The holidays are fast approaching and it’s getting downright jolly. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Dec. 12
“Holiday!” at St. James United Methodist Church // It’s lovely weather for a concert together with the River City Men’s Chorus. On the last night of this annual holiday show, the chorus will perform old and new favorites alike, guaranteeing to leave you caroling long after the free concert ends. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
S.G. Goodman at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Next up in the AMFA concert series is this singer/songwriter out of Kentucky praised as an “untamed rock ‘n’ roll truth-teller.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Dec. 13
2nd Friday Art Night in Downtown Little Rock // It’s 2FAN time, aka the (extra merry) monthly roundup of downtown businesses opening their doors for an after-hours gallery walk. Highlights this month include an Arkansas Chamber Singers concert at the Old State House Museum, music and art vendors at the CALS Rock It! Lab, discounts at Bella Vita and the annual Nog-Off at HAM (more on that in a second). The fun lasts 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
20th Ever Nog-Off at the Historic Arkansas Museum // Get excited, nog people. HAM’s annual friendly competition to crown the best eggnog in the metro is officially back, featuring a delicious lineup of sips all judged by a guest panel for top honors, as well as a people’s choice winner. Yes, technically it’s part of 2FAN, but this deserves its own spot in the roundup. The fun starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Bottoms up: Here’s how to curate your Arkansas bar cart.
Thursday & Friday, Dec. 12 & 13
Merry Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is a BingoFlix screening of “Die Hard” on Thursday at 7 p.m., then a double feature on Friday with “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at 7 p.m and “Silent Night, Deadly Night” at 9:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Pass the popcorn: Where to Watch Classic Christmas Movies in Little Rock
Saturday, Dec. 14
Christmas on the Run at Rock City Running // Break out the jingle bells. Now in its 11th year, this annual group run invites participants to wear their holiday best before getting in on a day of store specials, giveaways and themed eats and drinks. The day-long event starts at 6 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Holiday Sip & Shop at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Festivities with a view and some vino, too. Get down on the farm, er, vineyard, with a day of perusing booths from local artisans and tasting wines and spirits from around the world. Guests will shop in time slots from noon – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. UCA Bears at Simmons Bank Arena // Polish off that hog call, basketball fans. This is your one chance to see the Razorbacks take the NLR court this season. The men’s team will face off against the Bears at 3 p.m., marking coach John Calipari’s central Arkansas debut. Learn more here.
Santa Paws at Loft 1023 // You need more four-legged friends in your life. At this yearly holiday party, come enjoy an open bar, good eats and auction items all while raising funds to save lives at the Little Rock Animal Village. It all starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
PSA: The Miracle Ball may be sold out, but you can still participate in online auctions and give to support Arkansas Children’s. More on that here. And don’t miss this month’s cover story on the ACH mission with gala chairs Brooke and Hunter Bale.
Sunday, Dec. 15
North Little Rock Elks Christmas Parade // Let’s try this again, shall we? After getting rained out last week, Argenta will be hopping with holiday excitement on Sunday. This annual parade (formerly known as the North Little Rock Sertoma Christmas Parade) packs in tons of floats, marching bands and festive spirit, all stretching down Main Street from Pershing to Washington. The parade starts at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Una Voce Madrigal Dinner at Wildwood Park for the Arts // Step back in time with an evening of caroling, feasting and — if you’re lucky — a healthy helping of wassail. Join the madrigal merriment at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep the yuletide coming: 12 Ways to Have the Perfect Little Rock Christmas
Friday – Sunday, Dec. 13-15
“The Nutcracker Spectacular” at the Robinson Center // Tell the Sugar Plum Fairy she’s on. Featuring a huge cast of dancers from central Arkansas and professional company members from Ballet Arkansas, this classic is a holiday tradition for many families in the metro. As is also tradition, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will again provide the iconic live music for the show. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Learn more here.
Arkansas Chamber Singers Holiday Concert at the Old State House Museum // Yes, we’re getting awfully close to peak Christmas this weekend. This troupe is dedicated to performing the best of the classical choral repertoire, and its free annual holiday program — this year titled “Christmas Bells Are Ringing!” — does just that. You have three chances to hear them perform: 7 p.m. on Friday (as part of 2FAN) and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Learn more here.
Festive Markets in the Metro // The #shoplocal spirit is strong this weekend and the market scene definitely got the memo. Hit up these seasonal shopping spectacles.
- Make It Merry Market at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, 5-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday
- A Ferncliff Christmas at Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center, select time slots each day
- Saturday Shop Vintage Market at The Bernice Garden, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday
- Pettaway Square Holiday Market in Pettaway, 4-8 p.m. Saturday
- Misfit Makers Market at The Rev Room, 2-6 p.m. Sunday
Need some inspo? Shop Part I & Part II of our holiday gift guide.
‘Tis officially the season for holiday open houses and sip + shop events! Check out these around town: