From holiday markets to bright light displays to (three!) local parades, it’s a huge, holly jolly weekend in Little Rock. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Nov. 30
Miracle League Double Header at The Venue at Oakdale // Let’s start things off with a home run. This annual event will bring special guest Ben Broussard, who spent seven seasons with the MLB. Broussard will provide live music for the evening, which also includes food, drinks and live and silent auctions. The night’s proceeds will help repair the field where Miracle League games help those with special needs live out their baseball dreams. It all starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Dec. 1
Holly Days Boutique Show at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church // ‘Tis the season to be shopping. Now in its third year, this holiday market brings in more than 60 local vendors to help you check everything off your list in one afternoon. From kids’ clothing to stationery to award-winning seasonings, it’s all here. Come shop 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Learn more here.
SoMa After Dark on South Main Street // Friday’s fun is south of 630. This monthly neighborhood bash features area businesses offering later hours and special activities. Highlights this month include a shop-for-a-cause event benefiting the Glioblastoma Research Organization at Pink Olive, a special holiday edition of The Bernice Bazaar, Paws & Claus at Bark Bar and pop-ups at South Main Creative and The Green Corner Store. And don’t forget the After After Dark Party at BCW. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Perks Putts Grand Opening at Perks and Re-creation // This downtown disc golf shop might not have been on your radar before, but it will be now. The shop is debuting its new indoor disc golf course with nine holes, fun obstacles and the Par Bar lounge waiting at the end for a celebratory sip. Opening night hours are 5-11 p.m. Learn more here.
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. It starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
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 Friday where things get cranked up a Christmas notch with the annual tree lighting ceremony, caroling, photo ops with Santa and more. It starts at 5:30 p.m. (Part two is next week.) Learn more here.
Speaking of trees: Where to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Central Arkansas
Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights Opening Night at the Sherwood Sports Complex // You’re on, Rudolph. Sherwood is getting the holiday fun started and kicking off its annual drive-thru light show this weekend. The entrance is located at 420 Dee Jay Hudson Drive. They’ll flip the switch at 5:30 p.m., and reservations are required. Learn more here.
Pie & Pinot Dinner Series at Community Bakery // When people say “the more, the merrier,” this is what they mean. Three of the restaurant’s chefs are joining forces for this sweet and savory three-course feast with wines selected by Sommelier John Martin of Arkansas Wine and Spirits. We have our eye on the chocolate cardamom mousse tart. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Cocktails & Carols at The Edgemont House // What better way to embrace the season than at this picturesque locale? Designer and landscaper Chris Olsen will open his showstopper of a home in North Little Rock to help you get some decor inspo, plus a few sips and singalongs to go with it. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” Opening Night at The Weekend Theater // Why pick one tinsel tale when you can tell them all? This “madcap romp through the holiday season” has bits and pieces of all your favorites, plus pop culture references and worldwide traditions. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Jingle Bell Run at Two Rivers Park // Still feeling a little slow from last week’s smorgasbord? Same. Get moving at this holiday 5K benefiting the Arkansas chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. Themed costumes encouraged, of course. Go time is 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Holiday Hustle at the Hays Senior Center // Keeping the blood pumping is this yearly walk benefiting Alzheimer’s Arkansas (formerly known as the Walk of Love). Participants will get their steps in while raising funds for the nonprofit’s efforts to provide support, education and financial assistance for caregivers. The morning also includes a few reindeer games along the way. It starts at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Keep running: Ugly Sweater 5K Hits the Streets This December
Ferndale Country Christmas Parade & Craft Show on Kanis Road // And after a 5K or two, it’s time for more merriment. This annual holiday market takes place at the Ferndale Extension Building and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at 10 a.m., while the parade kicks off at 1 p.m., heading west down Kanis from Roberts Road. Learn more here.
The Market at Pettaway Square // If you’ve been wanting to check out the latest in this little downtown neighborhood, here’s your chance (and the last of the year). Expect local vendors, artists, food trucks and more holiday goodness. Stop by 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
So Southwest Christmas Parade on Geyer Springs Road // Make way for more jolly festivities. Floats, bands, marchers and dancers — and, of course, ol’ Saint Nick — are hitting the streets for this jam-packed shot of holiday fun. The parade stretches from Dreher Lane south down Geyer Springs starting at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Opening Day at The Studio Theatre // This downtown theater is giving audiences a taste of the sweet life via a classic Roald Dahl tale. Charlie, Grandpa Joe, Wonka and the rest of the gang will take the stage in this new musical featuring a full orchestra. Showtime is 2:30 p.m. Learn more here. (Opening night was postponed from Thursday to Saturday.)
Christmas Lighting Ceremony at the Arkansas State Capitol // Downtown’s about to get even brighter. To kick off the shiny season, the fireworks will be back at this free, family-friendly tradition, as well as the beautifully lit capitol building, Santa visits and the chance to explore the interior decor, too. The ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
A Baptist Health Christmas at The Venue at Westwind // Baptist is breaking out the jingle bells this year with a special holiday concert featuring Ben Rector, Chrissy P., the Saint Mark Sanctuary Choir and Miss Arkansas Cori Keller. Proceeds benefit the Baptist Health Women’s and Children’s Services. Showtime is 6 p.m. Learn more here.
An Evening of Jazz at the Robinson Center // Smooth, stylish and all for a good cause. This benefit concert for Jericho Way brings the musical stylings of Melba Moore, Michael Eubanks, Grady Nichols and Rodney Block to the stage, along with food and drinks for attendees. Showtime is 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Harlem Nights on Ninth at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center // 2023 was a big year for the MTCC. It was the 140th anniversary of the Mosaic Templars of America, the 15th anniversary of the downtown museum and the year it underwent big renovations. Now, the MTCC is throwing a grand reopening gala that harkens back to the bustling days of Harlem with food, drinks, music, casino games and a first look at the new exhibits. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Holiday Show at Nexus Coffee & Creative // We all know the best way to spread Christmas cheer, right? Sing loud for all to hear with a lineup of local musicians, plus a tasty holiday menu. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: More of a movie connoisseur? Stop by Thursday for classic Christmas movie trivia.
Cirque Noel at the Maumelle Performing Arts Center // Not enough holiday magic? This should cover it. Arkansas Circus Arts is hosting a holiday spectacle-filled show featuring aerial acts, fire dancers and more. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 1 & 2
Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the downtown theater, and the lineups keep pulling us in. Up first is a BingoFlix screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on Friday at 7 p.m., then the documentary “Klimt and The Kiss” on Saturday at 4 p.m., followed by an interactive screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 9 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Dec. 3
Christmas Market at the Market at Chenal // Things are getting rather merry on Rahling Circle. Bring out the fam and get in on the farmers market, food trucks, games, Santa visits and more. It runs 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
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:
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Mosaic Templars Cultural Center‘s grand reopening, 1-5 p.m.
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Old State House Museum, 1-5 p.m.
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Historic Arkansas Museum‘s Christmas Frolic, noon – 4 p.m.
North Little Rock Sertoma Christmas Parade // Argenta will be hopping with holiday excitement Sunday afternoon. This annual 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.
River City Men’s Chorus “Holiday!” Concert at St. James United Methodist Church // The chill in the air has us thinking it’s lovely weather for a Christmas concert together with this local talent. 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.
More on-stage magic: “Corduroy” Takes the AMFA Stage for Holiday Season
Friday – Sunday, Dec. 1-3
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 their 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.