Downtown Springdale’s Best-Ever Holiday Events Return: Christmas on the Creek & International Hot Cocoa Crawl!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2024
Contact: Jill Dabbs, Executive Director Downtown Springdale jill@downtownspringdale.org
(501) 425-0478
Downtown Springdale’s Best-Ever Holiday Events Return: Christmas on the Creek & The International Hot Cocoa Crawl!
Picture Yourself in Springdale – Where Holiday Magic Comes to Life!
Springdale, AR – Downtown Springdale is ready to make this holiday season unforgettable with two of the year’s most exciting events: Christmas on the Creek on Saturday, November 30, from 12 PM - 9 PM, and the International Hot Cocoa Crawl on Friday, December 6, from 5 PM - 8 PM. These beloved traditions will bring joy, excitement, and holiday spirit to the heart of Springdale, and we warmly welcome the community to join in the festivities!
Christmas on the Creek will take place on Saturday, November 30, following Thanksgiving Day and coinciding with Small Business Saturday, making it the perfect opportunity to support local businesses in Downtown Springdale. The event is packed with activities to make your holiday season extra special. From 12 PM to 9 PM, enjoy:
Photo Opportunities for the Whole Family: Throughout the event, enjoy beautifully decorated areas and festive selfie stations that make for memorable family photos.
Holiday Express/Pajama Train with Santa on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad: Start the day with a unique experience! A special Breakfast with Santa will be offered on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad at 9 AM, with a Holiday Express/Pajama Train route running from Springdale to Johnson. For details and tickets, click here.
The Emma Exchange: A local artisan and maker’s market, where you can find unique gifts and support local talent. Be sure to explore the wonderful shops downtown and celebrate Small Business Saturday by shopping locally.
Free Photos with Santa at Mile 16: Capture those perfect family holiday moments from 1 PM - 5 PM, with a second session from 7 PM - 9 PM.
Pony Rides, Story Time, and S’mores: Fun for the whole family, these activities create magical memories for all ages.
Creekside Cravings Food Court: Near Mile 16 take a break and grab some delicious bites at the Creekside Cravings, a food truck court that will offer something for everyone.
Springdale Farmer’s Market: Set up on Mill Street from 12 PM - 4 PM, grab your holiday ingredients with fresh produce and local goods.
Shiloh Pickers at Turnbow Park: Come stomp your feet to a special performance by the Shiloh Pickers at Turnbow Park at 3 PM.
Live Music Performances: Enjoy live music to include local choirs throughout the day, with performances from 2 PM – 5:30 PM and again from 7 PM - 9 PM around the Christmas tree. Local choirs are encouraged to sign up for a time slot here Choir Sign-up
SONA Performance: At 5:00 PM, don’t miss the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SONA), who will be performing right before the lighting of the Christmas tree. Their beautiful music will lead us into one of the most special moments of the night.
Christmas Tree Lighting: A spectacular 45-foot tree illuminated by more than 5,000 twinkling lights will debut in Walter Turnbow Park. Mayor Doug Sprouse will flip the switch at 5:30 p.m. to light the tree and other exciting lighting installations planned for kids of all ages.
Christmas Parade of the Ozarks Present by Rodeo of the Ozarks: At 6 PM, the iconic parade hosted by the Rodeo of the Ozarks will take to Emma Avenue, featuring dazzling floats, performers, and holiday spirit. Want to be in the Christmas Parade? Sign-up here: Parade Entry Form
After the parade, the celebration continues with live music, stunning light displays, interactive selfie stations at downtown businesses, and even giant glowing puppets, all making this year’s Christmas on the Creek a holiday event like no other. The Emma Exchange will remain open until 9 PM, so you can shop, explore, and take in the festivities while supporting local businesses. Check out the full list of downtown shops and restaurants: Downtown Local Businesses and Restaurants
Patrons in the Outdoor Dining District can enjoy beverages in compostable to-go cups, sponsored by Cromwell Architects Engineers and Signature Bank/Banco Si!. These cups can be disposed of in CupStakrs, special receptacles attached to district trash cans, and are later composted to enrich soil for local farmers and gardeners.
The fun doesn’t stop there!!!
