Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Nov. 14, 2024 – Christmas time is almost here, so join in some of Jonesboro’s most magical events. Here is a list of a few of the fun and unique events that are sure to light up even the Grinchiest of hearts this year.

Nov. 23:

Enjoy A Merry Uptown Christmas from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at The Uptown Jonesboro Shopping Center, 2206 East Highland Dr.

This event features free pictures with Santa from 1 to 3:50 p.m., a hot chocolate bar from 1 to 4 p.m., a center-wide giveaway, face painting and more. Plus, “The Grinch” movie will be showing starting at 4 p.m., so don’t forget to bring your blanket to sit on.

Nov. 24:

The NEA Baptist Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be at 5 p.m. in the NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital Lobby at 4800 E. Johnson Ave.

This annual event will include scripture reading, carols, reading of “The Night Before Christmas” and more. Santa will be making a surprise visit at the end of the program, followed by hot cocoa and cookies.

Dec. 3:

The 36th Annual Light Up a Life, hosted by the St. Bernards Foundation, will be at 5:30 p.m. in the St. Bernards Tower Lobby at 225 E. Washington Ave.

This event will feature the tree lighting, refreshments and an appearance by Santa at 6 p.m. Sponsor an ornament and support the St. Bernard’s Cancer Support fund for patients who are receiving long-term cancer therapy. To learn more, or give a gift, visit 2024 Light Up A Life.

Dec. 6:

The 77th Annual Jonesboro Christmas Parade will be from 7 to 9 p.m. along Union Avenue in downtown Jonesboro. This year’s theme will be “Movies on Main Street” as your favorite Christmas movies come to life. To check out the parade route map and find your perfect viewing spot, visit the Jonesboro Christmas Parade Jonesboro Christmas Parade website.

Dec. 7:

• The 2024 Downtown Jonesboro JoyFest, hosted by the Downtown Jonesboro Alliance, will start at 3 p.m. on Union Street in downtown Jonesboro. This free annual event includes the annual RightFiber Christmas tree lighting, live performances on the Hytrol Stage, an awesome Kids’ Zone, local vendors in Barton’s Village and more.
• Emmanual, a Christmas benefit concert hosted by Ryan Day, will start at 7 p.m. at the Fowler Center on the Arkansas State University campus. This free event is an opportunity to give back this holiday season. While the concert is free to attend, they will be collecting an offering, with all proceeds going to the Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries.
• The 2024 Pancakes and PJs, hosted by the A-State Alumni Association will start at 8 a.m. at the A-State Alumni Center at 2600 Alumni Blvd. Guests will enjoy photos with Santa, Howl and Scarlet, a full breakfast buffet and a holiday craft. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Tickets are $20 per adult, $15 per child (age 3-12), and children aged 2 and under are free.

Dec. 8:

The Delta Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO) Christmas Concert will be from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Fowler Center on the A-State campus. Guest vocalists Jenny Powers, Bethania Baray-Harrison, and Quaine Hogan join the DSO for holiday classics and lead a sing-along with Santa Claus. Tickets start at $25.

Dec. 12:

First Presbyterian Church, located at 710 Southwest Drive, will be hosting the 26th annual Sing-a-long “Messiah” Benefit Concert. The concert is free to attend, although attendees are asked to bring a monetary donation for the Helping Neighbors Interfaith Food Pantry. Sing-a-long rehearsal will begin 6:15 p.m. with the full concert starting at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 14:

The Tarkington’s Christmas Spectacular will start at 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Jonesboro. During this free event, you can join the Tarkingtons for their sixth consecutive year with an evening of family-friendly entertainment in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ as you watch the Christmas story come to life with Christmas songs, and a light show.

Multi-day Events:

Here are a few holiday events that will give the chance to go back for seconds.

Nov. 21 through Nov. 24:

The Foundation of Arts (FOA) will present “Miracle on 34th Street,” at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 to 23, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 24 at the Forum Theater, 115 E. Monroe Ave. Floor tickets are $24 for adults ($22 for balcony) and $22 for children, senior, military and A-State students ($20 for balcony). Nov. 23 is Pay What You Can night. Visit The Foundation of Arts website for more information.

Dec. 7 through Dec. 8:

Breakfast with Santa, hosted by The Embassy Suites by Hilton Jonesboro, will be from 7 to 10:30 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center, 223 Red Wolf Blvd. This event is for kids of all ages as they enjoy breakfast and visit Santa. Tickets are $12 for kids and $16 for adults.

Dec. 12 through Dec.17:

The FOA will present “The Nutcracker Ballet,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 12-14, at 2 p.m. on Dec. 15, and at 7 p.m. Dec. 16-17 at the Forum Theater. Floor tickets are $24 for adults ($22 for balcony) and $22 for children, senior, military and A-State students ($20 for balcony). Dec. 14 is Pay What You Can night. Visit The Foundation of Arts website for more information.

Nov. 27 through Dec. 23:

Christmas at the Park, presented by Ground Crew, will hold its Opening Night Nov. 27 and continue through Dec. 23 at the Joe Mack Campbell Park, 600 Harry Dr.

The hours will be 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. They will not be open after Christmas this season.

This event features over a half-mile drive-through of an estimated 65 collections consisting of almost 450 pieces with over 400,000 lights. General admission is $20 for one standard passenger vehicle (eight or less).

Although Santa’s Village will be open every night, there will also be several Special Event Nights through the season, such as the Santa Shuffle Fun Run, Community Christmas Caroling, Pay What You Can Night, the Jonesboro Radio Group’s Make-A-Wish night, the Alzheimer’s Winter Solstice and many more.

For more information or a complete schedule visit the Christmas at the Park website.