FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just appreciating the holiday cheer, KNWA/FOX24 will keep you informed about upcoming holiday events.

A continuously updated list of notable events can be found below:

Christmas on Center – Dec 1, 8, 15, 22

  • Downtown Eureka Springs
  • First four Thursdays in December.
  • Live music, selfie station, fire pit, Christmas decorations

Santa at the Walmart Museum – Dec. 7, 15, 21

  • Santa will be outside the 5&10 by Santa’s sleigh the following day:
  • Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m.
  • Dec. 15, 5-8 p.m.
  • Dec. 21, 5-8 p.m.

Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop – Dec. 19

  • Two giant public Menorah’s will be lit
    • One on the Fayetteville Square in front of the Fayetteville Town Center
    • One on SE Walton Boulevard in Bentonville west of exit 85.
  • Public lighting at Fayetteville Square at 5 p.m.
  • Latkas, donuts provided
  • Chocolate gelt drop from the top of a firetruck
  • Complimentary menorahs and candles will be distributed for participants.

Kiwanis Club Food Baskets – Dec. 24

  • The Kiwanis Club of Bentonville and Bella Vista will be giving out food baskets on Christmas Eve beginning at 8 a.m.
  • 400 boxes will be available at 1204 SW 14th St in Bentonville. If anyone wishes to help, they can drop non-perishable items at the location a week before Dec. 24.

34th Annual Free Christmas Lunch – Dec. 25

  • Evangel Temple in Fort Smith will be hosting a lunch for those facing homelessness or in need.
  • 12 p.m. at the Evangel Temple
  • Lunch and items such as sleeping bags, socks and other items will be given away
  • More information call 479-782-9121 or visit the website

Downtown Bentonville’s Lighting of the Square

Downtown Fayetteville’s Lights of the Ozarks

  • Lights of the Ozarks continues to illuminate the Fayetteville square each evening from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. through January 1, 2023.
  • Along with the display of lights, there is a selection of seasonal activities, holiday music, winter treats, hot cocoa and vendors on the Downtown Square each night during Lights of the Ozarks.

Walton Arts Center presents Winter Nights

  • Winter Nights is a drop-in holiday experience open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Dec. 1-23.
  • The Joy Pratt Markham Gallery and Bradberry Rose Garden will be transformed into a winter wonderland with lights, giant snowflakes and frosty firs.
  • Specialty-themed menu items include holiday cocktails for adults, mocktails for kids, hot cocoa, coffee, s’mores, charcuterie boards, cookies and popcorn. To-go drinks will also be served as part of the Outdoor Refreshment Area.
  • There will also be a photo booth and selfie spots.
  • Visitors can also write letters and holiday greetings to veterans overseas and local retirement home residents.
  • Walk-up outdoor seating on benches, heated amphitheater seating, and indoor tables and couches are free and open to the public on a first-come-first-served basis.

Beer & Carols

  • Beer & Hymns is a free community sing-a-long of hymns and cover songs everyone knows by heart. Each month, they select a lyrical theme and a charity, bringing people together to raise their glasses, raise their voices, and raise funds for organizations that change the world.
  • December’s Beer & Carols event combines hymns and Christmas music for what has become one of the region’s most popular holiday events.
  • Beer & Carols will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Ballroom at I Street in Bentonville. Holiday outfit contests, catering by B List Burgers, beer by Bentonville Brewing Company, and hot chocolate and root beer will be provided.
  • Tickets are available here and cost $40 for ages 13 and up. Children 12 and younger are free.

Jingle Bell Jog – Dec. 17

  • Runners and walkers of all levels and ages are invited to participate in the 10th Annual Jingle Bell Jog 5K & Children’s Fun Run on Saturday, Dec. 17.
  • The 5K will begin at 9 a.m. and the Children’s Fun Run will start at 10 a.m. The
    race will be chip-timed. There will be a warm-up stretch led by a Fayetteville Athletic Club
    instructor at 8:30 a.m. for the 5K and 9:30 a.m. for the Children’s Fun Run.

Christmas in the Park – Dec. 17

  • Walker Park in Fayetteville
  • Starts at 10 a.m.
  • December community feed and pop-up care village
  • Food and clothing distribution for the unhoused community
  • Shower trailer, haircuts, chapel and more

23rd annual Holiday Express Opening Night at Creekmore Park – Fort Smith Nov. 28

  • Opening night is November 28 at 5:30 p.m.
    • Lighting ceremony with The Grinch at the train depot for pictures

Christmas Parade of the Ozarks – Springdale Nov. 28

Christmas in the Ozarks parade route. the Parade will take place Nov. 28 (Rodeo of the Ozarks).

Get Grinched – Dec. 1

  • 6-11:30 p.m.
  • Come to Christmas on Center dressed as The Grinch
  • Collect raffle tickets from participating venues and shops for a chance to win a grand prize package with a hotel stay and dinner.
  • Start at Center Street Christmas Village at 6 p.m. on the first four Thursdays in December. Move throughout town, shopping, eating and drinking while collecting tickets.
  • The best Grinch costume on the last Thursday will receive a gift basket from downtown shops.
  • The 2nd place Grinch will be drawn from all the tickets collected by the vendors. The 2nd place prize will be a one-night stay at the Grand Central Hotel.
  • The Grinch who collects the most tickets will receive the first place prize, a one-night stay at the Crescent Hotel and a gift certificate to Skybar Gourmet Pizza.

