The holiday season is a time of joy, nostalgia, and generosity. A trip to visit Bentonville is sure to get any Bah Humbug Scrooge in the Christmas mood. On November 19th, the city flips a switch and the Christmas spirit is on! The Bentonville Square shines brighter than ever full of Christmas lights and holiday cheer. Come experience the joy the community sparks, the nostalgia the city provides, and the generous amenities offered.
Bring your family and family - Bentonville is a prime place to be during the holiday season! Keep scrolling for holiday happenings and some tips to help fill your itinerary.
7 MUST-STOP SPOTS THIS WINTER
Photo courtesy: Downtown Bentonville Inc.
1. Bentonville's Winter Wonderland
Enlighten your stay with a stroll through downtown Bentonville. The City of Bentonville Parks and Recreation has transformed the square into a winter wonderland filled with family-friendly fun. Enjoy the beautiful sights, twinkling lights, and a few laps around the rink!
Photo courtesy: Downtown Bentonville Inc.
Photo courtesy: Undercroft Bar.
2. Miracle on 2nd St.
Miracle on 2nd Street is underway - time for the adults to play! Give the gift of quality time and entertainment! Make plans to experience culinary excellence at the Preacher's Son, followed by a Christmas cocktail at Undercroft, the intimate lounge in the basement.
Undercroft transformed into Miracle on 2nd Street on November 29.
Reserve your table for Undercroft here: https://www.undercroftbar.com/miracle/
Reserve your table for Preacher's Son here: https://www.opentable.com/r/preachers-son-bentonville
Photo credit: Visit Bentonville.
3. Walmart Heritage Lab
The Walmart Museum will be under extensive renovation until the spring of 2024. In the meantime, visitors can take a walk down Walton's memory lane at the Walmart Museum Heritage Lab. Relocated just down the road, the Heritage Lab can be found at 240 S Main Street, on the first floor of the Ledger - the world's first bikeable building.
Photo courtesy: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Photo credit: Ironside Photography / Stephen Ironside.
4. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Discover world-class art, architecture, and nature with free general admission to all! Crystal Bridges' art collection spans over five centuries of American masterworks by artists such as Norman Rockwell, Georgia O'Keefe, Andy Warhol, and more! Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is nestled amongst 120 acres of lush Ozark Forest, surrounded by trails, sculptures, and gardens.
Current exhibitions include:
Listening Forest by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer | ENDS JAN 1st | CLICK HERE for Listening Forest Globe info
Fashioning America: Grit to Glamour | ENDS JAN 30th
We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy | ENDS JAN 2nd
Architecture at Home | ENDS JAN 31st
Entre/Between | ENDS MARCH 20th
Loring Taoka: ± | ENDS MARCH 27
Click here to view Crystal Bridges' upcoming events!
Photo courtesy: The Momentary. Photo credit: Ironside Photography / Stephen Ironside.
5. The Momentary
The Momentary is a contemporary art space satellite to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art! Situated along the Razorback Regional Greenway near 8th Street Market. The space was originally a decommissioned 63,000-square-foot cheese factory and has since been transformed into a multi-disciplinary space for visual and performing arts, culinary experiences, festivals, and artists-in-residence.
Current exhibitions include:
SUB | KURT HENTSCHLÄGER | ENDS DEC. 31st (available on select dates)
HANNAH PERRY: RAGE FLUIDS | ENDS FEB. 19th
YVETTE MAYORGA: WHAT A TIME TO BE | ENDS MARCH 12th
FIRELEI BÁEZ | ENDS MARCH 26th
Click here to view the Momentary's upcoming events!
Click here to read the full Incoming Installations at the Momentary blog!
Photo courtesy: LOUISE Café.
6. Thaden Field
Whether you're down to dine, interested in aviation, or sightseeing – don't fly past LOUISE Café at Thaden Field! As known as the Bentonville Municipal Airport (VBT), Thaden Field is home to a flight school, an exhibition hangar, and an FAA knowledge testing center. Thaden offers it all! From food, scenic flights, discovery flights, lawn games, fuel, and provisions. There's an abundance of family-filled fun near LOUISE at Thaden Field. Bundle up and walk through the wetlands of Osage Park, play a game of pickleball, or get your archery on at the Quiver!
