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Community • Lifestyle • November 3, 2025

Winter Wonders Await: Holiday Fun Across the Ozarks

by CB Harris McHaney & Faucette

As the crisp winter air settles over the Ozarks, the region transforms into a festive wonderland. Twinkling lights illuminate streets and parks, holiday markets offer unique gifts, and seasonal performances bring magic to the stage. Families can stroll through dazzling displays, skate under the stars, snap photos with Santa, and create memories that last a lifetime. This curated guide highlights the very best holiday and winter events in the Ozarks, helping you plan outings full of joy, lights, and community spirit from late November through mid-January.

Santa Claus Experiences

Make magical memories with Santa at these special local events — perfect for holiday photos and family fun.

Photos with Santa — Lights of the Ozarks
Photo opportunity, November 21 – January 1 — Downtown Fayetteville, Fayetteville, AR
Capture holiday memories with Santa amid the festive lights.
Click here to learn more

Brunch with Santa at Chateau on the Lake
Special event, December 7, 14, 21, 2025 — Chateau on the Lake Resort, Branson, MO
Enjoy a festive brunch with Santa and holiday-themed activities.
Click here to learn more

Holiday Express
Train Ride, Starting November 29 – December 21 — Springdale

Enjoy a scenic trip through the Ozark Mountains with hot cocoa, holiday treats, and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself!
Click here to learn more

 

Light Displays & Parades

The Ozarks shine bright during the holiday season with sparkling lights and festive parades for all ages.

Lights of the Ozarks
Light display, November 21 – January 1 — Downtown Fayetteville, Fayetteville, AR
Downtown Fayetteville glows nightly with a spectacular display of holiday lights.
Click here to learn more

Lights by the Lake
Light display, November 22 – January 11 — Lakeside Village, Harrison, AR
Enjoy a lakeside walk amid shimmering holiday lights.
Click here to learn more

Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills
Drive-through display, Late November – January 3 — Shepherd of the Hills, Branson, MO
Drive through over 160 acres of dazzling holiday displays.
Click here to drive through

Bentonville Lighting of the Square & Holiday Lights
Lighting event, November 22  — Bentonville Square, Bentonville, AR
Kick off the season with the city lighting ceremony and enjoy sparkling downtown lights.
Click here to plan it

Bentonville Christmas Parade
Parade, December 13, 2025 — Bentonville Square, Bentonville, AR
Celebrate the season with festive floats, music, and community spirit.
Click here for details

Siloam Springs Parade of Lights / Christmas on the Creek
Parade, Early December — Downtown Siloam Springs, Siloam Springs, AR
Community parade with floats, caroling, and seasonal lights.
Click here to learn more

 

Holiday Markets & Shopping

Find unique gifts, support local artisans, and soak in the holiday spirit at these festive markets.

NWA Holiday Market
Market, November 7–8 — NWA Convention Center, Springdale, AR
Hundreds of vendors offering handmade goods and festive finds.
Click here to shop local

Merry & Bright Market & Bentonville City Lighting
Market & lighting, November 22 — Bentonville Square, Bentonville, AR
Shop local artisans while enjoying the city lighting and holiday festivities.
Click here to plan it

Eureka Springs Christmas Market & Candlelight Tour of Homes
Market & tour, December 6 — Eureka Springs, AR
Tour beautifully decorated historic homes while shopping for unique gifts.
Click here to learn more

Fayetteville Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market
Market, Every Saturday and Sunday through December 21 – Fayetteville, AR

Kick off the season with a festive indoor market featuring local vendors, handmade gifts, and holiday treats.
Click here to learn more

 

Seasonal Shows & Performances

From ballet to holiday concerts, the Ozarks’ stages come alive with festive performances.

Branson’s Christmas Wonderland — King’s Castle Theatre
Musical, November 1 – December 31 — Branson, MO
Enjoy a high-energy holiday show featuring singing, dancing, and festive fun.
Click here to book tickets

Praisefest Branson — Christmas Joy!
Concert, December 5-6 — The Mansion Theatre, Branson, MO
Gospel and inspirational holiday performances.
Click here to buy tickets

 

Winter Fun & Ice Skating

Experience the magic of the season by gliding across the ice or enjoying cozy winter cottages.

The Rink at Lawrence Plaza
Ice skating, Opens November 22 — Bentonville, AR
Outdoor ice rink in downtown Bentonville for all ages.
Click here to buy your ticket

Crystal Bridges Winter Cottage Experience
Immersive winter experience, October 15 – January 4 — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, AR
Cozy private cottage with festive drinks, gourmet shareables, and illuminated forest views.
Click here to reserve your cottage

Christmas at Pinpoint (Holiday Pop-Up Bar)
Pop-up, November 28 –December 31 — Fayetteville, AR
Festive 21+ pop-up with themed seating and seasonal cocktails.
Click here to learn more

SantaCon NWA 2025
Community event, December 6 — Bentonville Town Square, Bentonville, AR
Join the festive pub crawl with Santa-themed attire and holiday cheer.
Click here to learn more

 

Gingerbread Displays

Chateau on the Lake — Gingerbread Village
Display, November 1 – January 3 — Branson, MO
Life-size gingerbread houses built by chefs, perfect for photos.
Click here to learn more

 

Giving Back & Donation Drives

Celebrate the season by supporting local families and charitable causes across the Ozarks.

CARE for the Holidays / Toys for Tots — NWA
Donation drive, November – December — NWA region, AR
Drop-off toys or volunteer to support children in need.
Click here to donate or volunteer

Festival of Stars Toy Drive — Arkansas Children’s
Donation drive, Early–Mid December — NWA & statewide drop-offs
Donate toys for hospitalized children.
Click here to donate now

United Way / Joy of Sharing Gift Drive
Donation drive, Drop-off by mid-December — United Way offices, NWA
Sponsor a child or donate gifts to local families.
Click here to sponsor

 

Tips for Enjoying the Season in the Ozarks

  • Verify event dates and ticket requirements — schedules may change!
  • Bundle multiple events in a weekend for a festive getaway.
  • Dress warmly — evenings can get chilly at outdoor light displays and ice rinks.
  • Support local shops and participate in donation drives to make the season meaningful.
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