Bentonville, AR...In partnership with Downtown Bentonville Inc., the Bentonville Square transforms into a Winter Wonderland, Saturday, November 20, for the annual Lighting of the Square celebration. The event highlight is having Mayor Stephanie Orman flip the switch, illuminating the Bentonville Square with 35 miles of lights. In the center of the fountain is a 22” animated Christmas tree with lights synched to music until 11pm nightly. A team of 24 maintenance employees from Bentonville Parks and Recreation, along with temporary staff, dedicate approximately 3,100 hours of labor to create the magical setting.
Event festivities on November 20 begin with the long-awaited opening of The Rink at Lawrence Plaza at 12:00pm. Food trucks open and entertainment starts at 4:00pm on the Bentonville Square. Featured talent includes: Ashtyn Barbaree & the Christmas Trees, Mariachi Amistad, and Beer & Hymns Trio. The ceremonial lighting is scheduled for 5:50pm – 6:00pm, followed by an exhibition skate show presented by the Arkansas Figure Skating Association at The Rink.
The 2021-2022 ice skating season, sponsored by Conagra, extends through February 13. Tickets can be purchased online for any open session. For daily schedules and operating hours, visit playbentonville.com. The $7 entrance fee covers skate rental and 45 minutes on the ice. Both group and private lessons are available during designated times on Mondays and Saturdays in December and January.
Once again, our Santa House will be open 24/7 at Lawrence Plaza. We are pleased to provide the public a direct line to the North Pole. Children are encouraged to write a letter to Santa Claus for our elves to deliver. To receive a special reply before Christmas, each letter should include a return address and be turned in to the “Letters to Santa House” between November 20 - December 5.
During the holiday season, we anticipate a record crowd will visit the Bentonville Square. It is the picture perfect place to capture holiday memories – both under the lights and at the ice rink.
To learn more about Bentonville Parks and Recreation, please visit us online at www.playbentonville.com, or call 479.464.7275.