Holiday brunch, tree lightings and merriment await.
Thursday, Dec. 3
Holidays on Main in downtown Little Rock // Merry and bright is right. The drive-thru downtown light display officially launched this week, bringing with it holiday scenes, sets and special effects. The center of it all is at Union Plaza at the corner of Main and Capitol, complete with a high-tech tree. It lasts from 5-10 p.m. each night through Jan. 4. Learn more here.
Keep shining: Your Guide to Holiday Lights in the Metro
The Bernice Garden Tree Lighting // Clearly we’re wasting zero time getting into the holiday spirit with this neighborhood celebration. Don your mask and come see the sights, along with a special message from Santa and his reindeer. Plus, if you take a selfie with the tree, you could win a gift card to a SoMa restaurant. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Holidays in Hillcrest // Pass the cocoa. The Hillcrest Merchants Association returns with this annual bash, but with a 2020 twist. You can watch the virtual tree lighting at 6 p.m. (more on that here), but if you’re dying for some in-person merriment, there’ll be some carolers on the front steps of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Dec. 4
The Bernice Bazaar at The Bernice Garden // Another evening in the garden? Don’t mind if we do. The SoMa pop-up is back with a slew of local makers, artists, eats and Stone’s Throw brews. Masks required, of course, and be sure to keep your distance. Stop in 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
While you’re in the shopping spirit, check out part two of our holiday gift guide.
Candy, Candy Canes & Cars at MP Outdoor Cinema // Swirly twirly gumdrops on deck. City Year Little Rock, a group that helps local students, is holding a social distanced holiday movie party at the drive-in. Come watch “Elf” on the big screen and enjoy some holiday music and food trucks while you’re at it. It kicks off at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
“Santa Claus vs. The Devil” Virtual BingoFlix // Yep, you read that right. We’re guessing filmmakers didn’t expect these movies to be laughable, but here we are. The BingoFlix series offers prizes to viewers who can fill up their bingo cards with hilariously awful cliches. This week’s 1959 holiday film is every bit as ridiculous as it sounds. Oh, and Merlin is there, too, for some reason. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Dec. 5
Holiday Market & Brunch at Nexus Coffee // This is how you do a Saturday morning in December. Stop by for holiday-themed brunch bites and drinks (we’re eyeing the peppermint white chocolate mocha) while you peruse local wares like Rolling Hills Pottery and Van’s Honey. Brunch is served at 9 a.m. Learn more here. Bonus: If you want to keep the cozy coffeeshop vibes going, Nexus is also hosting a holiday concert at 7 p.m. that you can catch in-person or virtually. Learn more here.
Winter Wonderland at Funland // Bring on the outdoor festivities. The NLR park is busting out the hot cocoa, holiday lights, Christmas carousel and food trucks on weekends in December (more on that here). To kick things off, there’s a Holiday Express pajama party complete with train tides, reindeer games, holiday crafts, a visit from Santa and more. The fun starts at 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Fit + Fabulous Fitness Series at the Outlets of Little Rock // Get your sweat on at this free class led by Full Out Barre. Spread out in the space across from J.Crew and wear your festive best for your chance to win discounts and giveaways. Class starts at 6 p.m. and BYO mat. Learn more here.
Arkansas State Capitol Fireworks Show // Ok, so the Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade is off for this year, but the big finale is still on. And once the fireworks kick off, the capitol lights will shine, too. Guests are welcome to watch on the capitol grounds, just make sure to mask up and spread out. The show starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
We know it’s a weird year. Here’s how to make December feel like December.
Sunday, Dec. 6
A Very, Merry MTCC Holiday Special // Grab a seat and settle in. The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center will host a virtual holiday experience with family-friendly music, crafts for the kiddos, cookie decorating demonstrations, a tribute to Robert “Say” McIntosh and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 4-6
Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // ‘Tis the season to be crafty. You’ll find quality art and fine crafts galore by members of the Arkansas Craft Guild and their guests. Browse the work of dozens of artists with items including everything from pottery and fiber art to jewelry, soaps and more. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 5 & 6
Christmas is Coming Brunch at At the Corner // We can taste the goodness now. Every weekend through Dec. 20, the downtown diner is serving up Christmas-themed dishes for all to enjoy. Brunch is served 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Drive-In Movies:
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“Christmas Vacation” – Friday at 9:30 p.m.
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“Home Alone” – Saturday at 5:15 & 7:15 p.m.
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“Die Hard” – Saturday at 9:15 p.m.
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“Christmas Vacation” – Saturday at 7 p.m.