Don't miss the best holiday highlights in North Little Rock! Our guide features all the must-see events and activities. From longtime North Little Rock inhabitants to curious tourists, our guide offers something for every festive soul.
One of the season's biggest attractions is the North Pole of the South Christmas Parade, filled with festive floats and magical performances. Experience the enchanting light displays and holiday scenes at the Sherwood Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights. And the Wildwood Park for the Arts Lanterns Winter Festival is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring beautiful lantern displays and cultural festivities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in North Little Rock
See these and even more events listed below!North Little Rock Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Lights at Burns Park
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in a sprawling city park
Description:
Holiday Lights at Burns Park offers a unique drive-through experience that spans the expansive grounds of North Little Rock's largest park. The event transforms familiar park features into dazzling light displays, creating a new perspective on well-known landmarks. Visitors can tune their car radios to a special station broadcasting holiday music synchronized with the light show. The display pays tribute to the park's rich history, which began in the 1940s when the land was acquired for public use. As you cruise through the illuminated scenes, keep an eye out for hidden holiday characters tucked among the trees and playground equipment.
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North Little Rock Other Holiday Activities
North Pole of the South Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Southern twist on a traditional Christmas parade
Description:
The North Pole of the South Christmas Parade transforms North Little Rock into a winter spectacle with a distinctly Southern flair. Floats adorned with twinkling lights glide down the streets, accompanied by the cheerful melodies of local marching bands. Visitors can catch candy tossed from passing floats, a beloved tradition dating back to the parade's inception in 1985. The event showcases the community's creativity, with many entries crafted by local organizations and businesses. As you watch, you'll witness the unique blend of holiday cheer and Southern hospitality that defines this Arkansas celebration.
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North Pole of the South Christmas Parade
Nearby Events
Sherwood Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights (Sherwood)
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays in a forest setting
Description:
Sherwood's Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights illuminates the natural beauty of Arkansas woodlands. This immersive experience winds through a forested path, where trees come alive with vibrant LED displays. Visitors can interact with certain light installations, triggering delightful animations and sounds. The trail incorporates elements of local folklore, showcasing illuminated representations of Arkansas wildlife and legends. Originally conceived as a small community project, the event has grown to become a regional attraction. As you stroll along the path, the crisp winter air carries the scent of pine, enhancing the sensory experience of this unique outdoor light show.
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Sherwood Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights
Wildwood Park for the Arts Lanterns Winter Festival (Little Rock)
What to Expect:
Artistic lantern displays inspired by global cultures
Description:
Wildwood Park for the Arts Lanterns Winter Festival illuminates the night with a dazzling array of handcrafted lanterns. This artistic celebration draws inspiration from lantern festivals around the world, blending global traditions with local creativity. Visitors can participate in lantern-making workshops, learning techniques passed down through generations. The festival showcases the park's commitment to cultural diversity, a cornerstone of its mission since its founding in 1989. As you explore the grounds, you'll encounter intricate lantern sculptures depicting everything from mythical creatures to abstract forms, each glowing with warm, inviting light.
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Wildwood Park for the Arts Lanterns Winter Festival
Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens (Hot Springs)
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed into a holiday light spectacle
Description:
Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens transforms this botanical oasis into a luminous winter landscape. The event highlights the garden's natural beauty, with light displays accentuating the unique flora and architectural features. Visitors can embark on a guided tour to learn about the garden's history and the native plants that call it home. The event pays homage to the garden's founder, Verna Cook Garvan, by incorporating elements of her vision into the light designs. As you wander the illuminated paths, the gentle rustling of leaves underfoot adds a subtle soundtrack to the visual splendor.
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Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens
The Nutcracker Ballet (Little Rock)
What to Expect:
Local interpretation of a classic ballet with Arkansas touches
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet in Little Rock brings Tchaikovsky's timeless masterpiece to life with a unique Arkansas twist. This production incorporates local elements, such as set pieces inspired by Little Rock landmarks and costumes that nod to the state's natural beauty. Audience members can participate in a pre-show talk, gaining insights into the ballet's history and the local company's interpretation. The performance continues a tradition of classical ballet in Little Rock that dates back to the 1960s. As the curtain rises, you'll be transported to a world where sugarplum fairies dance and toy soldiers come to life, all with a subtle Southern charm.
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Jingle Bell Run (Little Rock)
What to Expect:
Festive 5K run with participants in holiday costumes
Description:
The Jingle Bell Run in Little Rock energizes the holiday season with a spirited 5K race. Participants don festive attire, from Santa suits to elf costumes, creating a colorful spectacle as they dash through the streets. Runners can attach jingle bells to their shoes, filling the air with a cheerful tinkling as they make their way along the course. The event supports local charities, continuing a tradition of holiday giving that has been part of Little Rock's community fabric for decades. As you round the final corner, you'll be greeted by cheering spectators and the satisfying crunch of frost beneath your feet.