Holiday Happenings in Rogers

How to Celebrate the Holidays in Rogers

This November and December, add these lighting displays, events and other yuletide activities to your calendar.

Northwest Arkansas sparkles from late November through early January (literally). That’s when businesses and attractions in and around Rogers are dressed in twinkling lights and the events calendar is packed with holiday celebrations. If you’re in town during the festive season, consider adding these lighting displays, events and other activities to your agenda.

Guide to the Best Holiday Light Displays and Festive Decorations Around Rogers

Storefronts and buildings in Rogers are  decked out in tinsel, wreaths, and strings of lights, beckoning shoppers inside. Browse for gifts for all of your favorite people while admiring the dazzling seasonal displays at Downtown Rogers and Frisco Plaza, which also hosts an annual Christmas parade and other fun-for-all festivities in early December with floats, appearances by Santa and vendors and food trucks. Other places to drop by include Pinnacle Hills Promenade and Village on the Creeks, where the sights and sounds of the season are on display until early January. 

There are also several private residences with impressive displays. The Dye Family Christmas-Cloverdale Lights, a kaleidoscopic show synchronized to music that runs from 5 p.m. to midnight daily, is a favorite stop for families. Or drive by Morrison Manor, a winter wonderland with 8-foot nutcrackers, reindeer and thousands of lights, and Christmas on Collins Circle, a property bedecked with giant ornaments, snowflakes, images of Santa and snowmen, and other eye-catching decor.  

Holiday Events in Rogers

Founders Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony | November 23, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Watch the lighting of Arkansas’ tallest Christmas tree and enjoy music from carolers, tasty treats, activities for families and other yuletide fun.  

Christmas on the Creeks | November 30, 1–4 p.m.

Join in on a scavenger hunt to find three Elf on a Shelf friends hidden in stores at Village on the Creeks, listen to music in the chapel and get photos with St. Nicholas. 

Railyard Market | November 30, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

More than 75 artisans will set up shop at Railyard Park, where you can peruse booths selling everything from locally made jewelry and homegoods to foodstuffs.

Holiday International Feast and Market | December 5, 6–9 p.m.

Sample bites from cuisines around the world while grooving to music and shopping for merchandise that showcases the world’s diverse cultures. 

Rogers Christmas Parade | December 6, 6:30 p.m.

Dazzling floats and school bands will descend on the streets of downtown Rogers at the city’s annual parade. While the parade starts at 6:30 p.m., get there at 5 p.m. to check out the Christmas Village vendor market and take advantage of photo ops with Santa and the Grinch at Frisco Plaza.

Winter Wonderland | December 7, 1–4 p.m.

Equestrian Bridges’ holiday affair boasts horseback riding, pictures with Santa, crafts for kiddos and all of the hot cocoa you can drink.

Sips on the Bricks | December 7, 3–8 p.m.

Participate in a holiday-themed costume contest and a poker run and enjoy tons of shopping opportunities in downtown Rogers.

SantaCon-NWA | December 7, 1–7 p.m. 

Calling all Mr. and Mrs. Claus, impersonators: Throw on your best costumes and hit the bars, restaurants and shops in downtown Arkansas, which will offer discounts to participants (must be 21 or older). 

Cookie Decorating Class at Ozark Beer Co. | December 10, 6:30–8 p.m.

Join the pros at Alexander Baking Co., which will provide materials for participants to decorate their own ugly sweater sugar cookies while sipping suds from Ozark Beer.

December Art on the Bricks | December 12, 4:30–7:30 p.m.

Celebrate northwest Arkansas’ creative community at Art on the Bricks. While the event takes place every second Thursday of the month, this special holiday edition offers great opportunities to purchase gifts from local artisans.

Holy Ghost Stories Live | December 12, 7–8:30 p.m.

Experience immersive storytelling from Justin Gerhardt of the Bible storytelling podcast “Holy Ghost Stories” to the soundtrack of live instrumental music at the Mildred Cooper Chapel in Bella Vista.

Snow and Mistletoe Christmas Dance | December 13, 6:30 p.m.–10 p.m.

Join us for a delightful evening of holiday fun at Dance and Swing Studios! Step into a festive wonderland adorned with twinkling lights and cheerful decorations, setting the stage for a magical celebration. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just looking to enjoy the season, this event welcomes everyone. Celebrate the holidays with friends, new and old, and create unforgettable memories at the Snow and Mistletoe Christmas Dance!

NWA Saxophone Christmas | December 14, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Saxophone players from across northwest Arkansas will unite to perform two concerts at Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers and NWA Mall in Fayetteville.

Holiday Open House | December 14, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Join us for a free holiday event at the museum! Explore the 1895 Hawkins House with guided tours highlighting the history of Christmas trees and their decorations. Enjoy holiday crafts, festive refreshments, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Don’t forget to bring your wish list! At 1 p.m., Santa will delight guests with a reading of Clement Moore’s beloved “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” followed by a joyful Christmas carol sing-along.

Cookies With Santa Pajama Jam | December 14, 12 p.m.–3 p.m.

Experience a heartwarming and festive celebration at the Cookies With Santa Pajama Jam! Dress in your coziest pajamas and bring your family for an afternoon filled with holiday magic. Santa Poppa J is taking a special break from his holiday preparations to meet with children, hear their Christmas wishes, and pose for memorable photos.

Christmas Mini Cake Decorating | December 21, 12 p.m.–1 p.m.

Come join us at Bentonville Brewing Company for a festive event filled with delicious mini cakes! Indulge in a variety of flavors and designs perfect for the holiday season. Treat yourself or bring some home as a sweet gift for loved ones. This class is open to guests of all ages. Everyone will get to decorate a mini cake and choose from a selection of holiday designs to top their cakes.

Unique Holiday Experiences in Rogers

Holiday Express Pajama Train

Delight your kiddos with a 45-minute train excursion from Van Buren and Springdale; riders enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cookies and photo ops with Santa.

Daisy Airgun Museum

If you’re a fan of “A Christmas Story,” make a trip to the Daisy Airgun Museum to learn about the Red Ryder BB Gun—the famous air rifle featured in the beloved film. You can also pick up a version in the museum’s gift shop. 

Ice Skating at Lawrence Plaza

Bundle up to glide on the ice at Lawrence Plaza in Bentonville, which becomes a 7,000-square-foot skating rink from November through February.

Christmas Tree Farms

Picking out the perfect tree is a special tradition. Find the perfect one at local businesses such as Wonderland Tree Farm, Rockwell Farms Nursery and Shipley Farms.

Holiday Dining in Rogers

Nothing  warms the soul like eggnog, particularly if it’s spiked with rum and served out of a Rudolph-shaped mug. To sip one for yourself amid loads of tinsel, lights and fun, kitschy decor, head to a cocktail bar pop-up such as Holidaze or Pinpoint in Fayetteville. Looking for festive bites? Check out the holiday menus at restaurants such as Blue DTR, Chuy’s Tex Mex and Crabby’s Seafood Bar and Grille, and  Rick’s Bakery for beautifully decorated cakes and cookies

From visits with Santa and mesmerizing lighting displays to gift-shopping opportunities and events, there are a bounty of festive things to do in and around Rogers. Plan a trip to the city today to experience the holiday magic for yourself.