As the autumn leaves give way to the first whispers of winter, Northwest Arkansas readies itself for a spectacle of splendor during the annual Lights of the Ozarks festival. A beacon of the holiday season, the event kicks off the Friday before Thanksgiving and promises to sprinkle a little extra magic throughout Fayetteville until the new year.

Amidst chills and early sunsets, the Lights of the Ozarks will illuminate hearts and the historic corners of Downtown Fayetteville, with the festival extending from November 22nd to January 1st. This year, in a sparkling twist, the beloved parade and light-turning ceremony split into two separate nights, offering double the joy and celebration!

On November 22nd, locals and visitors alike are invited to gather for the seminal Light Night. The evening will commence at 6:00 PM with a communal countdown leading to the flip of the giant switch—a moment where thousands of lights will burst to life, enveloping observers in a warm glow. The night will cascade into a sequence of live music, captivating performances by local talent, and an array of food trucks serving steamy delights to keep the chill at bay.

Wreaths and reindeer will prance down the streets on December 5th for the Lights of the Ozarks Parade. Starting at 6:30 PM, this cherished procession is a cornerstone of the local holiday experience, with floats a-twinkle and the festive sound of carols in the air.

Not to be outdone, Fayetteville Festivus takes the stage on Friday, December 13th. The folk who brought fun-filled events like Falltoberfest and Fayetteville Strawberry Festival now present this jolly jamboree. Downtown Fayetteville (@downtownfay) sets the scene for a Holiday Haul Shopping Crawl, perfect for finding that unique gift, while silent disco melodies dance in the air, inflatable games promise boisterous laughs, and classic holiday movie screenings add a dash of nostalgia.

No pocketbook is required for these evenings of family-friendly fun, as all events during the Lights of the Ozarks festival are free of charge and open to the public. Imagine strolling through a twinkling paradise each night until 1:00 AM as Christmas lights shimmer against the starry sky. So don your favorite winter scarf, rally the troops, and immerse yourselves in the holiday spirit that only Fayetteville can offer. If your heart seeks more festive details, a sleigh-full of FAQs is available with a simple sleigh ride over to the event's online page.

Fayetteville ensures that as the year wanes, the lights shine ever brighter. Whether you come for the sparkling vistas, the hot cocoa, or the chance to boogie beneath a silent disco ball, the Lights of the Ozarks are the beacon that will lead you home this holiday season.