Experience an Ozark Christmas with Island Flavor
Christmas takes on a whole new vibe when you celebrate it island-style. The Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese invites you to their first Atoll Christmas in the Ozarks Gala, where traditional Marshallese holiday customs meet Northwest Arkansas for an evening that’ll show you a completely different side of the season.
THE DEETS
📅 Friday, December 19, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Fayetteville Public Library, 401 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville, AR 72701
🎟️ $40-$125 | Get tickets
What You’ll Experience at the Gala
You’ll watch live performances that showcase dance and music styles developed on Pacific atolls, hear songs in the Marshallese language, and taste dishes that rarely appear on Northwest Arkansas menus. The food alone makes this worth your Friday night since authentic Marshallese cuisine isn’t something you can easily find at local restaurants.
The gala runs as a sit-down event rather than a casual drop-in, giving you time to settle in and take in the full cultural experience. Think festive atmosphere with entertainment and food served throughout the two-hour celebration.
Where Your Ticket Money Goes
Ticket sales fund the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese programs that serve over 4,000 people annually. The Enra Food Pantry supplies groceries and infant care items to families year-round. The organization also runs the Kobo Scholarship program for college students, provides job placement assistance, supports healthcare enrollment, and teaches practical skills through driver’s license classes and apprenticeship programs.
The Coalition faces funding challenges right now, which makes this gala crucial for keeping their services running. Your attendance directly supports culturally informed programs that help the Marshallese community in Northwest Arkansas build stability and access opportunities.
Other Ways to Support
You can sponsor a table, become an event sponsor, sign up as a vendor, or volunteer. For details about sponsorship levels and volunteer opportunities, call 479-365-6625 or visit arkansasmarshallese.org.
