The Holidays in NEA
Events
White River Wonderland: Batesville
One of the best holiday light events you’ll ever see! From now until Jan. 4th, Batesville’s free light attraction is open from 5:00pm-midnight.
Grinch Day at Santa's North Pole, Part 2!
One of our most popular days, so we added another! Join the mischievous Grinch as he has has “fun” around the North Pole. “Who” knows what he’ll do?
Grinch Day at Santa's North Pole
One of our most popular days, so we added another! Join the mischievous Grinch as he has has “fun” around the North Pole. “Who” knows what he’ll do?
Elf the Musical, Jr. by the FOA
The Foundation of Arts presents Elf the Musical, Jr.
Fri. Dec. 19th: 7:00pm
Sat. Dec. 20th: 7:00pm
Sun. Dec. 21st: 2:00pm
Mon. Dec. 22nd: 7:00pm
More info and tickets available here.
Caraway Christmas Parade
Parade starts at 6pm at city Hall. After the parade ends, free hot dogs and hot chocolate will be available at the park in front of city hall.
Magical Evening with Santa Paydon at Santa's North Pole
This reservation required event is a truly magical night for kids…and adults…to enjoy cookies, cocoa, and fun with the SNP helpers and a VERY special guest: Santa Paydon! Our guests will be treated to over an hour of time with Santa, as well as an included photo package of two photos with 5x7 prints digital and digitally shared copies.
Price: $45 for one child and one adult. Additional child admission $25. Limited to 40 total participants.
Book here: https://www.neachristmas.com/magic
Santa's North Pole: $5 admission night
Come experience the unique animated characters and magically illuminated wonderland that is Santa’s North Pole for only $5 admission…and as always, age 2 and under are free! Santa will be available for pictures for purchase.
Santa B Returns to Santa's North Pole
Join us for the return of Santa B! His joy and love of Christmas is infectious, and his book Santa B Goes on Vacation is a fun and educational ride. More details to come!
Enchanted by the Sounds of Christmas: Delta Symphony Orchestra
Classic holiday music by the DSO with special guests vocalists and sing-a-long. See more details and purchase tickets here.
Monette Christmas Parade
The “Mega Merry Christmas Parade” plans to be bigger than ever! See it in downtown Monette, and follow the event here for more info.
Superhero Day @ Santa's North Pole
Come hang out with your favorite super heroes from 12-6! Santa will be here for pictures until 8:00pm. Standard $7 admission, age 2 and under free!
Magical Evening with Santa Steve
This reservation required event is a truly magical night for kids…and adults…to enjoy cookies, cocoa, and fun with the SNP helpers and a VERY special guest: Santa Steve! Our guests will be treated to over an hour of time with Santa, as well as an included photo package of two photos with 5x7 prints digital and digitally shared copies.
Price: $45 for one child and one adult. Additional child admission $25. Limited to 40 total participants.
Book here: https://www.neachristmas.com/magic
Live Reindeer at Santa’s North Pole
Come hang out with one of Santa’s reindeer, snap a few selfies, and explore Santa’s North Pole! $10 admission for this special opportunity.
Santa's North Pole: $10 entry w/photo special
Join us for our first time offering this special! $10 admission includes a free, digitally shared portrait style image with Santa!
But don’t forget, it includes the unique animated characters and magically illuminated wonderland that is Santa’s North Pole.
Age 2 and under are still free.
One image shared per admission.
2025 Santa Shuffle
THE SANTA SHUFFLE IS BACK!
Join us for a stroll through the lights of Christmas at the Park! Walk or run through our regions biggest and best Christmas display! This unique, family-friendly event features over 450,000 lights and attractions. Come early or stay after to take photos with Santa, purchase hot chocolate, enjoy Christmas sights and sounds, and exercise!
Park Entry: Only open to Santa Shuffle Participants
Race Entry - $13
Santa Shuffle T- Shirts $25
T-SHIRT DEADLINE NOVEMBER 16TH!
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO OUR MEDICAL EXERCISE REHABILITATION!
https://raceroster.com/events/2025/111588/santa-shuffle
Sensory Time with Santa Paydon: Santa's North Pole
We’ll do our best to make a calm, comfortable Christmas environment, and Santa Paydon brings his understanding and experience as a teacher with a heart for those with sensory sensitivities. Standard admission $7
Brookland Christmas Parade
“Characters of Christmas” Route starts at Brookland High School and continues down Stevens, to S. Oak, then W. School, and ends back at the school .
Santa's North Pole
Open for our exhibit and pictures with Santa from 1:00pm-6:00pm
4205 Access Rd., Jonesboro
2025 Downtown Joyfest
2025 Jonesboro’s Downtown JoyFest
On December 6, Downtown Jonesboro will be filled with holiday cheer at the annual JoyFest Christmas Celebration. Enjoy the Christmas Tree lighting, live music, kids’ activities, and a Holiday Market with local vendors and treats. Bring your family for a fun day of shopping, festive traditions, and even a chance to meet Santa Claus while you explore historic downtown Jonesboro!
https://www.joyfestjonesboro.com/
Frozen Day: Santa's North Pole
Visit with your favorite Frozen characters…AND Santa…at the North Pole! Characters from 12pm-6pm, standard $7 admission.
Jonesboro Christmas Parade
The 78th Annual Jonesboro Christmas Parade: “Candy Christmas”
Main Street, Downtown Jonesboro
https://jonesborochristmasparade.com/
Trumann Christmas Parade
The annual Christmas parade begins at Trumann Plaza. More info here.
Jonesboro's Winter Wonderland and Wonderland Rink
Along with DJA’s Joyfest, the City of Jonesboro and First Community Bank bring Winter Wonderland and the Wonderland Rink to downtown Jonesboro. Open Wed.-Sun. during the holiday season, check out their page for hours and, for the rink, admission/rental cost.
Grand Opening: Santa's North Pole
Our big opening day for 2025, including live reindeer, balloon animals, and a lot of other extras…all on top of our walk-through wonderland and a chance to see Santa!
Santa’s North Pole - NEA Christmas
Christmas Tree Plantation: Opening Day
Come make real memories with your family by getting a real tree grown by a local family! Start the season off right by finding a choose-and-cut tree, grabbing some cocoa, and sitting by the fire while it’s prepared for the trip to your home.
Princess Day: Santa's North Pole
Visit Santa’s North Pole and hang out with your favorite princesses! Regular admission ($7.00) for this days events.
Santa’s North Pole - NEA Christmas
The Nutcracker @ The Forum
A holiday tradition beloved by generations, The Nutcracker is a magical ballet that follows young Clara as she receives a nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. That night, she’s swept into a fantastical world filled with toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. With its timeless Tchaikovsky score and stunning choreography, this ballet enchants audiences of all ages.
https://foajonesboro.org/production/nutcracker/
Lit’l Bita Christmas
Plan your visit now! Tickets are live for the 39th Annual Lit'l Bita Christmas. The show kicks off next Friday at noon, shop your favorite local arts and craft vendors at First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro.
Purchase here https://am.ticketmaster.com/arkstate/buy/LBC2025?
Or call the ASU Central Box Office at (870) 972-2781