Holiday lights and more can't-miss events to celebrate the season

1 big thing: 💡 Holiday lights and can't-miss events

2. 🛍️ 5 ways to shop local

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How to give back this holiday season

3. 😊 How to give back

4. 📸 Pics to go: Deck the halls

We're popping in with this special holiday edition to help guide you through the season.

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Thanks to Fadel Allassan for editing and James Gilzow for copy editing this newsletter.

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What to do in NWA this week

5. Your week ahead

🎄Only 21 more shopping days until Christmas.

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Take your career to the next level

Taco Talk: Jordan Poorman Cocker of the Crystal Bridges Museum

2. Taco Talk: Jordan Poorman Cocker

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4. Why Hanukkah's dates change every year

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4. 🎨 Priceless art experience  

5. What actually makes us happy

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FetchError

Alex here. Meet Jordan Poorman Cocker, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art's new curator of indigenous art. She's a fan of Kiowa beadwork — and tacos.

Background: Cocker started the new job in September and commutes from Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She is a member of the Kiowa tribe and has been doing beadwork since she was a child.

She has worked as a curator at Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma and serves as a guest co-curator at Block Museum in Evanston, Illinois.

What she's saying: "During my tenure at Crystal Bridges, I'm excited to create exhibitions that are respectful, that are accurate and that are in collaboration with indigenous tribes and artists."

U.S. art museums have a problematic history of misrepresenting Indigenous people's stories by telling them through settler or colonial modalities, she said.

"... exhibitions are created about us, without us," Cocker said.

What's next: Cocker is tasked with expanding the indigenous art collection, as Crystal Bridges adds 100,000 square feet of space.

She also wants to bring indigenous performance and theater to Bentonville.

What she wants museum-goers to know: "Indigenous people are here thriving  — have always been here, will always be here. We have vibrant art histories that pre-date Arkansas."

Now, on to the food: We talked outside of the Rolling Taco food truck in Bentonville.

I thoroughly enjoyed the signature rolling tacos — rolled-up tacos with a generous amount of cheese and guacamole. These are for hungry folks who want a tasty lunch.

I have on good authority that the pulled-pork burrito bowl is a solid pick, too.

Get a taco: 11am-3pm Monday-Friday at 410 SW 8th St. in Bentonville.

2. Taco Talk: Jordan Poorman CockerThe rolled tacos. Not pictured is all the sauce I slathered on them. Photo: Alex Golden/Axios

Bridges is the new curator of indigenous art.

Jordan Poorman Cocker. Photo: Alex Golden/Axios

Northwest Arkansas

Alex here. Meet Jordan Poorman Cocker, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art&#x27;s new curator of indigenous art. She&#x27;s a fan of Kiowa beadwork — and tacos.Background: Cocker started the new job in September and commutes from Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She is a member of the Kiowa tribe and has been doing beadwork since she was a child.

Culture

Enjoy your week. Here are things to do in the area.

Christmas tree workshop with snacks and wine — 6pm Tuesday at Oil + Meg in Bentonville.

Mistletoe-arranging at 6:30pm Wednesday, The Botanical at 8th & A in Bentonville.

8:30pm Tuesday at Nomads Trailside in Fayetteville.

7pm Wednesday at New Province Brewing Company in Rogers.

The men's basketball team plays Furman at 7pm today in Fayetteville. Get tickets ranging $30-$65.

The women's team entertains Louisiana Tech at 7pm Thursday. Get tickets for $10.

Illustration of posters and flyers with emojis on them, stapled to a telephone pole.

Enjoy your week. Here are things to do in the area.🌿 Get crafty ahead of the holidays<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christmas tree workshop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/729177709251893/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="316574d2-b687-4024-b314-e3641ea01a8e" data-vars-headline="What to do in NWA this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/729177709251893/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Christmas tree workshop</a> with snacks and wine — 6pm Tuesday at Oil + Meg in Bentonville.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mistletoe-arranging" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/221989867581558?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="316574d2-b687-4024-b314-e3641ea01a8e" data-vars-headline="What to do in NWA this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/221989867581558?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Mistletoe-arranging</a> at 6:30pm Wednesday, The Botanical at 8th &amp; A in Bentonville.</li></ul>🤣 Have a good laugh at a comedy night

News

At least three Christmas parades are happening this weekend.

Rogers Christmas Parade — Watch the parade beginning at 5:30pm tonight at 5th and Poplar streets. Shop local vendors and have the kids' pictures taken with Santa.

Lowell Christmas Parade — Catch the parade, tree lighting and holiday market at 5:30pm Saturday at Ward Nail Park.