The International Hot Cocoa Crawl returns on Friday, December 6, from 5 PM - 8 PM, offering a delicious tour through downtown with over 15 unique stops, each featuring a different take on the classic hot cocoa drink, some with an international twist. Walk the streets of Springdale with family and friends, taking-in the warmth and flavors while experiencing the holiday lights. This is one of our most attended events of the year.
The International Hot Cocoa Crawl takes place alongside Caroling on the Creek, a delightful performance by the Springdale School District from 5 PM - 7 PM in Turnbow Park. Enjoy holiday carols while sipping your cocoa in the festive glow of the Downtown Outdoor Dining District. Tickets for the International Hot Cocoa Crawl are available now.
Holiday Market at Mano's: Visit the Holiday Market at Mano's during the Hot Cocoa Crawl! Local NWA vendors will offer chocolates and items like candles, jewelry, natural beauty products, rug art, handmade home decor, and goods from a lavender farm. A mixologist will also serve samples of specialty cocktails made with DSRV chocolate, plus plenty of hot cocoa.
The Medium, Artists of Northwest Arkansas 6x6 Silent Auction and December Membership Show: On Friday, December 6, during the Hot Cocoa Crawl, the Artists of Northwest Arkansas will host their 4th annual 6x6 Silent Auction at The Medium (214 S. Main St., Springdale). The auction, featuring 6” x 6” art pieces starting at $20, will raise funds for ANA’s programs. A public preview begins at 3:30 pm, with bidding open from 5:00-8:00 pm, alongside live music, hors d’oeuvres, and the opening of the ANA December Membership Show.
Both events are set within the Downtown Outdoor Dining District, so visitors can enjoy food and drinks while taking in the holiday cheer with to-go cups available for a stroll through the beautifully lit downtown.
Event Schedule
Christmas on the Creek
Presented by Tyson Foods Saturday, November 30
Holiday Express/Pajama Train with Santa – Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, 9 AM Breakfast with Santa on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, followed by the Holiday Express/Pajama Train running from Springdale to Johnson. Details and tickets here.
Emma Exchange – Shiloh Square/Turnbow Park, 12 PM – 9 PM
Springdale Farmer’s Market – Mill Street, 12 PM – 4 PM
Photos with Santa – Mile 16, 1 PM – 5 PM and 7 PM – 9 PM
Creekside Cravings Food Court – Behind the Mile 16 sign on the Razorback Greenway near 113 E Emma Avenue, 12 PM – 9 PM
Shiloh Pickers Performance – Turnbow Park, 3 PM
Live Music Performances – At the Christmas Tree, 4 PM – 6 PM and 7 PM – 9 PM
SONA Performance – Walter Turnbow Park, 5 PM
Christmas Tree Lighting – Walter Turnbow Park, 5:30 PM – 6 PM
Christmas Parade of the Ozarks – Emma Avenue, 6 PM
International Hot Cocoa Crawl
Presented by the Tyson Family Foundation Friday, December 6th
4:30 PM: Check-In at The Medium, 214 S Main St, Springdale, the corner of Meadow and Main
Holiday Market at Mano's – Featuring local vendors and specialty cocktails made with drinking
chocolate, 5 PM – 8 PM
The Medium, Artists of Northwest Arkansas 6x6 Silent Auction and December Membership Show
Friday, December 6, 2024, during the Hot Cocoa Crawl at The Medium (214 S. Main St., Springdale).
3:30 pm – Public Preview of Auction Pieces
5:00-8:00 pm – Silent Auction (6"x 6" artworks starting at $20) with Live Music, Hors d’oeuvres, and Opening of ANA December Membership Show5PM–8PM Hot Cocoa Crawl
These are both Rain or Shine Events so bundle up and enjoy the fun!
Interested in Volunteering for Christmas on the Creek sign up here: Volunteer Sign-up
Want to be a Volunteer at the International Hot Cocoa Crawl sign up here: Volunteer Sign-up
About Downtown Springdale Alliance: The Downtown Springdale Alliance is a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 with a mission to revitalize downtown Springdale, creating a vibrant and connected community. For more information, visit www.downtownspringdale.org.