Christmas Lights on Fayetteville Downtown Square 2024-2025 in Arkansas

Lights of the Ozarks in Fayetteville’s historic Downtown Square is an annual event bringing together over 200,000 local and international visitors. This light show features entertainment options for any taste. Lights of the Ozarks is a free public display.

Christmas Lights on Fayetteville Downtown Square Highlights

Every year, more than 500,000 LED lights decorate the area, which can be enjoyed every night until the New Year, weather permitting. There, you can go on pony rides, listen to world-known holiday hits, stroll around the city downtown, treat yourself to delicious hot cocoa and Christmas-themed snacks, and enjoy thousands of dazzling lights against a dark backdrop. Don't hesitate to bring your kids with you, as Lights of the Ozarks is a family-friendly event that will create cozy, lasting memories for everyone.

The festivities begin on the festival's first day with the special Lights of the Ozarks lighting ceremony. Each day, approximately half a million tiny LED light bulbs start shimmering at 5 pm, continuing their twinkling show until 1 am. Kids can also send letters to the North Pole throughout the Lights of the Ozark season. All you need is just drop your letter in the mailbox located outside the Experience Fayetteville Visitors Center.

Lights of the Ozarks Events Schedule

The Christmas Lights display begins on the Friday before Thanksgiving, Friday, November 22, featuring a countdown and ceremonial flip of the giant switch at 6 pm, followed by live music and fun activities.

The Lights of the Ozarks Parade will take place in downtown Fayetteville on December 5 at 6:30 pm. The event concludes with Lights Out & Goodnight on January 1, 2025, at 1 am.

Pet Policy

Well-behaved pets on a leash are allowed at Lights of The Ozarks. However, pet parents must clean up after their dog.

Visitor Experience

To better immerse in the atmosphere of the Lights of the Ozarks and capture real experiences, rove.me spoke with Rachel Tucker from Fayetteville, AR, who attended the event in 2023 with a friend. We asked Rachel to share her overall impression of the event and whether she would recommend the Winter Festival of Lights to future visitors.

"This event helps keep the small-town feel to Northwest Arkansas, an area that is quickly growing. I’m in my 40’s now, and I have been attending The Lights of the Ozarks since I was a kid. You know it’s Christmas time in Northwest Arkansas when the lights at the Fayetteville Square come on. I love to go look at the lights late at night when the crowds have all left. There’s something magical about looking at Christmas lights in the quiet," Rachel shared.