Bentonville is a mecca for warm weather activities such as mountain biking or playing at one of its many parks, but there’s no reason to hibernate in the winter. The city offers a myriad of activities for any interest, particularly around the holiday season.

While there are plenty of museums and indoor playplaces in the area, the city also offers some more out-of-the-box activities. Here are 10 uniquely Bentonville experiences to enjoy this winter season.

1. Stroll Through the Holiday Lights on the Square

In the month of December, Bentonville’s Downtown Square is the perfect backdrop for photos or an evening stroll. The Parks & Recreation crew transform the square with more than 30 miles of lights, and it becomes a hotspot of activity while residents and visitors take in the view. 

2. Ice Skating at Lawrence Plaza

A hopping splash pad in the summer, Lawrence Plaza’s concrete pad is converted into an outdoor ice rink for the winter months. The 7,000-square-foot rink is located in downtown Bentonville and is open through Feb. 16. A 45-minute ice skating session and skate rental is $7. Check out the online calendar for available dates and times.

3. Attend the Bentonville Christmas Parade

A beloved local tradition, this year’s Christmas Parade will be Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. in downtown Bentonville. Last year over 100 floats participated in the parade, which goes up Main Street to the Square — with Santa in the final float. Can’t make the parade or want to see it again? Watch it on Christmas morning on 5News (CBS) at 9 a.m.

4. Toast the Season at a Pop-Up Christmas Bar

Miracle on 2nd Street returns for another holiday season at Undercroft, a speakeasy-style lounge beneath The Preacher’s Son. This festive Christmas pop-up bar offers seasonal drinks while surrounded by an abundance of tinsel, lights and other holiday decorations. The Christmas pop-up theme runs through Dec. 31.

5. Dine In a North Forest Winter Cottage

Partake in festive drinks and shareable plates in an intimate cottage within Crystal Bridges’ North Forest. The Winter Cottages offer a unique way to dine under the stars while also offering VIP access to Time Loop, a nighttime experience using light, sound and projection mapping within the forest setting. Reservations are $89 plus tax per person.

6. Ring In Noon Year’s Eve at Crystal Bridges

Ring in the new year without burning the midnight oil on Dec. 31 with Crystal Bridges’ Noon Year’s Eve event. This free family-friendly daytime celebration will feature artmaking, live music and performances, games, dancing, activities and a group toast at noon. 

7. Celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Ledger

For some adult fun, celebrate the new year with Downtown Bentonville, Inc. The party runs from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on the 6th floor of The Ledger, featuring live music, food and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $150.

8. Shop Local at the Indoor Farmers Market

The Bentonville Farmers Market doesn’t end with the warm weather. Moved into the Record for the winter, shop fresh produce, art, gifts and more from local and regional businesses. The market is open from 9 a.m. to noon and runs through March 15.

9. Splash Around at the Community Center’s Indoor Water Park

The Bentonville Community Center’s aquatics area features more than just a pool. Complete with a lazy river, multiple water slides, a lap pool and children’s play area, this water park offers hours of entertainment. The aquatics area is free to passholders and visitors can purchase a Community Center day pass. Hours vary on different areas of the aquatics center, so be sure to check the schedule before dropping in.

10. Get Creative at the Bentonville Public Library

The new Makerspace room at the Bentonville Public Library offers plenty of tools and resources for programming and creating. A new feature added with the library’s expansion, the Makerspace room features 3D printers, laser printers, laptops with the design programs, sewing machines, a heat press, vinyl cutter, fiber materials and other tools. It is open to all library members who have taken the Makerspace 101 class.