We can practically hear those jingling sleigh bells, just thinking about all of the wonderful holiday performing arts programming that’s coming to Fayetteville this December, thanks to the Walton Arts Center. Every year crowds of families and friends plan much-anticipated trips to the WAC’s state of the art venue to make a variety of outstanding productions part of their celebrations of the special season. The 2019 line up of live performance and family movie screenings is designed to please all ages.
A Christmas Story: The Musical
Sure to get the holidays started off right is A Christmas Story: The Musical, the stage adaptation of the 1983 classic film and hilarious cautionary tale about young Ralphie Parker and his do-or-die quest to obtain an official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle BB gun on Christmas morning. Set in the 1940s, this nostalgic childhood romp with comedic obstacles at every turn was nominated for three Tony Awards and is part of the WAC’s popular Broadway Series.
Dates and Show Times:
- Tuesday, December 10 – 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 11 – 7 p.m.
- Thursday, December 12 – 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Friday, December 13 – 8 p.m.
- Saturday, December 14 – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Sunday, December 15 – 2 p.m.
Purchase performance tickets here.
For those 21 and older who want to round out a really great date night, a Cocktail Class will be available before the December 14 evening performance. Participants will create and enjoy two themed alcoholic beverages, along with light appetizers before the show. Reserve your spots here.
A Very SoNA Christmas
It simply wouldn’t be the holidays in Northwest Arkansas without the 65-year old Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) and its powerful annual performances of both sacred and secular holiday music. Under the baton of conductor and music director Paul Haas the orchestra takes the stage with the SoNA Singers and special guest soloists, along with area high school and collegiate choruses to perform A Very SoNA Christmas.
Date and Show Times: Saturday, December 21 – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Purchase performance tickets here.
The Snowman: A Family Concert
The folks at SoNA then turn right back around the very next day to present the 5th annual The Snowman: A Family Concert. This screening of 1982 Academy Award-nominated film The Snowman, based on the classic children’s book by Raymond Briggs, provides a wonderful animated big-screen backdrop as the orchestra performs the film’s beautiful score—as well as some additional holiday musical favorites. The effect is enchanting and inspiring for youngsters new to live symphony, as well as seasoned patrons of the arts. Recommended for age 8 and older.
Date and Show Time: Sunday, December 22 – 2 p.m.
Purchase performance tickets here.
The Polar Express
On Christmas Eve’s Eve, the Walton Arts Center presents its final event for 2019, a special movie screening of seasonal family favorite The Polar Express. Providing a perfect diversion for kiddos (and adults!) who are struggling hard to wait to dive into the excitement of holiday gifts, attendees are encouraged to don their coziest PJs, warm up with some hot chocolate and grab a special photo with Santa Claus.
Based on the beloved children’s book, The Polar Express chronicles the story of Billy, a boy who finds it hard to believe in Santa until a mysterious train ride to the North Pole with a group of other children takes him on a magical journey.
Date and Show Time: Monday, December 23 – 7 p.m.
