Jonesboro has a pair of exciting community milestones to celebrate this season, as the city prepares for the 40th annual Lit’l Bita Christmas festival in November and takes a major step forward on a long-anticipated NEA Children’s Museum.

The Lit’l Bita Christmas celebration is marking its 40th year, a remarkable testament to how deeply rooted this beloved holiday tradition has become in the Jonesboro community. Set to take place in November, the milestone anniversary event promises to bring residents together for another season of festive fun. Four decades of this gathering speak volumes about the community spirit that keeps Jonesboro neighbors coming back year after year to share in the holiday cheer.

Adding to the excitement, the Jonesboro City Council recently approved a land use agreement for the planned NEA Children’s Museum — a significant green light for a project that will create a dedicated space for children and families across Northeast Arkansas. A children’s museum offers hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and creativity in young visitors, and its arrival will be a lasting gift to the region’s youngest residents and their families.

On top of that, the City Council also approved the purchase of playground equipment for a new planned park, meaning even more outdoor recreation opportunities are on the horizon for Jonesboro families. New playground equipment at a new park means more places for kids to run, climb, and play — a straightforward but meaningful investment in the community’s quality of life.

Taken together, these developments paint a bright picture for Jonesboro: a city that honors its traditions while building exciting new destinations and spaces for the next generation. Whether you’re counting down to the 40th Lit’l Bita Christmas or looking forward to the day the NEA Children’s Museum opens its doors, there’s plenty to be cheerful about in Jonesboro this fall.

Sources: Jonesboro Right Now, Jonesboro Right Now, Jonesboro Right Now