Don't Miss Out on the Holiday Magic in Springdale!

Downtown Springdale is ready to make this holiday season unforgettable with two of the year’s most exciting events: Christmas on the Creek on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the International Hot Cocoa Crawl on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Christmas on the Creek will take place on Saturday, Nov. 30, following Thanksgiving Day and coinciding with Small Business Saturday, making it the perfect opportunity to support local businesses in downtown Springdale. The event is packed with activities to make your holiday season extra special. From 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy:

Photo Opportunities for the Whole Family: Enjoy beautifully decorated areas and festive selfie stations throughout the event for memorable family photos.

Holiday Express/Pajama Train with Santa on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad: Start the day with a unique experience! At 9 a.m., a special Breakfast with Santa will be offered on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, with a Holiday Express/Pajama Train route running from Springdale to Johnson. For details and tickets, click here.

The Emma Exchange: A local artisan and maker’s market where you can find unique gifts and support local talent. Be sure to explore the wonderful shops downtown and celebrate Small Business Saturday by shopping locally.

Free Photos with Santa at Mile 16: Capture those perfect family holiday moments from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a second session from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Pony Rides, Story Time & S’mores: Fun for the whole family, these activities create magical memories for all ages.

Creekside Cravings Food Court: Near Mile 16, take a break and grab some delicious bites at the Creekside Cravings, a food truck court that will offer something for everyone.

Springdale Farmer’s Market: This market will be set up on Mill Street from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. You can grab your holiday ingredients with fresh produce and local goods.

Shiloh Pickers at Turnbow Park: Stomp your feet to a special performance by the Shiloh Pickers at Turnbow Park at 3 p.m.

Live Music Performances: Enjoy live music, including local choirs throughout the day, with performances from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. around the Christmas tree.

SONA Performance: At 5 p.m., don’t miss the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SONA), which will perform right before the lighting of the Christmas tree. Their beautiful music will lead us into one of the most special moments of the night.

Christmas Tree Lighting: A spectacular 45-foot tree illuminated by more than 5,000 twinkling lights will debut in Walter Turnbow Park. Mayor Doug Sprouse will flip the switch at 5:30 p.m. to light the tree and other exciting lighting installations planned for kids of all ages.

Christmas Parade of the Ozarks Present by Rodeo of the Ozarks: At 6 p.m., the iconic parade hosted by the Rodeo of the Ozarks will take to Emma Avenue, featuring dazzling floats, performers and holiday spirit.

After the parade, the celebration continues with live music, stunning light displays, interactive selfie stations at downtown businesses, and even giant glowing puppets, making this year’s Christmas on the Creek a holiday event like no other. The Emma Exchange will remain open until 9 p.m., so you can shop, explore and take in the festivities while supporting local businesses.

Patrons in the Outdoor Dining District can enjoy beverages in compostable to-go cups, sponsored by Cromwell Architects Engineers and Signature Bank/Banco Si. These cups can be disposed of in CupStakrs, special receptacles attached to district trash cans, and are later composted to enrich soil for local farmers and gardeners.

The International Hot Cocoa Crawl returns on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., offering a delicious tour through downtown with over 15 unique stops. Each stop features a different take on the classic hot cocoa drink, some with an international twist. Walk the streets of Springdale with family and friends, taking in the warmth and flavors while experiencing the holiday lights. This is one of our most attended events of the year.

The International Hot Cocoa Crawl takes place alongside Caroling on the Creek, a delightful performance by the Springdale School District from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Turnbow Park. Enjoy holiday carols while sipping cocoa in the festive glow of the Downtown Outdoor Dining District. Tickets for the International Hot Cocoa Crawl are available now.

Holiday Market at Mano’s: Visit the Holiday Market at Mano’s during the Hot Cocoa Crawl! Local NWA vendors will offer chocolates and items like candles, jewelry, natural beauty products, rug art, handmade home decor and goods from a lavender farm. A mixologist will also serve samples of specialty cocktails made with DSRV chocolate, plus plenty of hot cocoa.

The Medium, Artists of Northwest Arkansas 6×6 Silent Auction and December Membership Show: On Friday, Dec. 6, during the Hot Cocoa Crawl, the Artists of Northwest Arkansas will host their 4th annual 6×6 Silent Auction at The Medium (214 S. Main St., Springdale). The auction, featuring 6” x 6” art pieces starting at $20, will raise funds for ANA’s programs. A public preview begins at 3:30 p.m., with bidding open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., alongside live music, hors d’oeuvres and the opening of the ANA December Membership Show.

Both events are held within the Downtown Outdoor Dining District, where visitors can enjoy food and drinks while taking in the holiday cheer. To-go cups are available for a stroll through the beautifully lit downtown.

These events are happening rain or shine, so bundle up and enjoy the fun!

For more information, visit www.downtownspringdale.org.