save Christmas Project at Safe Haven of West Little Rock ~ website
- Save Christmas Project is a drive-through toy drive dedicated to making this holiday season special for children in under-resourced families - 9 am-5 pm
MYAC Cookie Decorating at the Benton Farmers Market ~ website
Saline County Library Holiday Movie Trivia at the Benton Farmers Market ~ website
Cabot Downtown Christmas Parade and Celebration ~ website
Cookies with Santa Pajama Jam at Rogers High School ~ tickets
- Join us in your Christmas Jammies and jam with Santa in our Christmas Candyland.
Christmas on the Square Blood Drive ~ schedule appt online
- Look for the Bloodmobile on Ozark Square & give the gift of LIFE - 11 am-4 pm
Christmas on the Square at Main Street Ozark ~ website
- Visit Santa and friends, "Buddy the Elf" and "Elsa" - 12:00-3:00 pm
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Do you know of an event that should be listed here?
Email sandrao@macaronikid.com or for NWA events, email karaa@macaronikid.com
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☃️ Happy Holidays from our families to yours! ☃️
