Christmas Guide 2025: Holiday events across Jonesboro

Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – With the Christmas season quickly approaching, JRN has compiled a list of Christmas events in Jonesboro and Craighead County.

| HOSTING A HOLIDAY EVENT FOR THE PUBLIC? Email the details to news@jonesbororightnow.com.

Nov. 21-25:

The Foundation of Arts’ “The Nutcracker”

When: Performances will start at 7 p.m. most days. The Nov. 23 performance is a matinee and will start at 2 p.m.
Where: The Forum Theater, 115 E. Monroe Ave.
Cost: Tickets range from $22-$26, depending on section and location. Purchase tickets here.
Details: “The Nutcracker” tells the tale of Clara as she befriends a nutcracker who comes to life on Christmas Eve and is swept into a world of toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. More information here.

Nov. 23:

NEA Baptist Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: NEA Baptist Hospital Lobby, 4800 E. Johnson Ave.
Cost: Free admission
Details: The program will include scripture reading, singing Christmas carols, a reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” a visit from Santa, as well as hot chocolate and cookies. More information here.

Nov. 26-Dec. 23:

Christmas at the Park

When: Hours will vary depending on the day of the week, and may change based on weather conditions.
- Nov. 26: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Nov. 27-Dec. 22: Sunday through Thursday hours will be 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., while Friday and Saturday hours will be 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Dec. 23: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Joe Mack Campbell Park, 600 Harry Drive
Cost: Cost will vary based on the vehicle’s size and number of passengers, as well as if it is a weekday or weeknight. Season passes are available. Click here for cost information.
- Note: “Pay What You Can” night is Dec. 3.
Details: Guests enjoy a half-mile drive-through Christmas lights display, take photos at the walk-through area, and meet Santa on select nights. More information here.

Nov. 29:

Christmas Market

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Open Studio, 304 S. Gee St.
Cost: Free admission
Details: This will be an outdoor Christmas market featuring vendors, crafts and more.

Nov. 30:

City of Monette Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Town Square, next to the traffic light on Drew, between Monette Feed & Hardware and the Buffalo Island Museum in Monette.
Cost: Free
Details: Annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony for Monette residents and guests.

Dec. 2:

37th Annual Light Up A Life

When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: St. Bernards Tower Lobby, 225 E. Washington Ave.
Cost: Free admission and participants can donate to the Cancer Support Fund. Click here to donate.
Details: This event will feature carolers, cookies, and Santa, who will arrive at 6 p.m.

27th Annual MessiahSing: A Sing-along Messiah Benefit Concert

When: Rehearsal starts at 6:15 p.m., concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
Where: First United Methodist Church, 801 S. Main St.
Cost: Free admission, although monetary donations for the Helping Neighbors Interfaith Food Pantry are encouraged.
Details: Choir members will sing Christmas choruses from Georg Friedrich Händel’s “Messiah.” Community members are welcome to join the choir or participate as a listener. More information here.

Dec. 4:

Jonesboro Human Development Center 5th Annual Christmas Parade

When: 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Jonesboro Human Development Center, 4701 Colony Drive
Cost: Free admission
Details: Santa, the elves, and the Grinch will be in the parade. The community is invited to help spread holiday cheer.

A-State’s Sounds of the Season

When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Fowler Center’s Riceland Hall, 201 Olympic Drive
Cost: $10 per ticket at the Central Box Office. Tickets can also be purchased online here.
Details: A-State Choirs and guests will perform carols and holiday songs.

Dec. 5:

78th Annual Jonesboro Christmas Parade

When: 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Main Street in downtown Jonesboro
Cost: Free admission
Details: This year’s theme is Candy Christmas. It will run north to south along Main Street and end at Oak Avenue. New to this year’s parade is the performance zone, where participants will have 60 seconds to perform in front of the Craighead County Courthouse. More information here.

Dec. 5-7:

The Tarkingtons’ Christmas Spectacular

When: Performances on Dec. 6 and 7 are at 2 p.m. Performances on Dec. 5 and 6 are at 7 p.m.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 710 Southwest Drive
Cost: Free admission
Details: Audience members can watch as The Tarkingtons perform the Christmas story, complete with Christmas songs, a light show, and more.

Dec. 6:

Pancakes & PJ’s:

When: 8 to 10 a.m.
Where: Cooper Alumni Center, 2600 Alumni Blvd.
Cost: Tickets are $20 per adult and $15 per child (age 3-12). Children aged 2 and under get in free.
Details: Participants can do photos with Santa, as well as A-State mascots Howl and Scarlet. A breakfast buffet will be available, and kids can make a holiday craft.

The NEAt Crafter’s Guild Little Merry Market

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Story Rentals, 801 S. Gee St.
Cost: Donation-based admission. Donations are for The Arkansas Pets Savers.
Details: This is a craft fair with over 15 local artists, crafters, food vendors, and more. More information here.

JoyFest

When: 3 to 11 p.m.
Where: Union Street Park area in downtown Jonesboro
Cost: Free admission
Details: This event will feature live music, several vendors, and photo opportunities as well as ice skating, rides, and more. The lighting of the RightFiber Christmas Tree will be at 5:30 p.m. More information here.

Bono Christmas Parade

When: 6 p.m.
Where: City of Bono
Cost: Free admission
Details: This year’s theme is “A Country Christmas”. For anyone wanting to participate in the parade, there is no charge, and registration forms can be picked up at Bono City Hall or by emailing here.

