Here are some of the celebrations taking place for the holidays throughout the region.
Holly Jolly Junk Ranch
Nov. 30, 10 am-7 p.m., Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
The Junk Ranch, 11195 Centerpoint Church Road, Prairie Grove
Shopping opportunities, workshops, festive photo ops and food trucks will be available during this event. Vendors will offer vintage Christmas goods, seasonal handmade items, jewelry, boutique and more. Early-bird shopping is available for $10 admission from 10 a.m.-noon on Nov. 30. Admission is $5 each day for general admission. More info here.
Holiday on the Bricks
Nov. 30-Dec. 2
Downtown Rogers
The 3rd annual Holiday on the Bricks features a downtown-wide open house with extra activities and events including the Sips on the Bricks cocktail tasting, Cocoa in the Park, Holiday Carolers, pictures with Santa, a Holiday Sunday Shopping Kick-Off and a toy and donation drive to benefit Arkansas Children’s Hospital-Northwest. More info here.
Children’s Christmas Train
Dec. 1, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, 306 E. Emma Ave., Springdale
This 15th annual event will depart downtown Springdale aboard a 1940s-era restored train. The 40-minute ride to Johnson and back will include singing Christmas carols and telling stories. Once riders return to the depot, families can enjoy holiday games, entertainment, a visit from Santa, a cake walk and live music. Holiday attire is encouraged. More info here.
7th Annual Jingle Bell Jog 5K & Reindeer Fun Run
Dec. 1, 9 a.m.
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville
The 5K begins at 9 a.m. with the Fun Run starting at 10 a.m. Warm-up stretches with a Fayetteville Athletic Club instructor start at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., respectively. Cost is $35 for the 5K, $15 for the Reindeer Fun for Kids under 12, or $100 for a 5K team of five, all ages. More info here.
4th Annual Christmas Open House
Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-noon
Springdale Fire Department, Station 1, 417 Holcomb
The annual open house features a tour of the fire station, refreshments and family activities, as well as appearances by Sparky the Fire Dog and Firefighter Santa. Photos with Firefighter Santa can be taken for a $5 donation to the Springdale Fire Department toy drive for the EOA Children’s House. Participants can also bring an unwrapped toy for donation.
Gravette Christmas Parade
Dec. 1, 4:30 p.m.
Downtown Gravette
The theme for the Gravette Christmas Parade this year is “Sounds of the Season.” Trophies will be awarded for entries for the best use of lights, theme and the most festive entry. Immediately after the parade, the Gravette Historical Museum will present an open house featuring Santa Claus, cookies and activities. More info here.
Creekmore Holiday Express
Dec. 5-22, 5:30-8:30 p.m. daily except Sundays
Creekmore Park, Fort Smith
The annual rides on the Creekmore Holiday Express mini-train will steam through the hundreds of animated lights displayed throughout Creekmore Park. The ride is free, but come early to get a seat. More info here.
Rogers Christmas Parade
Dec. 7, 6-9 p.m.
Downtown Rogers
Bring the family to enjoy the 2018 Christmas Parade through downtown Rogers. Events will begin with pre-parade festivities on the Frisco Stage, including performances by the Northwest Arkansas Regional Dance Company & Ballet Westside, with the parade beginning at 7 p.m. More info here.
Fort Smith Christmas Honors – Laying of the Wreaths
Dec. 8, 8-11 a.m.
Fort Smith National Cemetery
This annual ceremony honors the fallen heroes in the Fort Smith National Cemetery with the laying of a wreath at every headstone. It begins with families laying wreaths at the headstones of their loved ones, followed by the ceremony to honor veterans. The event ends with participants laying wreaths on the remaining headstones. More info here.
Bentonville Christmas Parade
Dec. 8, 11 a.m.
Downtown Bentonville
Line the streets in and around the Bentonville Square for the annual Bentonville Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is “Movies on Main Street.” 5NEWS Anchor Darren Bobb will emcee the event, and 5NEWS will broadcast it on KXNW. More info here.
Fort Smith Christmas Parade
Dec. 8, 3 p.m.
Downtown Fort Smith
The 78th annual Fort Smith Christmas Parade takes place along Rogers and Garrison avenues in downtown Fort Smith. 5NEWS Chief Meteorologist Garrett Lewis will emcee the event, and 5NEWS will broadcast the parade on KXNW. More info here.
Avoca Country Christmas Parade
Dec. 8, 5:30 p.m.
Old Wire Road to Main Street to Avoca City Hall
The 16th annual Avoca Country Christmas Parade begins with float judging at 5 p.m. before the parade kicks off on Old Wire Road. The end of the parade will feature an appearance by Santa at City Hall, along with the Cocoa and Cookie Social. The Rogers Heritage High School Marching Band will be featured.
Winter Wonderland NWA
Dec. 15 and 16, 10 a.m.
Benton County Fairgrounds, 7640 SW Regional Airport Blvd., Bentonville
This free event includes vendors with handcrafted and unique gifts, as well as a free kids’ Christmas workshop. Children can make crafts to take home or share with loved ones. Photos with Santa will also be available, as well as various food trucks. The event supports Autumn’s ReRide Youth Ranch. More info here.
Wreaths Across America – Remembrance Wreaths Ceremony
Dec. 15, 10 a.m.
Fayetteville National Cemetery
Wreaths Across America will be at the Fayetteville National Cemetery to lay Remembrance wreaths on the graves of the fallen heroes during a special ceremony. Volunteers and wreath sponsors are still needed. More info here.
