2025 Season
The most treasured celebration of holiday lights in Northwest Arkansas, Lights of the Ozarks Powered by SWEPCO, returns to Fayetteville's Historic Downtown Square for the season starting Friday, November 21!
Make your plans now to celebrate with Experience Fayetteville under the amazing winter wonderland of lights at Lights of the Ozarks!
Lights of the Ozarks kicks off on the Friday before Thanksgiving, Friday, November 21st, with an energetic countdown and ceremonial flip of the giant switch at 6:00pm followed by live music and merriment.
The Lights of the Ozarks Parade will wind through downtown Fayetteville on Thursday, December 4th starting at 6:30pm
The lights are free and open to the public every night of the week until 1:00am through the end of December. Bundle up your people and bring them to Fayetteville for a little holiday magic -- we'll see you at Lights of the Ozarks!
For Lights of the Ozarks sponsorship opportunities, please contact
Historic Downtown Square | Fayetteville, Arkansas
Light Night:
Friday, November 21st, 6:00pm
Lights of the Ozarks Parade:
Thursday, December 4th, 6:30pm
Fayetteville Festivus
Friday, December 12 5:00pm until 10:00 pm
Lights Out & Goodnight:
Thursday, January 1, 2026 at 1:00am
Lights of the Ozarks FAQs:
What is The Lights of the Ozarks?
The Lights of the Ozarks Powered by SWEPCO is a holiday celebration of lights in Fayetteville, AR, that begins on the Friday prior to Thanksgiving with an official lighting at 6:00pm - an event known as Light Night, followed by a holiday parade on December 4th. Lights of the Ozarks will continue to illuminate the Historic Square each evening from 5:00pm to 1:00am through January 1st. Along with the dazzling display of twinkle lights, you'll find a festive selection of seasonal activities, holiday music, winter treats, hot cocoa, and vendors on the Downtown Square each night during Lights of the Ozarks.
How do I become a Lights of the Ozarks vendor?
Vendor applications have closed for the 2025 season.
When can I see the Lights of the Ozarks?
Light Night kicks off the season on Friday, November 21st at 6pm. The lights are free and open to the public every evening from 5pm until 1am until January 1st, 2026.
(NOTE: Vendors, restrooms, and the Town Center parking deck elevator will not be available on Monday nights)
Are there special events?
Yes! We have several special events during the Lights of the Ozarks Season.
Light Night is on Friday, November 21st (6-9pm)
The parade is on Thursday, December 4th (6:30pm)
Visits with Santa - Every Friday and Saturday before Christmas from 6-8pm
* December 5/6, 12/13, 19/20 (December 5/6 will have a professional photographer provided)
Holiday Haul Brunch Crawl - Sunday, December 7th from 11am-2pm
Fayetteville Festivus is on Friday, December 12th from 5-9pm
Story Time with Santa at the Graduate Hotel - Sunday, December 14th from 3-5pm
Visit with the Snow Sisters - Saturday, December 27th from 5-8pm
How many lights are there on the Historic Square?
Each year, employees of The City of Fayetteville Parks Maintenance Division dedicate 3,300+ hours to decorating the Downtown Square for Lights of the Ozarks. Installation begins in October and continues through mid-November as workers place over 500,000 LED lights that can be enjoyed nightly through New Year's Day, weather permitting.
Is there a cost to visit the lights?
Lights of the Ozarks is a free, public display. All are welcome to see the lights.
Where can I park?
A PDF map of downtown parking near Lights of the Ozarks is available here.
What's the best night to drive around the square to see the lights?
Plan to visit Lights of the Ozarks on a Monday night. All other nights, East Avenue will be closed to traffic. Food trucks will be operating on East Avenue every night but Monday.
How can I find out about special announcements?
Stay up to date on Lights of the Ozarks news by signing up for our newsletter and following Experience Fayetteville on Facebook & Instagram.
What is Light Night?
The Lights of the Ozarks Light Night is a free event held to celebrate the Square being fully lit for the first time of the 2025-26 season! Light Night will take place on the Friday prior to Thanksgiving - November 21st, 2025 - and the Parade will take place on Thursday, December 4th, 2025.
Lights of the Ozarks is magical all season long, but Light Night is one of many most fun nights to visit! Beyond the spectacular lighting, guests are treated to special performances and the flipping of the giant switch at 6pm.
When is the Lights of the Ozarks Parade?
Lights of the Ozarks Parade will be held on Thursday, December 4th at 6:30pm.
How do I register for the Lights of the Ozarks Parade?
Please fill out and submit this form before Friday, November 7th at 5pm.
What's the route for the parade?
The parade will progress along East Avenue, clockwise around the Square, and northward on Block Avenue.
Will there be any daytime activities?
We are excited to announce the first ever Holiday Haul Brunch Crawl to be held on Sunday, December 7th from 11am-2pm.
What is Fayetteville Festivus?
Back for the 2nd year on Friday, December 12th (5-9pm), Fayetteville Festivus is for all ages to celebrate the season! There will be tasty treats and food trucks, a children’s entrepreneur market, holiday movies, and other surprises!
When is Santa coming?
Share your wishes with Santa!
You can visit Santa at his workshop on East & Center on the following days:
Every Friday and Saturday before Christmas from 6-8pm
December 5/6, 12/13 & 19/20
(December 5/6 will have a professional photographer provided)
You can sign up to get a story read by Santa at the Graduate Hotel on the following day:
Sunday, December 14th from 3-5pm
Can you help me send a letter to the North Pole?
We would love to! Santa accepts letters 24/7 throughout the Lights of the Ozark season - just drop yours in the mailbox in front of Santa's workshop on East & Center anytime before Christmas.
Will there be other visitors from the North Pole?
Yes! For the first time ever, we will have visits with the Snow Sisters on Friday and Saturday, December 26th & 27th from 5-8pm.
Where should I eat?
A fleet of local food trucks will be on site nightly with a variety of holiday treats. In addition to our onsite vendors, there are many great dining options around the square! For stunning views of the Lights of the Ozarks, visit Cheers at the OPO, Guisinger, and Tiny Tim’s. Just a short stroll away, enjoy cuisine from Hugo’s, Big Box Karaoke, Vetro 1925, Taste of Thai, Calle Latin Cuisine, El Mezcal and Feed & Folly. Check our Restaurant Guide for a more comprehensive list.
Is there alcohol?
Yes, Lights of the Ozarks is contained entirely within Fayetteville's Outdoor Refreshment Area, which allows patrons to carry and consume alcohol from participating bars and restaurants in marked public areas. Take seasonal drinks to-go from any of the downtown restaurants/bars and walk around the lights!
Are public restrooms available?
Yes! Public restrooms are available Tuesday-Sunday from 5pm-10pm in the Fayetteville Town Center. The Fayetteville Town Center is located on the south side of the square beyond the FTC plaza at 15 W Mountain. Exterior restroom doors are located on the East terrace, around the left side of the building. They will not be accessible on Mondays.
Can I bring my dog?
Well behaved pets on a leash are welcome at Lights of The Ozarks. Don’t forget to pick up after your dog! You can find doggy pick up bags on the southwest corner of the square (Block & Mountain).
I lost something at Lights of the Ozarks! How can I get it back?
Contact Experience Fayetteville at
Are there additional sponsorship opportunities available for Lights of the Ozarks?
Yes! If you have any questions about Lights of the Ozarks or would like to help in another way, please email Chloe Bell at
