Things are looking very merry in the capital city. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Dec. 5
The Bernice Garden Tree Lighting // Clearly we’re wasting zero time getting into the holiday spirit with this neighborhood celebration. Come see the sights, sip hot cocoa, snag some cookies and meet Santa while you’re there. It starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Home for the Holidays at the Albert Pike Masonic Center // Benefiting Our House, this ninth annual fundraiser is back and promises guests a night of food, drinks, live music, auctions and lending a hand to one of the city’s nonprofits helping our homeless neighbors. The party starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
“Mistletoe Melodies” at UA-PTC CHARTS // The Little Rock Wind Symphony’s annual holiday show returns with yuletide song and a few special guest performers like tenor Randal Rushing and Arkansas Festival Ballet performers, as well as a silent auction before the concert. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Dec. 6
Holly Days Boutique Show at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church // ‘Tis the season to be shopping. Now in its fourth year, this holiday market brings in more than 60 local vendors to help you check everything off your list in one afternoon. This year also brings back the Holly Days Cafe, whose proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. And if you’ve been missing the flavors of the Greek Food Festival, there might be a tasty booth calling your name. Come shop 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Shop on: Soirée Holiday Gift Guide: Part II
SoMa After Dark on South Main Street // This neighborhood fun is just south of 630. The monthly bash features area businesses offering later hours and special activities. Highlights this month include a Claus sighting at Bark Bar, merry treats at The Green Corner Store, holiday sipping at Pink Olive and an Apothicc Studios pop-up at AR-T’s. It all begins at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Christmas in the Park at Lake Willastein // As part of its Very Merry Maumelle lineup this season, the city is hosting an evening of family-friendly activities like holiday train rides, a petting zoo, photo opps, inflatables and performances before the official tree lighting ceremony. It starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
The Illusionists at the Robinson Center // In case you thought the season was missing a little razzle dazzle, these performers are returning to the LR stage with their “Magic of the Holidays” show. The production features “the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth,” so prepare to have your merry mind blown. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday & Friday, Dec. 5 & 6
Holidays in Hillcrest on Kavanaugh // Cocoa on deck. The Hillcrest Merchants Association returns with this annual bash, making it a two-part holiday celebration. Part one is on Thursday with extra festive First Thursday fun, a holiday hayride and pop-up market. On Friday, things get cranked up a Christmas notch with the annual tree lighting ceremony, caroling, photo opps with Santa and more. Learn more here.
More local flavor: A Quintessentially Little Rock Brunch Spread
Saturday, Dec. 7
Jacob Wells 3 Bridges Marathon Through the Metro // Now in its 11th year, this race is true to its name, taking runners across the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge, Big Dam Bridge and Two Rivers Bridge. This race is a special one in the running community and is run in memory of Jacob Wells, who started 3B26 in 2013. Go time is 7 a.m. Learn more here.
Jingle Bell Run at Murray Park // Not up for the full 26.2? Get moving at this holiday 5K benefiting the Arkansas chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. Themed costumes are encouraged, of course. It starts at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Donuts with Santa at the Junior League of Little Rock Building // The JLLR HQ is standing in for the North Pole this weekend. Bring the kiddos to meet the big guy and get in on holiday treats and activities, all while helping support JLLR’s work in the community. Tickets are available in time slots from 9 a.m. – noon. Learn more here.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum // On the banks of the Arkansas River, this ceremony will honor those who served in Pearl Harbor during the 1941 attack. The event is open to the public, and you can check out the USS Razorback afterward. The ceremony begins at 11:58 a.m. Learn more here.
Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 12:30 p.m., followed by the next Exhibition on Screen installment “Rembrandt” at 4 p.m., then an interactive screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 8 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: It’s a busy weekend at the theater. You can also talk politics with Little Rock Public Radio on Thursday or catch a Tom Petty tribute show on Friday.
