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

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Nov. 21 through Nov. 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 through 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.

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.

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.

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 through 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 through 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 through 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.