It may not have been a white Christmas, but families took advantage of the mild temperatures to enjoy the lights at the downtown Bentonville square."We actually prefer it to not be as cold, because we're bringing little babies out. But we do like a white Christmas every once in a while," said Matt Prude, who lives in Fayetteville."I definitely prefer something like this over snow. I've had to play in 32 degrees, and I can't even feel my fingers," said Zachary Shefchik, a Bentonville High School student."I really like the snow personally, but we're from Colorado, so that might be why. But I do enjoy seeing all of the community out here looking at the lights," said Kenzie Gordon, who lives in Bella Vista.With twinkling trees and hot chocolate, families spent their Christmas evening together."Today I'm here to play Christmas carols for everyone on the square because even though we have a tree out here, it's still lacking some Christmas spirit," said Shefchik, a cello player."Mama wants to come take pictures on the square every year since I've been born. We've moved around a bunch of places, but Bentonville is where we are now. So, we do that for her every year," said Prude.While many people said they've had a challenging year, they also shared that the holiday atmosphere helped lift their spirits."We've met friends with some tough diseases. It's a lot of prayer for them and just that continued prayer and hope. We hope for just a new year of healing," said Peter Gordon, who lives in Bella Vista."We're really proud of the leadership and the opportunities that we have up here." Prude said.Now that 2024 is coming to a close and holiday fun has been had, these families said they're refreshed and ready to take on the new year.

It may not have been a white Christmas, but families took advantage of the mild temperatures to enjoy the lights at the downtown Bentonville square.

"We actually prefer it to not be as cold, because we're bringing little babies out. But we do like a white Christmas every once in a while," said Matt Prude, who lives in Fayetteville.

"I definitely prefer something like this over snow. I've had to play in 32 degrees, and I can't even feel my fingers," said Zachary Shefchik, a Bentonville High School student.

"I really like the snow personally, but we're from Colorado, so that might be why. But I do enjoy seeing all of the community out here looking at the lights," said Kenzie Gordon, who lives in Bella Vista.

With twinkling trees and hot chocolate, families spent their Christmas evening together.

"Today I'm here to play Christmas carols for everyone on the square because even though we have a tree out here, it's still lacking some Christmas spirit," said Shefchik, a cello player.

"Mama wants to come take pictures on the square every year since I've been born. We've moved around a bunch of places, but Bentonville is where we are now. So, we do that for her every year," said Prude.

While many people said they've had a challenging year, they also shared that the holiday atmosphere helped lift their spirits.

"We've met friends with some tough diseases. It's a lot of prayer for them and just that continued prayer and hope. We hope for just a new year of healing," said Peter Gordon, who lives in Bella Vista.

"We're really proud of the leadership and the opportunities that we have up here." Prude said.

Now that 2024 is coming to a close and holiday fun has been had, these families said they're refreshed and ready to take on the new year.