Good morning, Fayetteville.

Fayetteville stores offer holiday shopping choices that range from rare books and vintage finds to fresh floral arrangements and French crêpes, and retailers like Dickson Street Bookshop+ Dad Suggests Books encourage locals to support these unique options this season.

Fayetteville is celebrating winter with a string of festive events including a drive-through light show at Washington County Fairgrounds running through Dec 31, downtown lights and a parade on Dec 4, and a Santa Drop at 11 a.m. on Dec 6—other local markets, art shows and concerts offer options from late November through January.

Pulitzer Prize winners Ziva Branstetter and Kathleen DuVal visited George’s Majestic Lounge on November 18 in Fayetteville as Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and Dean Brian Raines hosted their talk on storytelling and award-winning work—Branstetter won for Public Service and DuVal won for History. They answered questions from local journalism students and explained how writing helps people learn about important issues.

Local dance groups are set to bring Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to the region as festive holiday shows draw families together.

Ozark Ballet Theater will perform at Fayetteville Public Library on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. + audiences can join in a long-standing local tradition.

The University Libraries’ OER Program has released a new guide for college teachers that gives practical tools for peer observation — it includes templates, sample reports and step-by-step instructions to support effective teaching and is available for free online.

University of Arkansas will hold two graduation ceremonies on Dec.

13 in Bud Walton Arena where over 1,600 students will walk to receive their diplomas; guests must enter through the south or west entrance, sit 15 minutes early, and follow a clear bag policy + live streaming is available online.

Dr. Jackson "Jack" White, former chair of the accounting department at Walton College, passed away on November 13th at age 92 — he guided the department during a transformative period and served the accounting profession with lifelong dedication.

He is remembered for his extensive academic service and is survived by five sons, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

On Nov. 18, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture signed a five-year agreement with India's National Horticulture Board and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to train scientists in diagnostic testing, virus elimination and greenhouse management at its Clean Plant Center in Fayetteville. The deal will help small-scale farmers protect key crops like grapes and pomegranates—reducing their need for pesticides.

Missouri Tigers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Football

1-4 p.m. — Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium — An exciting SEC showdown between two fierce rivals.

Cirque Italia: Water Circus

1:30-3:00 p.m. — Pinnacle Hills Promenade — Tickets start at $74 — Experience a mesmerizing performance under the water-themed circus tent.

Postmodern Jukebox: Magic, Moonlight, and Mistletoe Tour

7-9:30 p.m. — Ozark Music Hall — Ticketed event — Experience a vintage musical journey featuring genre-twisting covers of holiday classics and pop hits.

Kimberly Akimbo Musical

7:00–8:30 p.m. — Walton Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the five-time Tony-winning musical featuring an engaging story and stunning performances.

Super Saturday: Ozark Ballet Theater's The Nutcracker

10-11 a.m. — Fayetteville Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy delightful excerpts from The Nutcracker performed by the Ozark Ballet Theater.

The Nutcracker: International Ballet Stars

7 p.m. — Jim & Joyce Faulkner Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a delightful performance of The Nutcracker.

MeatEater Live: The Christmas Tour

7 PM – 12 AM — Ozark Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holidays with Steven Rinella and the MeatEater crew in a night filled with laughs and outdoor insights.