2024 Season
The most treasured celebration of holiday lights in Northwest Arkansas, Lights of the Ozarks, will return to Fayetteville's Historic Downtown Square for the season!
Make your plans now to celebrate with Experience Fayetteville under the amazing winter wonderland of lights at the Lights of the Ozarks!
Lights of the Ozarks kicks off on the Friday before Thanksgiving, Friday, November 22, with an energetic countdown and ceremonial flip of the giant switch at 6:00 p.m. followed by live music and merriment.
The Lights of the Ozarks Parade will wind through downtown Fayetteville on Thursday, December 5 starting at 6:30 p.m.
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 download our sponsorship packet, or contact
Historic Downtown Square | Fayetteville, Arkansas
Light Night:
Friday, November 22nd, 6:00pm
Lights of the Ozarks Parade:
Thursday, December 5th, 6:30pm
Shining Brightly Nightly:
Daily from 5:00pm until 1:00am
Lights Out & Goodnight:
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at 1:00am
Lights of the Ozarks FAQs:
What is The Lights of the Ozarks?
The Lights of the Ozarks 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 5th. Lights of the Ozarks will continue to illuminate the Historic Square each evening from 5:00pm to 1:00am through January 1. 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.
When can I see the Lights of the Ozarks?
Light Night kicks off the season on Friday, November 22nd at 6PM. The lights are free and open to the public every evening from 5pm until 1am until January 1st, 2025.
(NOTE: Vendors, restrooms, and the Town Center parking deck elevator will not be available on Monday nights)
Are there special events?
Yes! We have THREE main special nights during the Lights of the Ozarks Season.
Light Night is on Friday, Nov. 22nd (6-10PM)
The parade is on Thursday, Dec. 5th (6:30PM)
A NEW event, Fayetteville Festivus, is on Friday, Dec. 13th (5-10PM)
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.
Is there a Facebook Event?
Check out event details on the Facebook event.
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 in the 2024-25 season! Light Night will take place on the Friday prior to Thanksgiving, November 22, 2024 and the Parade will take place on Thursday, December 5th, 2024.
Lights of the Ozarks is magical all season long, but Light Night is one of THREE most fun nights to visit! Beyond the spectacular lighting, guests are treated to special performances and the flipping of the giant switch at 6 p.m.
When is the Lights of the Ozarks Parade?
Lights of the Ozarks Parade will be held on Thursday, December 5th at 6:30 p.m.
What is Fayetteville Festivus?
This new event, on Friday, Dec. 13th (5-10PM), is for all ages to celebrate the season! There will be a Holiday Haul Shopping Crawl, tasty treats and food trucks, a Silent (Night) Disco, winter inflatables to play in and explore, and screenings of Nightmare Before Christmas and Gremlins!
When is Santa coming?
Share your wishes with Santa!
You can visit Santa at his workshop on East & Center from 6-8PM on the following days:
Friday, Dec. 6th
Saturday, Dec. 7th
Friday, Dec. 13th
Saturday, Dec. 14th
You can sign up to get a story read by Santa at the Graduate Hotel from 3-5PM on the following days:
Sunday, Dec. 8th
Sunday, Dec. 14th
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.
Where should I eat?
A fleet of local food trucks will be on site nightly with a variety of holiday treats, as well as additional rotating vendors each weekend. 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, Tula, 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, 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
Who is sponsoring Lights of the Ozarks?
Experience Fayetteville gives a special thank you to their 2024 season sponsors : SWEPCO, South x Northwest, Holden Buildings, Lewis Automotive Group, and Downtown Fayetteville Coalition.
Are there additional sponsorship opportunities available for Lights of the Ozarks?
Yes! Click here for details about our Lights of the Ozarks sponsorship opportunities. If you have any questions about Lights of the Ozarks or would like to help in another way, please email Chloe Bell at
