Spending the holidays in Bentonville, Arkansas with family this year? You’re in for a magical time! 

 

From twinkling holiday lights on the Downtown Square to festive holiday experiences to friendly community gatherings celebrating the most wonderful time of the year—we’re sure you’ll fall in love with our charming city and want to keep coming back over and over again.

 

Read on for five can’t-miss family-friendly holiday experiences right here in Bentonville:

1. Holiday Lights on the Bentonville Square

The holiday lights turn on each evening at 5 pm, transforming our Downtown Square into a bright and cheery winter wonderland that you don’t want to miss. This spot makes for a great holiday photo-op with family, friends, pets, or yourself! The lights will be on the Square through the end of the year.
 
Pro Tip: Don’t miss The Spark Cafe’s food truck! Order a festive drink to keep you warm as you walk around.
Photo by @roshan.chakve on Instagram

2. The Rink at Lawrence Plaza

Just down the street from the Bentonville Square, located at 214 NE A Street, you’ll find the Rink at Lawrence Plaza. This 7,000 square foot ice skating rink is the only one in our region, and is a beloved Bentonville holiday tradition. The Rink is open from November to February, so bundle up, gather your family and friends, and show us your skills on ice!

 

Visit Bentonville Ice Skating Rink

Details:

  • $7 Ice Skate Session including Skate Rental

  • Skate sizes available:

    • Kids 9–13

    • Adults 1–15

  • Online ticket sales close one hour before session time

  • All sales are final

  • Pre-purchase tickets here

2023–2024 Season Calendar

2023 - 2024 Skating Rink Calendar

3. Listening Forest by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer 

Located in the North Forest at Crystal Bridges Museum, Listening Forest by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer is an outdoor, nighttime exhibition featuring eight interactive installations. Use your hands, your voice, and even the afterimage of your own body heat to create a fantastical experience in the forest. 
 
Bundle up and bring your family or friends. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase in the North Forest. Grab tickets in advance here.
 
*Some artworks in this experience contain light effects. Viewing discretion is advised for visitors with sensitivity to visual light stimulation. Hosts at each installation can provide more information.
 
 

Photos courtesy of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

4. Holiday Decor at Peel Museum & Botanical Garden

Take a free tour of the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, and enjoy the holiday-themed atmosphere both inside and outside the Museum. The historic Peel Family home and its seven Victorian-inspired gardens offer a unique way to examine the history of Northwest Arkansas through excavated objects, artifacts from the 1800s. The museum is open between 10 am and 3 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
 
Plus, enjoy After-Hours at Peel Museum for free from 3 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, December 14:
  • Snap a photo with Santa between 4 and 7 pm
  • Enjoy delicious food truck treats
  • Take a free tour of the museum
  • Explore the seven gardens of the historic Peel Family home
  • Shop for locally made gifts at the Museum Store

5. Winter Markets

Festive drink in your hand, holiday carols in the air, and cheery people all around—there are few better ways to knock out your holiday shopping than a Winter Market! Check out the list of Winter Markets happening in Bentonville below:
 
Saturdays, Nov 18–Feb 24 | Market @ Record 
Dec 9 | Holiday Market (At Meteor Guitar Gallery)
For more information on holiday shopping read Your Guide to Holiday Shopping in Bentonville.
 
Save the Date! Exciting Holiday Events
Dec 31: Noon Year's Eve
Browse our events calendar here.
 
Stay Warm! Family-Friendly Museums in Bentonville
From learning about diverse Indigenous cultures of the Americas at the Museum of Native American History to exploring 50,000 square feet of exhibit spaces at the Amazeum—Bentonville has so many great places with educational fun for the whole family to enjoy indoors!
 
Read about each museum in our Bentonville Museum Roundup blog.
 
 
Looking for food recommendations during your visit? We’ve got you covered! Click here to browse our Restaurant Guide.
 
We’re happy to help you with any additional information needed during your stay in Bentonville. Our Visitor’s Center is open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and 9 am to 3 pm on Saturdays. Stop by and see us at 406 SE 5th Street, Suite 6.