5 Essential Facts About The 2024 Bentonville Christmas Parade: Date, Route, And 'Sounds Of The Season' Theme
The Bentonville Christmas Parade is returning to Northwest Arkansas for its annual, much-anticipated celebration, officially set for Saturday, December 14, 2024. This beloved tradition transforms the historic Downtown Bentonville Square into a dazzling spectacle of festive lights and community spirit, solidifying its place as one of the region's most magical holiday events. Organized by Downtown Bentonville Incorporated (DBI), the 2024 parade promises over 100 spectacular floats, live entertainment, and the grand entrance of Santa Claus, all under the enchanting glow of the recently lit Square lights.
As of today, December 25, 2025, the official details for this year's parade are confirmed, providing families and visitors with the essential information to plan their evening. From the specific start time of 6:00 PM to the official theme, "Sounds of the Season," this guide covers every detail you need to ensure a perfect experience at this cornerstone of the Bentonville holiday season, which draws thousands of spectators to the heart of the city.
The Official 2024 Bentonville Christmas Parade Details: Your Essential Guide
The annual Bentonville Christmas Parade is more than just a procession of floats; it is a long-standing community tradition that marks the peak of the holiday season in Northwest Arkansas. The 2024 event, presented by KINGART®, is a meticulously planned affair that brings together local businesses, non-profit organizations, and community groups for a night of festive cheer.
- Official Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024.
- Start Time: The parade officially begins at 6:00 PM. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure the best viewing spots along the Downtown Bentonville Square.
- Official Theme: "Sounds of the Season." This theme encourages participants to decorate their floats with a focus on holiday music, classic carols, and festive noise, adding an auditory layer to the visual spectacle.
- Organizing Body: Downtown Bentonville Incorporated (DBI), a non-profit organization dedicated to the vitality of the downtown area.
- Key Sponsors: The parade is made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Crossland Construction, Tytan Toys, USAopoly, and is presented by KINGART®. Walmart is also a significant community partner.
This nighttime parade is particularly magical because it follows the City of Bentonville's Lighting of the Square, meaning the entire route is already illuminated by hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, creating a perfect backdrop for the glowing floats.
What to Expect: Floats, Bands, and the Magic of 'Sounds of the Season'
The Bentonville Christmas Parade is renowned for its high quality and massive scale, consistently featuring over 100 entries.
The "Sounds of the Season" theme is expected to inspire a wide array of creative and musical floats. Attendees can anticipate seeing everything from classic holiday scenes to modern, whimsical displays, all accompanied by festive music, carolers, and joyful noise. The parade is a celebration of community creativity, with participants vying for recognition in various categories.
A Spectacle of Community and Creativity
The entries represent a cross-section of the Northwest Arkansas community, including:
- Festive Floats: Elaborately decorated floats from local businesses and organizations, often incorporating complex lighting designs and moving parts.
- Marching Bands: Local school and community marching bands providing the live soundtrack for the "Sounds of the Season."
- Dance Troupes: Energetic performances from dance and cheer squads, adding movement and flair to the procession.
- Community Groups: Entries from local non-profits, civic clubs, and youth organizations, all sharing holiday greetings.
- Santa's Grand Appearance: The parade traditionally concludes with the most anticipated float of the night—the arrival of Santa Claus, who signals the official start of the final countdown to Christmas Day.
For children, the parade is a treasure trove of treats. Many floats hand out candy canes, small toys, and other goodies to delighted families lining the streets, making it a truly interactive and memorable Northwest Arkansas holiday tradition.
Navigating the Night: Route, Road Closures, and Pro Tips
To fully enjoy the Bentonville Christmas Parade, understanding the route and planning for the logistics of a major downtown event is crucial. The parade’s route is designed to maximize visibility around the iconic Downtown Bentonville Square, which is the epicenter of the city's holiday festivities.
The Official 2024 Parade Route
The procession will follow a traditional path, ensuring all attendees get a prime view of the dazzling displays. The key segments of the route are:
- The parade begins and wraps around the historic Downtown Bentonville Square.
- It then proceeds along NW 2nd Street.
- The route concludes by turning south onto A Street.
This route is strategically chosen to pass by many of the Square's established businesses and landmarks, including the Walmart Museum and the Peel Mansion Museum & Historical Gardens, though the immediate viewing area is concentrated around the Square itself.
Road Closures and Arrival Time
Due to the size and popularity of this signature event, significant road closures will be in effect throughout Downtown Bentonville.
- Early Closures: Roads immediately surrounding the Bentonville Square, as well as key segments of Main Street and 2nd Street, will begin closing as early as 5:30 AM on the day of the parade.
- Parking: On-street parking will be extremely limited or non-existent along the route. Attendees should plan to park in designated public parking areas further away and walk to the Square.
- Pro Tip: Arriving by 4:00 PM is highly recommended to secure a good viewing spot and navigate the street closures before the crowds swell. Bringing folding chairs and blankets is a great idea, as the parade is a nighttime event and temperatures can drop quickly in Northwest Arkansas in December.
Beyond the Parade: The Full Downtown Bentonville Holiday Experience
The Christmas Parade is only one part of the comprehensive holiday programming put on by Downtown Bentonville Inc. and the City of Bentonville. To truly immerse yourself in the Northwest Arkansas holiday spirit, you must experience the events that precede and follow the parade.
The Lighting of the Square: A Magical Precursor
The official start to the Bentonville holiday season is the City of Bentonville's Lighting of the Square, which takes place weeks before the parade.
- 2024 Lighting Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024.
- The Spectacle: Thousands of lights are simultaneously turned on, transforming the Downtown Square into a "dazzling winter wonderland."
- Experience: This event features live performances, a Broadway-style Christmas Show, and marks the moment the lights will remain on throughout the entire holiday season, serving as the luminous backdrop for the December 14th parade.
Visitors to Bentonville can also explore the Bentonville Trail of Holiday Lights, which extends the festive illumination beyond the Square and into other parts of the city. This provides a perfect opportunity for a family stroll after the parade concludes.
The combination of the Lighting of the Square, the festive First Fridays events in the downtown area, and the grand Christmas Parade creates a powerhouse of holiday cheer that makes Bentonville a must-visit destination in Northwest Arkansas during December. The community’s commitment to these traditions, supported by local organizations like DBI and corporate partners like Walmart, ensures that the spirit of the season shines brightly for residents and tourists alike.
Whether you are a local resident or a visitor traveling to experience the charm of Northwest Arkansas, the 2024 Bentonville Christmas Parade is an unmissable event that perfectly encapsulates the joy and community spirit of the holidays. Mark your calendars for December 14th, prepare for the "Sounds of the Season," and get ready to witness the magic on the Downtown Bentonville Square.
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