If you’ve ever watched a Hallmark Christmas movie and thought, “I wish that town was real,”—good news! It is. Benton, Arkansas has been named one of the top towns in America that feels like a Hallmark movie has come to life. From millions of twinkling lights to horse-drawn carriage rides and hot chocolate on chilly nights, downtown Benton is the place to create magical holiday memories with your family this December.
A Month of Christmas Magic
All December long, Benton transforms into a dazzling Christmas wonderland. The historic courthouse and charming downtown streets are decked out in millions of sparkling lights, creating the perfect backdrop for festive fun. Whether you’re strolling hand-in-hand with loved ones or riding through town in a horse-drawn carriage, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas postcard.
Kick Off the Holidays at the Tree Lighting Ceremony
The festivities begin on November 30th at 5pm with Benton’s beloved Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Square. Make a night of it—grab dinner at one of Benton’s downtown restaurants, then head over to Owens-Mooney Park. Get there early for a chance to snag the limited-edition City of Benton Christmas ornament (a collector’s favorite each year!). A live choir will be joining us this year singing Christmas favorites as the 50-foot tree is lit. Then Santa will make his grand entrance at the Farmers Market, where you can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.
Don’t Miss the Parade!
Saline County’s Annual Christmas Parade is one of the county’s oldest and most treasured traditions—and it gets bigger and brighter every year. The parade and the Saline County Courthouse Lighting are scheduled for December 1st from 6pm - 8pm in downtown Benton. This year’s parade theme, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” brings vintage holiday cheer with a rock ’n’ roll twist. Parade-goers can expect classic tunes, retro floats, poodle skirts, leather jackets, and a nod to the golden era of music, style, and Christmas magic. From 1950s rock ’n’ roll flair inspired by Elvis, Buddy Holly, and Brenda Lee to shimmering retro holiday style, the evening will celebrate music, memories, and a timeless sense of Christmas spirit.
The Saline County Courthouse Lighting will take place LIVE on THV11 at 6pm with Meteorologist Tom Brannon, joined by Miss Arkansas Teen Amelia Lisowe, Miss Saline County Kennedy Stanley, and Miss Saline County Teen Presley Bennett. This year’s parade will feature more than 100 entries, including festive floats, marching bands, fire trucks, antique cars, and familiar characters tossing candy to the crowd. It’s an evening filled with holiday cheer, excitement, and community pride—creating wide-eyed wonder for children and nostalgic joy for adults.
The grand finale? Santa Claus himself will be waiting at the courthouse gazebo to take pictures with all the children. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs, cozy blankets, and Christmas spirit!
Float applications can be picked up at Retro Rose + Paradise Pets in Downtown Benton.
Outdoor Ice Rink Opens!
Bring the whole family to our outdoor ice skating rink, open November 30th through January 4th. Best of all, general admission is FREE! Skating is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so grab your mittens and hit the ice.
We’ve got skating aids for little ones just learning to glide, and skates are available to borrow—or feel free to bring your own hockey or figure skates if you prefer. It’s the perfect way to make magical winter wonderland memories this holiday season!
Character Night: A Kid Favorite!
Looking for even more holiday cheer? Join us for Character Night at the Farmers Market on December 12th, where kids can meet some of their favorite friends and take some fun pictures. Along with Santa, you’ll spot Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Batman, Paw Patrol, Smarty the Recycle Fox, Ace & Oatey from the Arkansas Travelers, and plenty of other surprise guests.
Lights On All Season Long
Benton’s Christmas lights usually go up Thanksgiving weekend and shine brightly through New Year’s Eve. Check our calendar of events to see when Santa will be in the gazebo for photos throughout the season.
Make It a Christmas Getaway!
While you’re in town, why not make it a weekend trip? Visit Roseberry Farms to pick out your very own Christmas tree, shop at local boutiques, and enjoy cozy local restaurants. Click here to check out some of Benton’s best places to stay.
2025 Small Town Christmas Schedule
Check out the full 2025 Small Town Christmas Event List Below. Various local businesses are hosting fun and festive events at the Farmers Market all month long!
November 30 - Tree Lighting Ceremony
Where: Owens Mooney Park (Downtown Benton)
When: 5pm
December 1 - Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Benton
When: 6pm
December 2 - Popcorn with the Benton Police Department
Where: Farmers Market
When: 6-7:30pm
December 3 - Army National Guard
Where: Farmer’s Market
When: 5:30 - 7pm
December 6 - Santa in The Park / Mistletoe Market
Where: River Center
When: 9- 2pm
Low Sensory Hour: 9-10am
December 8
Saline County Boys and Girls Club
Where: Farmers Market
When: 5:30 - 6pm
December 9 - Empact One Snowball Fight
Where: Farmers Market
When: 5:30 - 7pm
December 10 - Hurricane Creek FCU
Where: Farmers Market
When: 5:30 - 7pm
December 11 - Santa at the Courthouse - Special Needs Night
Where: Saline County Courthouse
When: 6-8pm
December 12 - Santa at the Courthouse - Character Night
Where: Saline County Courthouse
When: 6-8pm
December 13 - MYAC Christmas Mugs and Cookies
Where: Farmers Market
When: 2-4pm
December 13 - Painting with P. Clark
Where: Farmers Market
When: 5:30 - 7pm
December 15 - Mr. Electric of Little Rock
Where: Farmers Market
When: 5:30 - 7pm
December 16 - Hot Dogs and Smores with the Benton Fire Department
Where: Farmers Market
When: 5:30 - 7pm
December 17 - CADC Hot Chocolate
Where: Farmers Market
When: 5:30 - 7pm
December 18 - Santa at the Courthouse
Where: Saline County Courthouse
When: 6-8pm
December 19 - Santa at the Courthouse
Where: Saline County Courthouse
When: 6-8pm
December 20 - Benton Parks and Recreation Movie Night
Where: Farmers Market
When: 6-8pm
Come celebrate the season with us! We can’t wait to share the magic of Christmas in Benton with you.