Click here to read the Louise at Thaden Field Foodie Friday blog!
Photo courtesy: Museum of Native American History.
7. Museum of Native American History
MONAH's mission is to educate all generations about the first people of the Americas! Visitors will be transported back in time through historic exhibits dating all the way back to the Paleo Era (12000 bc-8000bc), with greetings from a 12,000-year-old woolly mammoth and tools used by the earliest people of the Americas.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Photo courtesy of Peel Museum & Botanical Gardens.
Christmas at Peel Museum
Open the doors to the holiday season at The Christmas at Peel Museum! Peel Museum and Botanical Garden’s annual fundraising event is centered around a one-of-a-kind, fine dining experience by Chef Matt Cooper of CONIFER! The evening will also feature seasonal music from NWA talent, such as The Reyes Trio, and opportunities to bid for unique experience packages, products, and services.
This event supports Peel Compton Foundation's mission to connect the community through nature, education, recreation, and preservation at Peel Museum and Botanical Garden, Compton Gardens and Arboretum, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, and Osage Park.
🎄 WHEN: Dec. 2nd. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 WHERE: Peel Museum and Botanical Garden
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS
Photo courtesy of Downtown Bentonville Inc.
Winter Market on the Square
Two birds one stone. Treat yourself this holiday season with a trip to visit Bentonville for the Winter Market on the Square. Enjoy the character and charm, while crossing names off your gift-giving list. This Winter Wonderland will provide you and your family with a fun shopping experience just in time for Christmas!
🎄 WHEN: Dec. 3rd. 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
📍 WHERE: Downtown Bentonville Square
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Photo courtesy of The Momentary.
Winter Market at the Momentary
Shake off those winter blues with a weekend of creative merchants, music, and more! Featuring 40 regional makers and artisans, guest performers, and holiday-themed drinks handcrafted by the Momentary culinary team, the annual Winter Market promises to be the breather you need in the midst of the season’s busyness.
Stop by Saturday, December 3 and grab a mug of cocoa as you browse the unique goods of guest vendors, or find the perfect gift in the Momentary Shop. Cozy snacks and bites by food trucks in the Arvest Band Courtyard and beloved holiday movie screenings in the theater spaces will also be available to add to the festive spirit.
For the dedicated shoppers (or just anyone who loves a good night out), the Momentary will also host an exclusive VIP Night at the market Friday, December 2. Reserve a ticket and be the proverbial early bird with first access to the market’s treasures, a complimentary holiday cocktail or mocktail, pop-up performances, and a Winter Market tote bag as our gift to you.
🎄 WHEN: Dec 3rd, 10 AM - 4PM
📍 WHERE: RØDE HOUSE at the Momentary
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS
Photo courtesy of Run Bentonville.
Freedom Frosty 5K
Join Bentonville Parks & Recreation to run Bentonville on December 3rd for the Freedom Frosty 5K! This race benefits Camp Alliance. Camp Alliance's mission is to provide resources directly to our Veterans, Military, and Families in support of readiness and resiliency programs. Click here for more information or to register!
🎄 WHEN: Dec. 3rd, 8:00 AM
📍 WHERE: Lawrence Plaza Ice Rink
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Photo courtesy of Michael Drager.
SantaCon
Find your most festive outfit and plan your trip to visit Bentonville for the 4th Annual SantaCon. SantaCon is a fun way for everyone 21+ to spread Christmas cheer by dressing up in your best Santa, Elf, or holiday costume and visiting the incredible bars and restaurants Downtown Bentonville and Rogers has to offer.
🎄 WHEN: Dec. 3rd. 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 WHERE: Downtown Bentonville Square
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Photo courtesy of Downtown Bentonville Inc.
Christmas Parade
Grab your crew and get a good view! Join in the holiday spirit at the Bentonville Christmas Parade down Main Street and around the square. The theme this year is the colors of the season!
