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We've found the best 2024 NEW YEAR'S and 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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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.
🎉 Noon Year's Eve 🎉
Noon Year's Eve events are perfect for families with younger children! Enjoy kid-friendly activities, countdowns, balloon drops, and more all before afternoon nap time.
Monday, Dec. 30th
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in NWA - Drop by anytime from 10 am to 3 pm, Free
Tuesday, Dec. 31st
Bill Harmon Recreation Center in Sherwood - 10 am to noon, the countdown starts at 11:45 am
Museum of Discovery in Little Rock - 9 am to 2 pm with countdowns at 10 am, 11 am, noon, & 1 pm
Cabot Parks and Recreation - 10 am to noon (Massive balloon drop of 2,024 balloons at noon!)
Scott Family Amazeum: Zing in the New Year - 10 am to 3 pm, included with Museum admission
U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith - 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (Grades K-5, $8-$20)
Saline County Library in Benton - 11:30 am to 12:15 pm (Stories, songs, & more for ages 5 and under.)
Kids Day Out NYE Party at Pinspiration in Bentonville - noon to 2 pm for ages 6+, tickets required
🎉 All Ages New Year's Eve Fun 🎉
Here are some family-friendly events that offer activities such as bounce houses, rock climbing walls for older kids and entertainment, food and beverage trucks, and attractions for all ages.
NYE Celebration at Action Jacks in Conway - 11 am to 9 pm, $20 per player for 2 hours of play time
NYE Ball Drop in Downtown Benton - Free entry, Gates open at 7:30 pm
🏞️ First Day Hikes 🏞️
First Day Hikes: Central Region ~ website
- Lake Catherine State Park - 9 am, 10 am, and 11 am ~ website
- Petit Jean State Park: Bear Cave Hike - 9:30 am to 10:15 am
- Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park - 10 am to 11 am
- Woolly Hollow State Park - 10 am to 11 am
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park: West Summit Trail - 10 am to noon
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Rocky Valley Trail - 10 am to noon
- Petit Jean State Park: Cedar Falls Overlook Stroll - 11:30 am to noon
- Petit Jean State Park: Rock House Cave Hike - 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm
- Petit Jean State Park: Hot Chocolate, Legends, and Tales - 3 pm to 3:45 pm
First Day Hikes: Northwest Region ~ website
- Lake Dardanelle State Park - 9 am to 10 am
- Devil's Den State Park: Happy Habitats Along the Devil's Racetrack - 9 am to 11 am
- Mount Nebo State Park - 10 am to noon
- Lake Fort Smith State Park: Hiking with Nature Sense - 10 am to 11 am
- Hobb's State Park: Winter Critter Hike on Sinking Stream Trail - 11 am to noon
- Devil's Den State Park: Discovery on the Lake Trail - 11:15 am to 11:45 am
- Mount Magazine State Park: Over the Hill Hike - 1 pm to 2:30 pm
- Devil's Den State Park - 2 pm to 2:45 pm
- Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park - 2 pm to 3:30 pm
- Hobb's State Park: Pigeon Roost Trail - 2 pm to 4 pm
🌟 Ongoing Events 🌟
Sherwood's Trail of Lights - Nov. 29 to Dec. 30, 2024 ~ website
- Sherwood's Free Trail of Lights is ready to shine bright once again this season!
- New for 2024: No reservations needed, extended hours, quicker access, faster flow, and contactless donations (always appreciated!)
- Enter at 420 Dee Jay Hudson Drive and exit at Sherwood Forest, 1111 W. Maryland Ave.
Willastein Whimsical Trail in Maumelle ~ Now through Jan. 5 ~ website
- Experience the beauty of this lighted trail after dusk! Free and open nightly from 5-10 pm.
Jacksonville's All Lit Up! Merry & Bright ~ Dec. 7 through the New Year ~ website
- Jacksonville's All Lit Up! trail of lights & tree lighting event, is free and open to the public.
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!
Christmas Lights & Snow Village in Eureka Springs - now through Jan. 1, 2025 ~ website
- Experience Christmas from Thanksgiving night through January 1 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) Drive-through light display with lights on from dark through 8:00 pm.
- Christmas Snow Village with Trains will be open when the Gift Shop across from the Box Office is Open. See the website for details.
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!
Holiday Lights at Downtown Hot Springs - Nov. 25 to Jan. 1, 2024 ~ website
- It's that time of year - downtown Hot Springs and Hot Springs National Park are going to be lit up! Take a holiday stroll and enjoy all the twinkling 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
Rock Creek Christmas Spectacular Light Show - Dec. 3-31, 2024 ~ website
- Enjoy over 10,000 LED lights synced up to some of the best Christmas music!
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! ☃️
