Experience Pure Holiday Magic at This Downtown Square in Arkansas

It’s that magical time of year in Arkansas! Each winter season, the Historic Downtown Square in Fayetteville is lit up for the holidays with the annual celebration, Lights of the Ozarks. As a kid, seeing the sparkling Christmas lights was one of my favorite things to do around the holiday season. I can still remember how much joy it brought, and even as an adult, I experience the same nostalgic feelings, and you can, too! 

This enlightening experience is pure magic, and I love that the enchantments last for more than one night. In my opinion, Christmas lights in Arkansas don’t get any better than this! Let’s take a dazzling walk around Fayetteville Square to see the twinkling beauty in this sparkling Arkansas Christmas town. If you ask me, it’s one of the best holiday festivals in the Ozarks, and you don’t want to miss it this year. 

Every year, Fayetteville, Arkansas, is turned into a spectacular holiday extravaganza. No Hallmark movie magic was used here! The Downtown Square is illuminated with over 500,000 twinkling lights. Workers from the City of Fayetteville Parks Maintenance Division clock in over 3,000 hours to achieve this jaw-dropping light display. Yes, folks, the city works extra hard to transform this charming square into an enchanting Christmas wonderland.

The festive scenes and dazzling trees will bring back a sense of wonder to folks of all ages. Walk under the large umbrellas of light while zigzagging through every little lit-up path along the square. One of the most entrancing parts of this experience is how the lights are layered between the sidewalk and buildings with small walkways between the scenes.

The lighting ceremony is much more than a simple flip of the switch. Opening night is always the Friday before Thanksgiving, and it kicks off with a festive parade filled with floats sponsored by local groups and businesses. In addition to the parade, Santa will be making a special appearance as well! So, be prepared to snap Christmas pics with him and the little ones. He will be visiting a couple of other times before the end of the year, so don't fret if you can't attend opening night.

The lights are pure magical bliss, but they're not the only reason to visit the square. As you admire the thousands of twinkling lights, be sure to grab a steamy cup of hot chocolate and fair-inspired food for your trek. For a more romantic route, there might be carriage rides around the square, which would be an awesome date night adventure. Families can take advantage of all the other fun activities around Fayetteville Square as well!

Even if you can't attend the opening ceremonies, a stroll around the town is a time-honored tradition for Arkansans. I guarantee that it will get you in the holiday spirit. The dazzling illuminations will be on until the beginning of the new year. Since the lights will be on for a solid season, it'll be easy to plan for a trip or two during the holiday season. If you ask me, visiting Fayetteville at Christmas could easily become your new family tradition. For more information about the festivities happening around the square, visit Experience Fayetteville's website.

Will you be making plans to visit the Historic Downtown Square in Fayetteville to see the Christmas lights in Arkansas this year? What's your favorite holiday tradition in Arkansas? Share your thoughts with us on our nomination page! You can also share your stunning photos of the square (or any of the state's outdoor light displays) on our OnlyInYourState Facebook page. I'd recommend that you join the community to stay on top of all the upcoming holiday events in Arkansas.

Here are some of my all-time favorite drive-thru light displays to tour during this festive season. Or if you’re searching for more fun while you’re in the area, check out our ultimate guide to attractions in Arkansas that will be a blast during the winter months. You'll find everything from Christmas light shows to the best towns to visit, to outdoor winter activities, and so much more.

Even better? When you're feeling inspired, try planning your own holiday adventure in Arkansas using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.