🎄 WHEN: Dec. 10th. 6:00 PM
📍 WHERE: Downtown Bentonville Square
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mo Pros | Après Ski Holiday Mixer
Throw on your favorite mountain ‘fit or ugly holiday sweater and come prepared to party like you’ve just spent a day on the slopes! Make plans to attend the final MoPros event of 2022 at the Après ski-themed holiday mixer on December 14th - a great alternative to office holiday parties!
This program series is designed to highlight and explore the work of young creatives in Northwest Arkansas. Enjoy live sets by DJ Raquel, great food (like fondue from Sweet Freedom Cheese), and delicious drinks. There will be raffle prizes including Onyx Coffee Lab’s coffee advent calendars, Tastemakers tickets, class passes from Sweet Freedom Cheese and Cocoon Yoga Lab, chocolate, and more!
🎄 WHEN: Dec. 14th. 6 PM - 8 PM
📍 WHERE: RODE House at the Momentary
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Photo courtesy: The Momentary. Photo credit: Ironside Photography / Stephen Ironside.
Taste Makers | Holiday Dinner with Elliot Hunt of Atlas
Celebrate the tastes of the season! Join the Momentary for their second annual holiday dinner, featuring Chef Elliot Hunt of Fayetteville’s Atlas the Restaurant. One of the top chefs in the region, Hunt’s classical French training combined with his love of local, global, and seasonal food will be on full display throughout this thoughtfully curated four-course meal.
🎄 WHEN: Dec. 15th. 6 PM - 8 PM
📍 WHERE: The Momentary
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Photo courtesy: Fifth Market
Christmas Pop-Up at Airship Coffee
Mark your calendars and save the date for December 17th! FIFTH MARKET will be popping up inside AIRSHIP COFFEE, from 7AM-7PM. From pottery to candles, and more, this pop-up will provide a lovely local holiday shopping experience.
🎄 WHEN: Dec. 17th. 7 AM - 7 PM
📍 WHERE: Airship Coffee, 1000 SE 5th Street
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Photo courtesy: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Photo credit: Ironside Photography / Stephen Ironside
Winter Break Wonders
Make memories at Crystal Bridges over school break as you create with artists, dive into fun projects in the studios, and listen to fun music together as a family. Join in for special activities each afternoon, including artmaking, creative play, movement activities, art carts, visits by nature experts, and more.
🎄 WHEN: Dec. 22nd - Jan. 2nd. 1 PM - 4 PM
📍 WHERE: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Photo courtesy: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Photo credit: Ironside Photography / Stephen Ironside
Noon Year's Eve
Make memories at Crystal Bridges over school break as you create with artists, dive into fun projects in the studios, and listen to fun music together as a family. Join in for special activities each afternoon, including artmaking, creative play, movement activities, art carts, visits by nature experts, and more.
🎄 WHEN: Dec. 31st. 11 AM - 3 PM
📍 WHERE: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VISIT BENTONVILLE CALENDAR.
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PLAN YOUR TRIP
World-class museums, public art, architecture, and endless experiences await you in Bentonville. Wander your way through the city with our new interactive map.
PLACES TO STAY
In Bentonville, you have options! From cozy bed and breakfasts to the chain hotels and Airbnbs you have come to love, Bentonville's accommodations will provide you with all of the comforts you are used to having at home.
Tap here to scroll through our lodging selections or here to look at our Bentonville hotels in relation to our attractions, dining, retail, and so much more!
PLACES TO DINE
Seasonality speaks to our chefs, as menus adjust to the harvest changes. The Bentonville Farm-to-Table culture is a large influence on Bentonville's unique offerings. Experience Bentonville's collaborative culinary scene; it is sure to stimulate your senses. Click to scroll through the options or map out your dining experience in Bentonville.
PLACES TO SHOP
You will find plenty of options here in Bentonville. The city boasts some of the best locally-owned, one-of-a-kind boutiques and unique shopping experiences around!
Click here to download our retail guide!
PLACES TO PARK
On-street, off-street, on-site, and parking garages with views that are a sight for sore eyes! Click here to see all the parking options near downtown Bentonville.
Thank you...
to our community partners, organizations, and individuals for your hard work making our city magical! Visit Bentonville appreciates you!
Published October 19th, 2022. Last updated December 6th, 2022.