Christmas parades 2026Northwest Arkansas · The Ozarks

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Northwest Arkansas, 2026.

We found three Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Northwest Arkansas with 2026 dates: two parades and one tree lighting or lighting night, two free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?Lights of the Ozarks Parade: Dec 3 · 6:30pm. Plus 1 more.2 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?Light Night: Lights of the Ozarks switch-on: Nov 20 · 6pm.1 lightingIs it free?2 of 3 are free to watch; the rest list a price.2 freeDaytime or after dark?0 daytime, 3 in the evening. Each card is marked.3 evening

Last checked · 3 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

20NovFriLight Night: Lights of the Ozarks switch-onTree lighting · 6pm3DecThuLights of the Ozarks ParadeParade · 6:30pm12DecSatBentonville Christmas ParadeParade · 6pm

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around NW Arkansas

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near NW Arkansas

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

More to come.Tree lightings are often announced late. We recheck every week through early December.Email me when one’s added

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Keep planning

More for little kids in NW Arkansas

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Good questions

Christmas parades in Northwest Arkansas: the FAQ

Lights of the Ozarks Parade: Thu, Dec 3, 2026, 6:30pm (Downtown Fayetteville). Bentonville Christmas Parade: Sat, Dec 12, 2026, 6pm (Bentonville, AR).

Light Night: Lights of the Ozarks switch-on at Historic Downtown Square: Fri, Nov 20, 2026, 6pm.

Two of the three we list are free to watch: Light Night: Lights of the Ozarks switch-on and Lights of the Ozarks Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in NW Arkansas that weekend, parades included.

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