Siloam Springs Christmas Parade — The parade kicks off on Tulsa Street at 5:30pm Saturday.

Bonus festivity: The NWA Conservatory of Classical Ballet will perform "The Nutcracker" at 7pm Friday and 1pm and 7pm Saturday at the Arend Arts Center in Bentonville. Get tickets at $25-$35.

Your weekend plans: Christmas parades are here

Here's your guide to a festive weekend in NWA. Dec. 1-3.

Illustration of a shop inside a snowglobe. 

At least three Christmas parades are happening this weekend.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rogers Christmas Parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.destinationrogers.com/things-to-do/events/rogers-christmas-parade/" data-vars-content-id="3556c13c-546d-4ba6-8d77-e621e824880b" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Christmas parades are here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.destinationrogers.com/things-to-do/events/rogers-christmas-parade/" target="_blank">Rogers Christmas Parade</a> — Watch the parade beginning at 5:30pm tonight at 5th and Poplar streets. Shop local vendors and have the kids&#x27; pictures taken with Santa.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lowell Christmas Parade" data-vars-click-url="http://www.lowellarkansas.gov/mobile/christmasParade.aspx" data-vars-content-id="3556c13c-546d-4ba6-8d77-e621e824880b" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Christmas parades are here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.lowellarkansas.gov/mobile/christmasParade.aspx" target="_blank">Lowell Christmas Parade</a> — Catch the parade, tree lighting and holiday market at 5:30pm Saturday at Ward Nail Park.

Things to Do

It's time to go shopping. Here's how you can keep your dollars in NWA.

🥘 Give a gift card to someone on your list to introduce them to a new local restaurant.

This is an easy way to check off a couple or a family by buying them a night out.

📚 Skip Amazon and buy a book from a local bookstore.

Try Pearl's Books, Más Libritos Bookstore, Underbrush Books or Two Friends Books.

Try coffee beans from Airship Coffee or Onyx Coffee Lab; popcorn from Hill City Popcorn Co.; chocolate from Kyya Chocolate; macarons from Alchemy Macarons; tea from Savoy Tea Co.; cookies from Rick's Bakery; goodie baskets from Noble Graze; or wine from Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery.

🖼 Support local artists and buy locally made goods.

Spend any Saturday morning this winter shopping the Market at Record in downtown Bentonville or check out craft events in Fayetteville.

Think concerts, plays or sporting events.

Check out the lineup at the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion, JJ's Live, George's Majestic Lounge, Walton Arts Center, TheatreSquared and the Razorbacks. Or even get them a yearlong membership to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art or The Momentary.

Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season

It&#x27;s time to go shopping. Here&#x27;s how you can keep your dollars in NWA.🥘 Give a gift card to someone on your list to introduce them to a new local restaurant.<ul><li>This is an easy way to check off a couple or a family by buying them a night out.</li></ul>📚 Skip Amazon and buy a book from a local bookstore.<ul><li>Try <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pearl&#x27;s Books" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pearlsbooks.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pearlsbooks.com/" target="_blank">Pearl&#x27;s Books</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Más Libritos Bookstore" data-vars-click-url="https://mas-libritos-bookstore.square.site/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mas-libritos-bookstore.square.site/" target="_blank">Más Libritos Bookstore</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Underbrush Books" data-vars-click-url="https://underbrushbooks.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://underbrushbooks.com/" target="_blank">Underbrush Books</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Two Friends Books" data-vars-click-url="https://www.twofriendsbooks.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.twofriendsbooks.com/" target="_blank">Two Friends Books</a>.</li></ul>🍫 Get them some NWA treats.<ul><li>Try coffee beans from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Airship Coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://airshipcoffee.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://airshipcoffee.com/" target="_blank">Airship Coffee</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Onyx Coffee Lab" data-vars-click-url="https://onyxcoffeelab.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://onyxcoffeelab.com/" target="_blank">Onyx Coffee Lab</a>; popcorn from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hill City Popcorn Co." data-vars-click-url="https://hillcitypopcorn.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hillcitypopcorn.com/" target="_blank">Hill City Popcorn Co.</a>; chocolate from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kyya Chocolate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kyyachocolate.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kyyachocolate.com/" target="_blank">Kyya Chocolate</a>; macarons from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alchemy Macarons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.alchemymacarons.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.alchemymacarons.com/" target="_blank">Alchemy Macarons</a>; tea from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Savoy Tea Co." data-vars-click-url="https://savoytea.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://savoytea.com/" target="_blank">Savoy Tea Co.</a>; cookies from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rick&#x27;s Bakery" data-vars-click-url="https://ricksbakery.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ricksbakery.com/" target="_blank">Rick&#x27;s Bakery</a>; goodie baskets from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Noble Graze" data-vars-click-url="https://www.noblegraze.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.noblegraze.com/" target="_blank">Noble Graze</a>; or wine from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sassafrasspringsvineyard.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sassafrasspringsvineyard.com/" target="_blank">Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery</a>.</li></ul>🖼 Support local artists and buy locally made goods.<ul><li>Spend any Saturday morning this winter shopping the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Market at Record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.downtownbentonville.org/event/market-at-record" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.downtownbentonville.org/event/market-at-record" target="_blank">Market at Record</a> in downtown Bentonville or check out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="craft events" data-vars-click-url="https://fayettevilleflyer.com/2023/11/29/local-holiday-markets-coming-up-in-fayetteville/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fayettevilleflyer.com/2023/11/29/local-holiday-markets-coming-up-in-fayetteville/" target="_blank">craft events</a> in Fayetteville.</li></ul>🎟 Give the gift of experiences.<ul><li>Think concerts, plays or sporting events.</li><li>Check out the lineup at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion" data-vars-click-url="https://amptickets.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://amptickets.com/" target="_blank">Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="JJ&#x27;s Live" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jjslive.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jjslive.com/" target="_blank">JJ&#x27;s Live</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George&#x27;s Majestic Lounge" data-vars-click-url="https://georgesmajesticlounge.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://georgesmajesticlounge.com/" target="_blank">George&#x27;s Majestic Lounge</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walton Arts Center" data-vars-click-url="https://waltonartscenter.org/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://waltonartscenter.org/" target="_blank">Walton Arts Center</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TheatreSquared" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theatre2.org/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theatre2.org/" target="_blank">TheatreSquared</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Razorbacks" data-vars-click-url="https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/" target="_blank">Razorbacks</a>. Or even get them a yearlong membership to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art" data-vars-click-url="https://crystalbridges.org/membership/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://crystalbridges.org/membership/" target="_blank">Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Momentary" data-vars-click-url="https://themomentary.org/membership/" data-vars-content-id="4d15f57a-ae5b-48df-917f-77327d120785" data-vars-headline="Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://themomentary.org/membership/" target="_blank">The Momentary</a>.</li></ul>

Holidays

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

Business

Here's how to maximize your holiday cheer in Northwest Arkansas this year.

Downtown Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville — Wander the streets while they're lit up for the season.

Drive through the Magical Lights Adventure at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Get tickets.

See lights and inflatables at the Stewart Family Christmas Light Display in Fayetteville. Admission is $10.

TheatreSquared's production of this classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghosts of Christmas past, present and future is on stage through Christmas Eve. Get tickets.

Walton Arts Center is hosting a holiday bar each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night through Dec. 22 with snow globes that seat up to eight people and live music.

The downtown Fayetteville bar with old school pinball machines is decked out in Instagramable Christmas decor.

🍸 Have a festive cocktail at Miracle on 2nd Street

Undercroft, the bar under Preacher's Son in downtown Bentonville, is temporarily transformed into Miracle on 2nd Street, complete with a special menu.

🎻 Hear some classics at "A Very SoNA Christmas"

The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas plays two shows on Dec. 9 at Walton Arts Center. Get tickets.

It's a downright dreamy winter wonderland in downtown Bentonville at The Rink at Lawrence Plaza. See the calendar.

🎅 Take the kids to the Whoville Holiday Extravaganza

They can write letters to Santa, meet the Grinch and decorate cookies Dec. 10 at the Rogers Convention Center. Get tickets.

Go see "A Christmas Carol," winter pop-up bars and more.

A couple stops for a selfie at the Bentonville Square. Photo: Worth Sparkman/Axios

Here&#x27;s how to maximize your holiday cheer in Northwest Arkansas this year.🎄 Marvel at holiday lights<ul><li>Downtown Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville — Wander the streets while they&#x27;re lit up for the season.</li></ul>

Alex Golden

Stories

Taco Talk: Jordan Poorman Cocker of the Crystal Bridges Museum

What to do in NWA this week

Holiday lights and more can't-miss events to celebrate the season

Your guide to shopping local in Northwest Arkansas this season

Your weekend plans: Christmas parades are here

Newsletter editions

💵 Restaurant wages tick up

🦈 Entrepreneurs jump in

💸 Heartland's VC share

⚡️ EV miles mapped

🎄 'Tis the season