Hot Cocoa Crawl – Dec. 2

  • Tickets are $10 and can be bought here.
  • Starts on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5-8 p.m. Check-in will be in front of the Famous Hardware building at 113 W. Emma Avenue.
  • If you are unable to attend the event on Dec. 2, you can still pick up your Christmas on the Creek mug.
  • Mug pick-up information is below:
    • Dentistry of the Ozarks
      418 W Maple Ave in Springdale
      Dec. 5-8, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The remaining mugs will be delivered. Refunds are not available.

Gravette Holiday Parade – Dec. 3

  • Saturday, Dec. 3 the parade will start at 4:30 p.m.
  • The theme for this year’s parade is ‘A Holly Jolly Christmas’
  • Parade participant entry form here
  • Gravette Public Library will host an Open House beginning at 4:00 p.m. with hot cider and cookies.
  • Following the Christmas parade, the Gravette Historical Museum will host its annual holiday open house on the museum grounds.
    • The museum will be serving hot chocolate and cookies
    • Performance by the Gravette High School band & choir
    • Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for free pictures in the Gravette Community Building directly across from the museum.
    • The fire department and police department will battle it out in the police versus fire chili cook-off held on the south side of the museum grounds.
    • Guests can vote for their favorite chili with a monetary donation. The department with the most money raised wins the competition and all donations will be donated to the department’s charity of choice.
  • This is an image of the library open house at the Gravette Holiday Parade.
    The Gravette Public Library hosts its open house for Gravette’s annual Holiday Parade (City of Gravette).
  • This is an image of the annual chili cook-off at the Gravette Holiday Parade.
    Gravette Police Department and Fire Department compete in the annual chili cook-off at the Holiday Parade.
  • This is an image of the Gravette High School band parade.
    The Gravette High School band and choir performing at the annual holiday parade (City of Gravette).

Caroling on the Creek – Dec. 2

  • On Dec. 2 from 5:15-8 p.m. there will be caroling, celebrating, and Santa Clause
  • Happening at Shiloh Square and Turnbow Park in Downtown Springdale
  • No advanced tickets required

Elkins Holiday Expo – Dec. 3

  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elkins Community Center
  • Vendors with holiday shopping options and crafts.
  • A toy/clothing/food drive that supports the Christmas Treasures program through the Elkins Public Schools.
  • Ornament and Play-Doh circuit making for kids
  • Hot chocolate and cookies

Christmas Open House – Dec. 3

  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elkins Public Library
  • Food, Santa-themed storytime at 1 p.m., pictures at 11 a.m., ornament craft fundraiser.

The Gypsy Rose Winter Market – Dec. 3

  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2684 Hollybrooke Drive in Fayetteville.
  • Holiday shopping
  • Food, silent auction, shopping and gift wrapping available

NWArt Refuge pop-up gallery – Dec. 3

  • Dec. 3 at 2131 N. Center Street, Fayetteville.
  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Walton Arts Center presents ‘Million Dollar Quartet Christmas‘ – Dec. 2-3

  • “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” brings the homecoming of four music legends Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley with performances of classic holiday hits and favorite chart-toppers with a rock ‘n’ roll twist.
  • Tickets normally range from $32 to $62.
  • The Black Friday sale lasts until Nov. 28. During that time, tickets will be $25 plus applicable fees.
  • Tickets are available online at waltonartscenter.org by visiting the box office on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by calling 479-443-5600 on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jingle Mingle – Dec. 8

  • 6-9 p.m.
  • Heroncrest Event Center, 1579 E Lake Rd, Elm Springs, AR 72762
  • Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas honoring scholarship recipients and supporters
  • Inspirational stories and holiday cheer
  • Raising funds to support single mothers and fathers who are attending higher education institutions.

Bentonville Christmas Parade – Dec. 10

Fort Smith Christmas Parade – Dec. 10

  • Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. in Downtown Fort Smith
  • To RSVP a float, click here.

Pancakes with the Grinch – Dec. 10

  • River Park Events Building in Fort Smith
  • 9-10:30 a.m.
  • Free Pancakes, take pictures with The Grinch, make reindeer food, and create an ornament keepsake.
  • For more information, call (479) 784-2368

Benton County Toy Run – Dec. 10

White Elephant 5K and one-mile holiday races – Dec. 10

  • Begins at 8 a.m. at Fayetteville Downtown Square.
  • Includes one-mile race for runners
  • Race will include the square, Dickson Street, Old Main Lawn and The Ramble.
  • Closures associated with the race include:
    • The Fayetteville square
    • Dickson Street from East Avenue to Arkansas Avenue.
  • 5K and 1-mile races open to participants of all ages.
  • Registration includes an event long-sleeve shirt, finisher medal, free event photo downloads, and more
  • Racers will be treated to the Lights of the Ozarks, holiday music, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, hot cocoa and white elephant gifts.

Washington County Historical Society – Dec. 11

  • From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Headquarters House Museum
  • A Christmas Elf will collect gift donations for children ages 3 to 18
  • Activities include:
    • Father Christmas giving candy canes
    • Making “historically inspired” ornaments
    • Gingerbread cookies and wassail
    • Singing along with a choir of Living Historians and Heritage School students dressed in mid-19th century costume
Chorus sings Christmas carols during the Washington County Historical Society’s 2021 holiday event (Washington County Historical Society).

Evangel Temple Christmas Lunch – Dec. 25

  • Evangel Temple is set to host the 34th Annual Free Christmas Lunch for the homeless and less fortunate on Sunday, Dec. 25 at 12 p.m.
  • Fresh-cooked hot meals will be served by volunteers inside the Evangel Temple Gymnasium, adjacent to the Baptist Health parking lot. Health and safety precautions will be taken in meal preparation and distribution.
  • Items such as sleeping bags, socks and other items will be given away.