Media Contact: Alison Nation                

Chief Marketing Officer

Visit Bentonville 

alison@visitbentonville.com

(479) 530-4787

 

Bentonville boasts holiday events through January 2026
City offers holiday markets, light shows, outdoor ice skating rink and more to celebrate holiday season

 

Bentonville, Ark. (Nov. 12, 2025) — Bentonville is pulling out all the stops for the 2025 holiday season, beginning with joyous, family-friendly events such as its annual outdoor ice skating rink and long-awaited Lighting of the Bentonville Square.

 

"The holiday season is one of our most beloved times of year," said Kalene Griffith, president and CEO of Visit Bentonville. “We invite visitors and locals alike to savor the season with our award-winning culinary experiences, festive community events, and holiday markets." 

 

Holiday-Themed Events

  • Friendsgiving Open House Flow + Sip
    Nov. 15, 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
    Enjoy free classes all morning at YogaSix Bentonville for a morning of gratitude, community and yoga.
    Register here

  • Merry & Bright Market
    Nov. 22, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
    Ledger will host a free market with food and beverage and the joining of dozens of local makers, bakers and confectioners.
    Learn more

  • City of Bentonville’s 2025 Lighting of the Square
    Nov. 22, 6 p.m.
    Join to enjoy the lighting of thousands of lights, live music and community in celebration of the holiday season.
    Details here

  • The Rink at Lawrence Plaza
    Nov. 22-Jan. 31
    This 7,000 square foot outdoor ice skating rink is transformed into a winter wonderland from November to February. Private parties, ice skating lessons and family passes are available.
    Details here

  • Thanksgiving Camp at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
    Nov. 24-25, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
    The camp offers outdoor activities for children between ages 7 to 12, including stream and water studies, orienteering, survival skills, plant identification, bird watching and more.
    Register here

  • Christmas Pop Up at Danger Dave’s
    Nov. 28, 11 a.m.
    This pop-up bar features Christmas-themed cocktails and new menu items.

  • Winter Market of NWA
    Nov. 28, 4-9 p.m.; Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
    A festive, family-friendly event, this annual market features photos with Santa, Christmas shopping with local vendors, a live nativity scene, Christmas lights displays and more.
    Details here

  • Freedom Frosty 5K
    Dec. 6, 8 a.m.
    The race will begin in the Downtown Bentonville Square at Lawrence Plaza. Registration closes Dec. 5, 2025 at 6 p.m.
    Learn more

  • SantaCon-NWA
    Dec. 6, 1-7 p.m.
    Dress up in a Holiday costume and visit Downtown Bentonville and Rogers’ bars, restaurants and retail shops. Participating establishments will have drink, food and retail specials for individuals who are decked out in holiday gear and wearing their SantaCom wristband. Tickets can be purchased through Dec. 6 at 1 p.m.
    Get tickets

  • Bentonville Christmas Parade
    Dec. 13, 6 p.m.
    This long-loved community tradition features themed floats, live acts and endless family fun.
    Learn more

  • Candy Cane Course - Bentonville
    Dec. 14, 9 a.m.
    Participation in this Christmas-themed 5k/12k includes exclusive swag, chip-timing with live results and awards, free photos and delicious treats waiting at the finish line.
    Sign up

  • North Forest Winter Cottage Experience
    Now - Jan. 4
    A unique way to enjoy outdoor light and sound experiences, Winter Cottages at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art offers VIP access to Time Loop and a private space to enjoy festive drinks, gourmet shareables and an enchanting, panoramic view of the North Forest.
    Make reservations

 

For a full list of events, visit VisitBentonville.com/events. Visit Bentonville’s seasonal guide can be found at VisitBentonville.com/Events/Experience-Bentonvilles-Holiday-Magic/.

 

About Visit Bentonville

Visit Bentonville is funded by the Bentonville Advertising and Promotion Commission which was established in 1996. The commission is supported by a 2% tax on lodging and meeting space and a 1% tax on restaurant and dining establishments. The organization's mission is to promote Bentonville as a vibrant experience for all, enhancing the quality of life and stimulating economic development that will strengthen our local economy. Visit Bentonville leads the planning of sports, meetings and group tours while also marketing leisure experiences that include arts, cycling, culinary, film, music and aviation. Visit Bentonville also collaborates with tourism offices throughout the state of Arkansas to create positive economic impact while increasing tourism amenities for both visitors and residents. For more information, please visit VisitBentonville.com.