The city is showing off with holiday concerts, festive parties, seasonal menus and lots of local love. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Dec. 14
Trailer Park Christmas at Camp Taco // “Home is where you park it.” Say no more, Camp Taco. Now for the second year, the East Village restaurant’s Airstream trailer-turned-bar is marking the holiday season with a day of holiday cocktails, crafting, caroling, Santa visits and more. Stop by 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Learn more here.
“Die Hard” at Ron Robinson Theater // Yippee ki-yay, y’all. John McClane and Hans Gruber are throwing the year’s best Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza, and you’re invited. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Pass the popcorn: Where to Watch Classic Christmas Movies in Little Rock
Friday, Dec. 15
Third Friday Art Walk in Argenta // Let’s go on a walk, everybody. Lace up your comfy shoes because this monthly walk invites you to stroll through the Argenta Arts District’s lineup of special exhibits and events. Highlights include a Slugknives pop-up at Bang-Up Betty, pet photos with Santa at Argenta Library and the return of Make it Merry at The Hub (more on that in a second). The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Dec. 16
Christmas on the Run at Rock City Running // Keep those sneakers handy. This 10th annual run invites runners 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.
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 encourages 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. Bonus: Still not enough action for you? Join the Hash House Harriers for the Feliz Naughty Dash.
Now that you’re warmed up: Where to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Central Arkansas
Christmas Market at The Bernice Garden // We can see the tinsel now. The SoMa garden is getting festive with this outdoor merry market where you can peruse handmade gifts from around the metro, as well as local food and drinks. See it all 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Pizza D’ Art Exhibition at Pizza D’s // An all-day art show for charity at one of the city’s most iconic pizza joints? It’s like they’ve seen our holiday wishlist. Come peruse works from a dozen local artists and help support The Van while you’re at it. Exhibit hours are 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Arkansas Razorback Basketball at Simmons Bank Arena // Polish off that hog call, basketball fans. This is your chance to see the Razorbacks take the NLR court this season. First up, the women’s team will take on the Samford Bulldogs at 12:30 p.m. Then in the evening, the men’s team will face off against the Lipscomb Bisons at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
S’Mores & Pours at Stone’s Throw Brewing // Leave the chestnuts at home, this fire is all about the ‘mallows. Get cozy in the biergarten and roast up a healthy dose of holiday s’mores to go with Stone’s Throw’s seasonal beers. (We’ve got our eye on the Winter Warmer Spiced Ale.) Be there 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Holiday in the Park Movie Night at Lake Willastein // As part of its Very Merry Maumelle lineup this season, the city is hosting an outdoor movie night complete with hot cocoa, photo opps and activities for the kiddos while 2018’s “The Grinch” plays on the big screen. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Christmas Karaoke at Stickyz Rock ‘N’ Roll Chicken Shack // Warm up those golden vocal pipes. This annual event is always a good time, with proceeds benefiting The Van. Oh, and don’t forget the ridiculous Christmas outfits. The drummer boy beats drop at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 15 & 16
Make It Merry Market at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub // Let’s get the making party started. This Hub event is back and bigger than ever with two days of art and activities. Head to Argenta to get in on food trucks, hands-on fun and more than 50 vendor booths to peruse from 5-8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday. Learn more here.
Lights, Bites & Bikes Holiday Tour in Downtown Little Rock // You’ve seen the city’s holiday sights, but you’ve never seen them quite like this. Hosted by Rock Town River Outfitters, this bike tour includes stops at some of downtown’s most iconic displays and tastes of some of the most festive flavors of the season. The bikes ride at 5:30 p.m. both nights. Learn more here.
Shine on: Where to See Holiday Lights in Central Arkansas
Sunday, Dec. 17
Brunch With Santa at Sterling Market // It’s not all milk and cookies for Mr. Claus. The East Village space will welcome Santa Chris to The Alley for a themed brunch menu, plenty of cocoa and a chance to put in a good word with the man in red. Stop by 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Speaking of the big guy: Where to See Santa Claus in Little Rock
Friday – Sunday, Dec. 15-17
“Home for the Holidays” at the Robinson Center // Ho ho ho, ASO. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is bringing merriment to the masses with the return of this annual concert. The production will showcase holiday favorites like “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World” and selections from “Home Alone,” plus some of your favorite local soloists and pre-concert festivities in the lobby. You have three chances to catch the show: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, or 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
More holiday magic: 12 Ways to Have an Iconic Little Rock Christmas
“Black Nativity” Closing Weekend at Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church // Closing out the season for the Actors Theatre of Little Rock is this now-annual, music-filled production that is a “multi-generational tale of reverence and love” for all ages. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 6 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
A Wonka Christmas Brunch at At the Corner // This downtown restaurant is leaning into the sugar plum mindset with a full menu of themed (and deliciously sweet) dishes and drinks. Come get your fill 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday or 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 16 & 17
“Wilderness of Waves: The Films of Olivia Wyatt” at 420 Byrd St. // Good Weather gallery’s “warehouse microcinema” Cinema IO is making a return this month to celebrate Little Rock native filmmaker Olivia Wyatt. The lineup features three of Wyatt’s films: “Staring Into the Sun,” “The Pierced Heart and the Machete” and “Sailing a Sinking Sea.” Learn more here.
‘Tis the season for holiday shop ‘n’ sips! Check out these around town:
Keep shopping: Soirée Holiday Gift Guides – Part I & Part II