Dec. 6-7:

The Stage Theater Co.’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

When: The Dec. 6 performance will be at 6 p.m., the Dec. 7 performance will be at 2 p.m.
Where: Nettleton Performing Arts Center, 4205 Paradise St.
Cost: Tickets are $15 to $20, depending on seat location. They can be purchased at the door or online here.
Details: The Herdmans, the so-called “worst kids in the history of the world,” crash Sunday school and demand parts in the upcoming Christmas pageant. It’s up to director Grace Bradley and the Reverend to help the Herdman kids and help the community see them in a better light.

Dec. 6-23:

Winter Wonderland:

When: Hours vary based on the day of the week. They are listed below:
- Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, 1 to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.
Where: 215 W. Monroe Ave. in downtown Jonesboro
Cost: Admission is free, while activities such as the Ferris wheel, ice-skating, and train rides cost $2 to $5 per person.
Details: This event is a walk-through holiday-themed museum with scheduled Santa nights. The First Community Bank Wonderland Rink and concession stands will be open until Dec. 31.

Dec. 7:

Christmas Market at The Yard

When: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: The Yard, 1918 Aggie Road
Cost: Free admission
Details: This event will include food, drinks, music, and vendors. To become a vendor, email theyardjonesboro@gmail.com.

City of Brookland Christmas Parade

When: Judging begins at 1 p.m. Parade begins at 2 p.m.
Where: The parade will start at Brookland High School parking lot and go south on Holman to Stevens Street, west on Stevens to S. Oak Street. The parade will then turn north to W. School Street. It will end back at the school parking lot.
Cost: Free admission
Details: The theme is “Characters of Christmas”. There is no sign-up or registration for the parade. Participants are allowed to throw candy during the parade route.

Dec. 12:

A-State Trombone Studio performs as part of the 2025 Library Concert Series

When: 6 p.m.
Where: Round Room of the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, 315 W. Oak Ave.
Cost: Free admission
Details: Members of the Arkansas State University Trombone Studio will perform a holiday concert featuring holiday songs such as “Sleigh Ride,” “White Christmas,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and more. More information here.

Dec. 12-14:

The Festival of Christmas

When: The Dec. 12 performance will be at 7 p.m., Dec. 13 at 2 p.m., and the Dec. 14 show will be at 5 p.m.
Where: Walnut Street Baptist Church, 1910 Scenic Rd.
Cost: Free admission
Details: This show brings the story of Jesus to life through music, immersive storytelling, and a 26-foot-tall living Christmas tree. The show is about two hours long and includes an intermission. More information here.

Dec. 13:

Santa’s Workshop at Coin Goblin Gamer’s Lounge

When: 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Coin Goblin Gamer’s Lounge, 2929 S. Caraway Road
Cost: $10 per ticket
Details: This event will feature photos with Santa and multiple craft stations, as well as a donation area supporting the Salvation Army. More information here.

Monette’s Mega Merry Christmas Parade:

When: 3 p.m.
Where: Downtown Monette
Cost: Free admission
Details: This parade will feature floats, performances, and more. It will be livestreamed on Facebook. Those wanting to enter the parade need to fill out the entry form and either return it to Monette City Hall or email it to monettechristmasparade@gmail.com. More information here.

Dec. 14:

Enchanted by the Sounds of Christmas by Delta Symphony Orchestra

When: 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: The Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive
Cost: Tickets range from around $28 to $45. Click here to buy tickets.
Details: The Delta Symphony Orchestra performs holiday classics while accompanied by guest vocalists Myrika Kyriakos and Trent Broussard. There will also be a sing-along with Santa.

Dec. 18-24:

Santa’s Cabin Experience:

When: Available spots vary per day and must be pre-booked.
Where: Christmas Tree Plantation, 171 CR 468
Cost: $400 per photography package with available add-ons
Details: Presented by Meghan Lee Photography, Santa’s Cabin Experience will include a guided tour of Santa’s log cabin, a photo session with Santa Steve, and more. A portion of every booking will support foster children in Craighead and Poinsett counties. More information here.

Dec. 19:

Caraway Parade and Christmas in the Park:

When: 6 p.m.
Where: Parade lineup starts at 5:30 p.m. behind City Hall, 102 E. State St. in Caraway. The parade will then go through town. Christmas in the Park will be at the Bandstand in front of City Hall.
Cost: Free admission
Details: Emergency agencies, antique vehicles, farm equipment, floats, and more are welcome in the parade. Christmas in the Park will have free hot dogs and hot chocolate, and free Christmas gifts will be given away. More information here.

Dec. 19-22:

The Foundation of Arts’ “Elf: The Musical, Jr.”

When: Performances on Dec. 19, 20, and 22 will be at 7 p.m. The Dec. 21 performance will be at 2 p.m.
Where: The Forum Theater, 115 E. Monroe Ave.
Cost: Tickets range from $18 to $22, depending on section and location. Purchase tickets here.
Details: The musical follows Buddy, a human accidentally raised by North Pole elves. Upon learning about his past, he sets off to New York City to find his real father, all while helping those he meets rediscover the meaning of Christmas. More information here.

Dec. 20:

City of Bay Christmas Parade

When: The start time has not yet been announced.
Where: City of Bay
Cost: Free
Details: The parade will feature Toy Express Trumann and Santa as well as a parade competition. More information here.

News