2026 Season
The holiday season shines a little brighter in Fayetteville when Lights of the Ozarks Powered by SWEPCO returns to the Historic Downtown Square. Beginning Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, more than 500,000 LED lights will transform downtown Fayetteville into a festive winter wonderland, creating one of Northwest Arkansas’ most treasured holiday traditions.
Best of all, Lights of the Ozarks is free and open to the public. The lights will shine nightly from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. through Jan. 1, 2027, giving you plenty of opportunities to bundle up, grab a cup of hot cocoa and take a stroll around the Square.
Celebrate Light Night in Downtown Fayetteville
The holiday season officially begins with Light Night on Friday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m. Join the celebration as Fayetteville flips the giant switch and lights up the Square for the first time this season. The evening will include live music, special performances, and plenty of holiday merriment.
While the lights are beautiful all season long, Light Night is a festive way to experience the excitement of their first glow.
See the Lights All Season Long
Once the Square is lit, the holiday display can be enjoyed every night through New Year's Day. Stroll among the twinkling trees and displays while holiday music sets the mood, or warm up with seasonal treats and hot cocoa from vendors and food trucks around the Square.
It takes a lot of work to create Fayetteville's holiday display. Each year, employees with the City of Fayetteville Parks Maintenance Division dedicate more than 3,300 hours to decorating the Downtown Square, installing more than 500,000 LED lights from October through mid-November.
Don't Miss the Lights of the Ozarks Parade
One of Fayetteville's favorite holiday traditions returns on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m. for the Lights of the Ozarks Parade.
The parade travels along East Avenue, around the Square in a clockwise direction and north on Block Avenue. Find a spot along the route and watch as colorful floats, festive entries and holiday cheer make their way through downtown.
Make a Night of It Downtown
Lights of the Ozarks is more than an evening stroll around the Square. Make it part of a night out in downtown Fayetteville by pairing the lights with dinner, drinks or holiday shopping.
Local food trucks are set up on East Avenue every night except Monday, offering seasonal treats and snacks to enjoy while you explore. Downtown restaurants are also just steps from the lights. For a meal with a view of the display, check out Cheers at the OPO, Faymosa, Guisinger or Tiny Tim's Pizza. A short walk from the Square, you'll find additional dining options including Hugo's, Big Box Karaoke, Vetro 1925, Taste of Thai, Calle Latin Cuisine, El Mezcal and Feed & Folly.
Fayetteville's Outdoor Refreshment Area also makes it easy to keep the evening going. Lights of the Ozarks is entirely within the designated area, so patrons can take drinks to-go from participating downtown bars and restaurants and enjoy them in marked public areas while walking through the lights.
Plan Your Visit to Lights of the Ozarks
A little planning can make your visit even easier. Monday nights are the best time to drive around the Square to see the lights, since East Avenue is closed to traffic on other nights. If you'd rather get out and walk, there are downtown parking options within easy reach of the Square.
Public restrooms are available Tuesday through Sunday from 5–10 p.m. inside Fayetteville Town Center at 15 W. Mountain. Restrooms are not available on Mondays.
Bringing your four-legged family member? Well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome at Lights of the Ozarks. Doggy waste bags are available at the southwest corner of the Square at Block and Mountain.
And don't forget to send a letter to Santa! A mailbox in front of the Visitors Center on Block Ave. is available 24/7 throughout the Lights of the Ozarks season, so kids can drop off their letters any time before Christmas.
More Holiday Fun in Fayetteville
Light Night and the parade are just two highlights of the Lights of the Ozarks season. Additional holiday activities will be announced as details become available.
Whether you visit for Light Night, make the parade part of your holiday tradition or simply stop downtown on a winter evening, Lights of the Ozarks is a fun way to experience the holiday season in Fayetteville.
Where to Stay During the Holiday Season
Staying downtown gives you the best of both worlds: plenty of local restaurants and shops to explore, plus an easy walk to the Downtown Historic Square. If you prefer to be even closer to the mesmerizing lights, look for hotel options nestled right off the square or the Dickson Street area.
Where to Eat, Drink, & Shop Near Razorback Stadium
Turn the holidays into a full-day Fayetteville tradition, starting with festive sips and bites before strolling the Downtown Square during Lights of the Ozarks. Shop locally owned boutiques and gift shops for everyone on your list, take in the twinkling lights, and soak up the holiday spirit before settling in for a cozy dinner downtown.
Historic Downtown Square | Fayetteville, Arkansas
Light Night:
Friday, November 20th, 6:00pm
Lights of the Ozarks Parade:
Thursday, December 3rd, 6:30pm
Fayetteville Festivus
TBD
Lights Out & Goodnight:
Thursday, January 1, 2027 at 1:00am
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Lights of the Ozarks on?
Lights of the Ozarks runs from Nov. 20, 2026, through Jan. 1, 2027. The lights are on nightly from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Is Lights of the Ozarks free?
Yes! Lights of the Ozarks is free and open to the public.
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
Where can I park for Lights of the Ozarks?
There are several public parking lots around downtown Fayetteville. Monday is the best night to drive around the Square, since East Avenue is closed to traffic on other nights.
When is the Lights of the Ozarks Parade?
The Lights of the Ozarks Parade is Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The parade travels through downtown Fayetteville, beginning on East Street, continuing around the Historic Downtown Square and north on Block Avenue.
How can I enter the Lights of the Ozarks Parade?
Organizations, businesses and groups interested in participating can complete the 2026 Lights of the Ozarks Parade registration through Downtown Fayetteville Coalition. Parade participation registration is available here through Friday, November 6th at 5pm.
How can I become a vendor at Lights of the Ozarks?
Vendors interested in participating during the 2026 Lights of the Ozarks season can submit an application through Downtown Fayetteville Coalition. Vendor space is limited, so interested businesses should fill out their application before Friday, September 25th at 5pm.
Where can I find the latest Lights of the Ozarks information?
For the latest dates, event announcements, vendors and parade information, visit the Downtown Fayetteville Coalition website and follow @downtownfayetteville on Facebook and Instagram.
