The eggnog, the concerts, the magical fake snow — it’s all here. Let’s get into it.
Editor’s note: As COVID-19 continues to take a toll on Little Rock, remember to go out into the city safely and responsibly. Keep a safe distance, wear a mask when needed and get vaccinated.
Thursday, Dec. 9
L80’s Night at Petit & Keet // BYO shoulder pads. Tonight marks the end of the fall L80’s (ladies + ’80s) Night series, but you can send it out in style with “Christmas Vacation”-themed cocktails, throwback tunes and a glamour shot photo booth in the Keet Corner Bar. The eggnog starts flowing at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Science After Dark: Jingle Booze at the Museum of Discovery // It’s a Christmas miracle! Though the MoD’s grownup meetup has been on and off this year (thanks to COVID and building repairs), these little elves just couldn’t help themselves. Expect all kinds of merriment, including wood burning ornaments, karaoke and boozy liquid nitrogen eggnog ice cream because science. As always, there will be plenty of eats and drinks from Stone’s Throw. It all kicks off at 6 p.m. Space is limited, so you may want to grab tickets early. Learn more here.
Children’s Holiday Ball at Chenal Country Club // Benefiting The Call and PARK, this holiday bash features dinner, drinks and dancing, and even a special appearance by Santa. The bash starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Vino’s Rare Beer Invitational // This one’s a special treat for beer lovers. The downtown pub is offering a lineup of “special, unique, cellared and hard-to-find beers” for sippers to enjoy, plus a commemorative glass. It kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Holiday Gospel Jazz Concert at Ron Robinson Theater // Returning after a successful first year, this concert brings the music of Rodney Block and the Racy Brothers to one stage for a night of, well, holiday gospel jazz. The best part? It all supports Bridge 2 Success programming for kids in southwest Little Rock. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Dec. 10
Second Friday Art Night in downtown Little Rock // Bring on the 2FAN. It’s time for the (extra merry) monthly roundup of downtown businesses opening their doors for an after-hours gallery walk. Highlights this month include Cocoa Belle Chocolates at Bella Vita, new exhibits and entertainment at Library Square and carolling and eggnog at the Historic Arkansas Museum (it’s not quite the Nog-off, but we’ll take it). The fun lasts 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
“A Christmas Carol” Opening Night at Argenta Community Theater // We see you, Scrooge. Watch the crotchety old miser regain the Christmas spirit with the help of a few Christmas spirits on this community theater stage. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Masks and proof of vaccination required. Learn more here.
Need more jolly? Here are four ways to welcome the holidays in Little Rock.
The Croissanterie One-Year Anniversary Bash at The Filling Station // Somehow it’s been a whole year since The Croissanterie launched its food truck, and they’re marking the occasion with s’mores, specials and a little help from Tacos Godoy and The Cajun Trouxth. Stop by 4-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Dec. 11
Ugly Sweater Race at Two Rivers Park // Avert thine eyes or bask in the ugly glory — it’s runner’s choice. Created by the team behind the Little Rock Marathon, this 5K is back and encouraging runners to show up in their holiday worst in exchange for a custom finisher’s medal and some silly fun. Go time is 9 a.m. Learn more here.
4th Quarter Happenings at Domestic Domestic // Let’s #shoplocal, y’all. This Heights shop is showing the local love by hosting pop-ups with food trucks, brands and more shops all through fall. Up this week are Lili’s Food Truck and a Nate + Lane pop-up. Be there 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Holiday Sip & Shop at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Festivities with a view. Get down on the farm, er, vineyard, with a day of perusing goods from local artisans and tasting wines and spirits from around the world. For added safety, guests will shop in time slots from noon – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Cirque Noel at Argenta Plaza // If you need a little extra holiday magic, this is it. Arkansas Circus Arts performers will put on a show including aerial acts, fire dancers and more. There will also be food trucks and vendors on site, so bring a blanket and get comfy. Gates open at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
While you’re in outdoor fun mode, here’s where to cut your own christmas tree in central Arkansas.
Fantastically Festive Formal at AR-T’s // Loungewear, we love you, but it’s time to put a little pep in our steps. The SoMa store will serve up food, drinks, live music from The Funkanites and a little shopping, too. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, 10 & 11
Winter Wonderland at Funland // Bring on even more outdoor fun. The NLR park is busting out the hot cocoa, holiday lights, Christmas train and food trucks. We’ve got our eye on the Christmas carousel. The fun runs 6-10 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep shining: Where to See Holiday Lights in Central Arkansas
Sunday, Dec. 12
Holiday Brunch & Browse Pop-Up Shop at Lost Forty Brewing // Shop for them, sip for you. This pop-up includes Paper Hearts Bookstore, Loblolly Creamery and L40 merch, plus a wrapping station benefiting Camp Aldersgate. And yes, the beer and brunch will be in abundance. Stop by 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Holiday Carriage Rides at The Castle on Stagecoach // Let’s add a little more magic to the weekend, shall we? Here your littles can enjoy holiday storytime, sing-alongs and a carriage ride on the castle grounds with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker at 10 a.m. or the “Frozen” sisters at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
More Tinseltown fun: Where to Watch Classic Christmas Movies in Little Rock
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 10-12
Arkansas Chamber Singers Holiday Concert at the Old State House Museum // It doesn’t get much more Christmas-y than this. The ACS is dedicated to performing the best of the classical choral repertoire and their annual holiday program (its first since 2019) does just that with familiar seasonal songs. You have three chances to hear them perform this weekend: 7 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Learn more here.
Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 9-12
“The Nutcracker Spectacular” at the Robinson Center // Tell the Sugar Plum Fairy she’s on. Featuring a cast of dancers from central Arkansas and professional company members from Ballet Arkansas, this classic is a holiday tradition for many families in the state. Plus, it’s hard to beat the teaming up of Ballet Arkansas and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, which provides the iconic music for the show. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. And don’t forget about the Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea on Saturday or the comedic “Nutty Nutcracker” show on Thursday and Sunday. Learn more here.