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It’s finally here—the most wonderful time of the year in the Natural State! Christmas in Arkansas is truly magical, thanks to the incredible people and communities who pour their hearts into creating festive Arkansas holiday events for all to enjoy. From small-town celebrations to big-city attractions, there are countless Christmas events across Arkansas in December to help you slip right into the Yuletide spirit.
Batesville – Christmas Capital of Arkansas
Each winter, Arkansas’s oldest city, Batesville, transforms into the Christmas Capital of Arkansas™. Millions of dancing lights fill the 35-acre Riverside Park, creating a completely walkable display with illuminated trails throughout the park. The show features over a million lights and draws thousands of visitors each year.
In addition to the light display, visitors can enjoy carriage rides, ice skating, a parade, a Ferris wheel, free movies and more. All month long, Batesville also hosts extra holiday activities, including a Nutcracker performance, Christmas movies at the Melba Theatre, a 5K, a Polar Express experience and other festive events.
Venue: Batesville
Date: Nov. 26 to Jan. 4
More Information: Click Here
Bethlehem Revisited | Conway
Immerse yourself in the story of Christmas with this powerful live Nativity experience. You’ll see, hear, and even smell what it may have been like on the night of the birth of the Light of the World. The guided journey begins with the prophecies of Isaiah, moves through the bustling city of Bethlehem, and concludes at the lowly stable where the story comes to life.
Admission is free, and at the end of the tour you can enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. A YouTube video is available with a wonderful preview of what you can expect during this special holiday event.
Venue: Antioch Church
Date: Dates: Dec. 5-7
More Information: Click Here
The Living Nativity | Searcy
The Living Nativity is a free drive-thru Christmas event where the story of Jesus’ birth comes to life. The outside of the church is transformed into the hustle and bustle of biblical Bethlehem, complete with exotic animals, handmade costumes, and crafts that set the scene for the Nativity.
As you drive through, you’ll come face-to-face with Roman guards at the city gates before being drawn into an authentic-looking, multidimensional experience of the very first Christmas.
Venue: Searcy First Assembly of God
Dates: Dec. 5-7, 10. 12-14
More Information: Click Here
47th Annual Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase | Little Rock
The Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase features fine arts and crafts by members and their juried guests in wood carving, pottery, wooden kitchen tools, stained glass, handmade jewelry in precious metals and stones, lampworked glass bead jewelry, sculpture, garden art, photography, home decor, fabric art, leather work and many more unique items.
Venue: Arkansas State Fairgrounds
Date: Dec. 5-7
More Information: Click Here
Santa Drop | Fayetteville
Skydiving Saint Nick is soaring to town for Fayetteville’s annual Santa Drop! Watch the big jump live at the Arkansas Air & Military Museum on Saturday, Dec. 6, as Santa makes the leap. Make plans to witness “the most magical 90 seconds in Fayetteville” this year and it just might become your new favorite holiday tradition! Santa Drop is free to attend, with gates open to the public at 10 a.m. Just be sure you’ve made it into the museum grounds by 11 a.m. to see Santa fall from the sky! Attendees can write their Christmas wishes on a paper airplane to be flown to Santa for later reading and pose for pictures with him at his makeshift sleigh – a C-130 Hercules.
Venue: Arkansas Air & Military Museum
Date: Dec. 6
More Information: Click Here
39th Annual Christmas and Candlelight | Historic Washington
Step back in time this Christmas at Historic Washington State Park. As candlelit streets glow against the night sky, you can stroll through the historic village and soak in the natural beauty of this charming Arkansas town. Holiday decorations, live music, and festive touches everywhere you turn create a truly magical, old-fashioned Christmas experience.
The historic homes are dressed in period-style decorations, and thousands of luminaries light the streets throughout the town. Enjoy a guided tour to learn more about the history and traditions of the area, then end your evening with a cozy holiday meal at Williams Tavern Restaurant for the perfect finishing touch to your historic holiday outing.
Venue: Historic Washington State Park
Date: Dec. 12-14
More Information: Click Here
A Ferncliff Winter Camp | Little Rock
This camping event is open to 3rd-12 graders of four days and three nights of classic Ferncliff fun with a cozy, holiday twist—perfect for burning off energy, building friendships, and growing in faith over school break
Venue: Ferncliff Camp
Date: Dec. 19-22
More Information: Click Here
Christmas at the Park | Jonesboro
Christmas at the Park turns Joe Mack Campbell Park into a true winter wonderland. Enjoy over a half-mile drive-thru light display featuring an estimated 65 collections, almost 450 pieces and more than 400,000 lights. The park’s trees become a magical Snowflake Forest, and you’ll even drive through the longest drive-thru lighted tunnel in the area.
As guests make their way through the lights, they can join in the A-State Howl & Scarlet Scavenger Hunt, searching for several custom-designed pieces along the route. You’ll also have the chance to hop out of the car to visit the concession stand, snap photos with fun props and, when available, meet Santa. Throughout the season, Christmas at the Park also hosts special events like community caroling and fireworks, making it a must-see holiday tradition.
Venue: Joe Mack Campbell Park
Dates: Click Here
More Information: Click Here
Garvan Woodland Gardens Holiday Lights | Hot Springs
Celebrate the beauty of the season in an outdoor winter garden! The winter garden festival will run through the month of December. The garden is transformed into an absolute beauty with thousands of lights to enjoy. This would make a perfect night out to add to your holiday traditions.
Venue: Garvan Woodland Gardens
Date: Open Daily through December (Closed Christmas Day)
More Information: Click Here
Lights of the Ozarks | Fayetteville
Enjoy the award-winning winter wonderland on the Fayetteville Historic Downtown Square. Every year, nearly half a million twinkling lights illuminate the square each evening from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. through New Year’s Day. Winter treats, hot cocoa and festive music make the Lights of the Ozarks an event that cannot be missed. There will also be letters to Santa (you might get a reply!) and food trucks.
Venue: Downtown Fayetteville
Date: Nov. 21- January 1
More Information: Click Here
Robinson Center Holiday Events | Little Rock
Tickets to the Robinson Center make a great gift or a perfect outing with friends. They have a great line up this month of performances to enjoy during the holidays. Viewing a Nutcracker performance is a tradition that many families love!
Venue: Robinson Center
426 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201
Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas- Dec. 2
Need to Breath – Dec. 4
The Book of Mormon- Dec. 5-6
Ballet Arkansas’ Nutcracker Spectacular- Dec. 12-14
Land of the Swets Nutcracker Tea- Dec. 13-14
Home for the Holidays- Dec. 19-21
Ginuwine and Friends- Dec. 27
Tickets: Click Here
Walton Arts Center | Fayetteville
There will also be events at the Walton Arts Center this month. You can click here for tickets and more information.
Old Crow Medicine Show’s Holiday Hootenanny- Dec. 3
West Street Live- Dec. 4
A very SoNA Christmas- Dec. 6
The Snowman: A Family Concert- Dec. 7
Kimberly Akimbo- Dec. 9-14
The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra- Dec. 17
Mrs. Doubtfire- Dec. 19-21
Holiday Films- Dec. 23
Tickets: Click Here
Other Events to note:
Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony– Dec. 6
The BIG Little Rock Holiday Parade– Dec. 6
Christmas on the Square (Mountain View)- Dec. 5-6
Mammoth Spring State Park A Railroad Christmas Celebration – Dec. 13
Arkansas Historic Museum’s 21st Nog-Off (Little Rock)- Dec. 12
Glo Wild at the Little Rock Zoo
Christmas in the Bluff (Pine Bluff) -Dec. 6
Searcy Holiday of Lights
Lights of the Delta (Blytheville)
Drive through Lights Display- (Eureka Springs)
Coulter Celebration of Lights (Mountain Home)
Sherwood’s Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights
Cabot’s Celebrate the Season Shopping Event
Arkansas Pecan Festival (Keo)- Dec. 6
Hometown Christmas Events in Arkansas
In addition to the events listed above, there are countless Holiday Open Houses, hometown parades, local craft fairs, and Christmas lighting ceremonies happening in communities all across Arkansas. No matter where you live in the state, you’ll be able to find a local Christmas event to enjoy with family and friends.
Happy December, Arkansas!
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