By now, the holiday season is well over, but I still want to take some time to talk about Bentonville’s Christmas Lighting ceremony. Locals often consider it to be one of the best events of the year, and I’m sure you’d love to hear about the rich hot chocolate, fun family games, and magical performances.
The Christmas Lighting ceremony is held in Bentonville, Arkansas every year. The lighting of the square usually starts in late November or early December and marks the start of the festive season in the city. The main square, decorated with thousands of lights, hosts dozens of fun events.
So, if you’re planning on spending Christmas in Bentonville anytime soon, attending the annual light ceremony is a must. By now, your interest has probably been piqued, so make sure to read on as I explore everything you need to know about Bentonville’s Christmas Lighting ceremony.
Video:
What You Need To Know About Bentonville’s Christmas Lighting Ceremony
Time and Location
I like to describe this event as your yearly opportunity to rejoice in some cheerful wintery magic. The ceremony is hosted in Bentonville Square (100 N Main Street), where festivities continue for up to a month. The opening night is truly like no other. For once, the whole city (and many of its visitors) get together to partake in fun group games, enjoy warm wintery snacks, and watch some truly inspiring performances.
However, the exact date of the opening ceremony can vary; sometimes, it’s in late November, and sometimes in early December, so if you’re thinking about going the next time Christmas rolls around, make sure to check the Downtown Bentonville website for some more accurate information.
As far as time of day goes, lights are usually turned on around 6 pm; however, festivities start earlier, at 4 pm. That way, you and your loved ones have enough time to get comfy with your snacks and drinks before the main event starts. With that said, schedules like this can sometimes be subject to change, so if you do check out that website I linked above, make sure to confirm the time too.
Activities
For the ceremony, Bentonville’s whole downtown area is covered with thousands of Christmas lights; however, the main event is held at the square. There, you’ll find entertainment options for the whole family, including (but not limited to):
- Live music. Whether you’re in the mood to hear local talent sing heartfelt Christmas Carols or simply want to dance along to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” for the hundredth time, you’re sure to get your musical fix at the Christmas lighting festival.
- Food vendors. You’ll never see an empty food cart at this event. The first thing every local does upon arriving at the square is rush off to get some warm, holiday-themed snacks that’ll keep them full throughout the night.
- Drink vendors. The only people able to rival food carts when it comes to their success with locals are the drink vendors that offer hot cocoa, cider, and mulled wine—perfect for a cold wintery night.
- Group games. Though these are usually spontaneous, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to partake in fun games like putt-putt, ring toss, or something completely unheard of that some local genius (usually fueled by that mulled wine) has come up with.
- Santa Claus meets and greets. Whether you’re bringing kids along or simply want to take a festive photo for yourself, you won’t want to miss out on the Santa Claus meet and greet. Children can write letters expressing their Christmas wishes (many of which might come true), while the whole family can take a picture perfect for the annual card. There’s also a Santa workshop where kids can partake in lots of fun activities.
- Ice skating. If you’re looking to take your Christmas Hallmark Movie experience up a notch, you can always go to the skating rink set up in the square (an activity that gets bonus points since it’s guaranteed to warm you up).
- Holiday market. These are never consistent, but small markets are often set up in the area. Here, you can find local vendors and artisans selling holiday-inspired items such as decorations and handmade gifts.
The most spectacular holiday event in Bentonville culminates when the lights are ceremoniously turned on all at the same time, creating a magical atmosphere that’ll leave everyone feeling like they’re in their very own Christmas movie. The lighting ceremony is often accompanied by a burst of music, a firework show, and other special effects that are sure to bring some Christmas cheer even to all the Grinches out there.
However, keep in mind that locals don’t flock to the Christmas Lighting festival just for the pretty lights and the fun games; they also do so because they consider this time to get together and spread the festive spirit as a sacred tradition. That’s why so many Bentonville natives even travel for miles to return to their hometown for the ceremony, which allows them to spend some much-needed quality time with their families.
Bentonville’s Christmas Lighting ceremony doesn’t have a parade to go along with it, unlike Fayetteville’s tradition. However, there will definitely be a parade sometime, just not on the same day when the lights go on. For more information, you can check out my other post, where I talk about the Bentonville Christmas parade and other fun things to do during the festive season.
Also, I have a 3-day itinerary that can help you decide what activities to do if you’re overwhelmed by everything Northwest Arkansas has to offer.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie, a sports person, a sightseer, or want to spend quality time with your kids; I have something for you. Check out the link below to learn more:
https://www.allthingsnwa.com/3-day-itinerary-northwest-arkansas
Parking
The only downside of the Christmas Lighting ceremony is that it might be difficult for you to find parking. Since all roads close to the main square are closed during the event to accommodate crowds, you’ll have to search for parking a bit farther away, especially considering the number of people that’ll be attending.
So, either get there extra early or figure out an arrangement beforehand.
Final Thoughts
If you ever find yourself in Bentonville, Arkansas during the festive season, attending the Christmas Lighting ceremony is a must.
The event marks the official start of the Christmas festivities in the city, and it hosts dozens of food stands, fun games, and cheerful performances, not to mention it’s the perfect time for you to get together with your loved ones and enjoy some wintery magic.
While parents enjoy some mulled wine, children can write letters to Santa, with many of them getting what they wished for in return, so the whole family’s in for a night of fun.