πŸŽ„From Christmas Parades to Cocoa Crawls: What’s Happening This WeekendπŸŽ„


Hey, it's Lynn – ​
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It’s one of those December mornings β€” walked into the living room to find the Christmas tree tipped over, ornaments everywhere, and not a single dog or cat willing to take responsibility.

Heads up β€” some real winter cold is blowing in on Sunday. You may want to plan outdoor events for Saturday, or bundle up.

πŸŽ„ Chaos aside, this is the final Christmas parade weekend across Northwest Arkansas β€” but the festivities aren’t slowing down. There are still plenty of holiday events happening all weekend long. Check the dates and details below so you don’t miss anything.
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​Northwest Arkansas Christmas Parades This Weekend ​

FRIDAY β€’ Dec 12​
β€’ Centerton β€” 5:30 PM
β€’ Decatur β€” 6:00 PM

SATURDAY β€’ Dec 13​
β€’ Bentonville β€” 6:00 PM
β€’ Gravette β€” 6:00 PM
β€’ Gentry β€” 6:00 PM
β€’ Prairie Grove β€” 6:00 PM

There are numerous additional holiday events happening across Northwest Arkansas.

Find every NWA holiday event in one place here :)

In Today’s Issue:

  • Highlighted Events For This Weekend
  • Latest Videos
  • Full Calendar of Events For All of NWA

SPONSORED

🩰 The Nutcracker Ballet β€” Arend Art Center

The NWA Conservatory of Classical Ballet presents the 13th annual, community-favorite production of The Nutcracker:

  • Cast: 183 local students/adults + professional guest artists.
  • Dates: December 19th (7 PM) & December 20th (1 PM, 7 PM).
  • Tickets: $25 – $40. πŸ‘‰ Get Tickets & Full Details​

WEEKEND EVENTS
Catch The Fun

BENTONVILLE​
🎭 INVERSE Performance Art Festival | Dec 11–14, 2025 | 12–12 | The Momentary, Bentonville β€” A four-day performance art festival marking 10 years of INVERSE. Experimental, live works exploring material, form, and gesture, featuring artists from across disciplines and an open call for proposals.
🎁 Local Makers Holiday Market | Sat, Dec 13, 2025 | 10 AM–5 PM | 123 S Main St, Bentonville β€” Local makers and small businesses pop up for last-minute Christmas gifts. Free entry, door prizes, and open to the public.

EUREKA SPRINGS
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β˜•πŸͺ Eureka Springs Hot Cocoa & Cookie Crawl | Fri, Dec 12, 2025 | 5–7 PM | Downtown Eureka Springs β€” Sip cocoa and sample cookies at participating shops while strolling downtown. Holiday shopping, giveaways, lights, music, and festive photo ops.
πŸš‚ Eureka Express Holiday Train | Sat, Dec 13, 2025 | 1–4 PM | Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway β€” Step aboard a festive excursion car with Christmas stories every 30 minutes, photos with Santa, hot cocoa, and a cozy holiday atmosphere. Free admission; donations appreciated.
πŸͺŸπŸŽ„ Living Windows | Sat, Dec 13, 2025 | 5–7 PM | Historic Downtown Eureka Springs β€” An annual tradition where shop windows come alive with elves, Santa, and holiday characters. Stroll, shop local, and enjoy festive surprises throughout downtown. Free 2-hour metered parking all December.
🎭 A Christmas Carol Walking Tour | Sat, Dec 13, 2025 | 6–9 PM | Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs β€” Walk through scenes from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol staged throughout the historic hotel. Family-friendly, immersive performances by local artists. Tours start at 6, 7, and 8 PM (tickets online).

FAYETTEVILLE
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πŸŽ„ Fayetteville Festivus at Lights of the Ozarks | Fri, Dec 12, 2025 | 5–9 PM | Downtown Fayetteville Square β€” A free, all-ages holiday celebration with outdoor movies, bounce houses, a kids’ holiday market, festive eats, live music, Santa visits, and activities spread throughout the square.
πŸΎπŸŽ„ Photos with The Grinch (Pups Welcome!) | Sat, Dec 13, 2025 | 12–2 PM | Good Dog CafΓ©, Fayetteville β€” The Grinch will be posing for photos with your dogs. Holiday outfits encouraged. Shop local gifts from partner artists and vendors, and grab coffee that supports dog rescue efforts.

ROGERS
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πŸŽ… Santa Dash | Sun, Dec 14, 2025 | 2 PM | Downtown Rogers (starts at Ozark Beer Company) β€” A 1-mile holiday run, walk, or dance with hundreds of Santas. Registration includes a Santa suit, beer ticket, finisher ornament, and a post-race celebration at Ozark Beer Company.
🎢 Beer & Carols | Sun, Dec 14, 2025 | 5–7:45 PM | Metroplex Event Center, Rogers β€” A festive holiday singalong led by the Beer & Hymns Band with guest musicians. Dinner, dessert, and one drink included. All ages welcome. Proceeds support the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter.

SILOAM SPRINGS
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πŸŽ„ Free Christmas Night for Single Parents | Sat, Dec 13, 2025 | 5–7 PM | Vital Church, Siloam Springs β€” Free drop-off event for single parents. Kids ages 3–12 enjoy games, crafts, and pizza while parents shop, run errands, or relax. Each child leaves with a gift for their parent; gift wrapping provided. Spots limited.
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SPRINGDALE
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β˜• International Hot Cocoa Crawl | Fri, Dec 12, 2025 | 5–8 PM | Downtown Springdale β€” Sample hot drinks at participating locations with a ticket. 2025 mugs are sold out; limited no-mug tickets available. Maps and check-in at the Mile 16 sign on the Razorback Greenway near 113 E Emma Ave. Rain or shine.
🎢 PERREOLAND: Old School vs New School Reggaeton Party | Sat, Dec 13, 2025 | 8:30 PM | Springdale Civic Center β€” A high-energy reggaeton party featuring dancers, entertainers, confetti shows, stilt performers, and a journey through classic to modern reggaeton. VIP available.
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🍁 Full List of Events in NWA This Weekend​
🎢 Full List of NWA Live Music This Weekend​
⭐ Upcoming Events in Northwest Arkansas​

πŸŽ₯ This Week’s Watchlist

β€‹πŸŽ„Christmas Lights At The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs - Watch the Reel​
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πŸŽ„Tour the Downtown Fayetteville Square - Lights of the Ozarks - Watch Short Tour​
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πŸŽ„Tour of the Downtown Bentonville Square at Christmas - Watch the reel​
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Before you go:

Planning a trip? Book it here!​
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All good things,
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β€” Lynn West

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