Pass the popcorn: Where to Watch Classic Christmas Movies in Little Rock
Christmas Artisan Craft Fair at Blue Yoga Nyla // The yogis are bringing the fun this weekend. An annual tradition, this NLR studio will be filled with local makers’ booths, plus food, Santa visits, charitable fundraising and giveaways. Stop by 1-5 p.m. Learn more here.
Capitol Lighting Ceremony at the Arkansas State Capitol // Downtown’s about to get even brighter. To kick off the shiny season, the fireworks will fly once again at this family tradition. Also returning, of course, are the beautifully lit capitol building, Santa sightings and the chance to explore the stunning interior decor, too. The ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
The Nutcracker Circus at the Maumelle Performing Arts Center // You’ve never seen the Sugar Plum Fairy quite like this. Hosted by Arkansas Circus Arts, this production returns to the stage to take a holiday classic to new heights with a variety of aerial and acrobatic performances. The one-night-only show begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Holiday Open Houses at Downtown Museums // Every year, some of downtown’s most notable museums and historic locales open their doors to visitors, showcasing stunning holiday decor, highlighting their latest exhibits and offering seasonal treats and activities for all ages. The best part? Since they’re all relatively close, you can hit them all in one afternoon (and for free). Here’s when and where:
- Historic Arkansas Museum‘s Christmas Frolic, noon – 4 p.m.
- Old State House Museum, 1-5 p.m.
- Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, 2-5 p.m.
Up next at HAM: 20th Annual Nog-Off Throws Down Dec. 13
Gingerbread Extravaganza at the Arkansas State Capitol // You can’t beat the combo of tasty and merry. In its 37th year, this competition will display all the gingerbread house entries from local bakers for you to see close-up, plus photos with Santa and more festivities. Stop by 1-3 p.m. Learn more here.
“Holiday!” at St. James United Methodist Church // It’s lovely weather for a concert together with the River City Men’s Chorus. On the first 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 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Simmons Bank Arena // Cue the pyrotechnics. It’s time for Christmas with TSO. After a few-year hiatus, the band brings its new holiday rock show “The Lost Christmas Eve” to the NLR stage. Showtime is 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Dec. 5-8
Opening Weekend at Local Theaters // It’s a big week for the stage as the performing arts step into the spotlight around the metro, with all shows kicking off a lengthy holiday season run. Here’s what to catch:
- “A Christmas Story: The Musical” at the Argent Contemporary Theatre
- “Madeline’s Christmas” at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
- “Dreamgirls” with the Actors Theatre of Little Rock at Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church
- “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge” at The Weekend Theater
Save the dates: Arkansas Repertory Theatre Announces 2025 Season
Friday – Sunday, Dec. 6-8
Holiday Hangout at The White Water Tavern // And now for a break from your regularly scheduled (and rather saccharine) holiday programming. Do your merrymaking a bit differently this weekend at WWT’s annual bash with three days of music and a whole lot of artists. Learn more here.
Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // If you’re still doing all your holiday shopping at big box stores, make this the year you break that habit. Here you’ll find quality art and fine crafts galore by members of the Arkansas Craft Guild and guests. Browse the work of dozens of makers with items including everything from pottery and fiber art to jewelry and soaps. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 7 & 8
Holiday Parades in the Metro // Both sides of the river are on the same page in the parade department this year, and locals have their pick of the bunch. Choose one or hit a couple, it’s all up to your level of merriment. (And yes, they’re keeping an eye on the weather. Any changes will be posted on social media.) Here’s where to go:
- The Big Little Rock Holiday Parade in the River Market (first time since 2019)
- So Southwest Christmas Parade on Geyer Springs Road
- Ferndale Country Christmas Parade & Craft Show on Kanis Road
- Maumelle Christmas Parade on Millwood and Club Manor
- North Little Rock Elks Christmas Parade in Argenta (formerly held by The Sertoma Club)
Staying in this weekend? Go Inside the December Issue of Soirée