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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Get thrilled for the holidays in North Little Rock! Our guide will help you find all the best festive events. From locals to holiday travelers, this guide highlights the best of North Little Rock's season.

One of the standout attractions is the Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet, a charming performance that brings the classic tale to life with beautiful choreography and festive music. Alongside this, the 2024 Festival of Trees showcases breathtakingly decorated trees from local designers, inviting visitors to experience the spirit of giving and community. And the Nutcracker Spectacular with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a live orchestra that enhances the enchanting atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

North Little Rock Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Illuminated tree lighting ceremony in a serene botanical garden setting.

Description:

The Tree Lighting Ceremony at Garvan Woodland Gardens is a special event where the gardens are illuminated with festive lights, creating a serene and beautiful atmosphere. Families can gather to witness the lighting of the tree, enjoy the tranquil surroundings, and celebrate the holiday season.

Where: Hot Springs | More Info: Tree Lighting Ceremony at Garvan Woodland Gardens

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with interactive light displays in a zoo setting.

Description:

Little Rock Zoo's GloWild features over 45 nights of spectacular light displays, including three all-new sections: Mystical Marvels, Animal Kingdom, and Under the Sea. The event showcases handcrafted silk-covered lanterns, immersing guests in a world of imagination and natural wonders.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: Little Rock Zoo GloWild

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with interactive light displays.

Description:

The Little Rock Zoo's GloWILD event features over 45 nights of spectacular light displays, including three unique sections: Mystical Marvels, Animal Kingdom, and Under the Sea. This event is a once-in-a-light-time experience with handcrafted silk-covered lanterns that captivate the mind and capture the heart.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: Little Rock Zoo New Year’s Gloeing Eve

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What to Expect:

Free admission with optional donations and candy cane giveaways.

Description:

Sherwood’s Trail of Lights is a drive-thru holiday light display featuring over a mile of spectacular lights. Admission is free, and donations fund future displays. Non-perishable food items are also accepted for local food pantries. Everyone receives a candy cane.

Where: Sherwood | More Info: Sherwood’s Trail of Lights

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What to Expect:

Traditional holiday celebration with live music and fireworks.

Description:

The Arkansas State Capitol Christmas Lighting Ceremony features musical performances, special guests, and a fireworks show. The public is invited to view Christmas decorations, visit Santa, and shop in the Capitol Gift Shop.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: Arkansas State Capitol Lighting

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North Little Rock Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Diverse array of local artisans and vendors.

Description:

The Mistletoe Kisses Market at the Hot Springs Convention Center offers a weekend full of shopping with over 50 vendors selling unique gifts, handmade items, and seasonal treats.

Where: Hot Springs | More Info: Mistletoe Kisses Market

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What to Expect:

Free Santa photos and multiple door prize giveaways.

Description:

Cabot’s Celebrate the Season is a holiday shopping event featuring over 100 local vendors offering unique gifts, holiday specials, and delicious food. The event includes live Christmas music, amazing photo opportunities, and Santa visits. Shoppers are encouraged to donate three non-perishable food items in lieu of a ticket purchase, with all donations going to Cabot Public Schools.

Where: Cabot | More Info: Cabot’s Celebrate the Season Holiday Shopping Event

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North Little Rock Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Black-tie gala with live entertainment and fine dining.

Description:

CARTI's 48th Annual Festival of Trees is a premier holiday event featuring the Sugar Plum Ball, Festival of Fashion, and Tux 'n Trees gala. It includes a father-daughter dance, a New York Fashion Week-style runway show, and a black-tie gala with fine dining and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit the Patient Assistance Program, providing comprehensive support services to reduce barriers to treatment.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: 2024 Festival of Trees

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What to Expect:

Elegant evening with dancing and dining in a storybook setting.

Description:

The Sugarplum Ball is an elegant evening featuring dancing, dining, and tiaras in a storybook setting. Guests enjoy an evening of memories to last a lifetime.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: Sugarplum Ball

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What to Expect:

Grand tradition of New York City Fashion Week with Central Arkansas' chic boutiques.

Description:

The Festival of Fashion is a professional runway show in the grand tradition of New York City Fashion Week, featuring Central Arkansas' most chic boutiques.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: Festival of Fashion

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What to Expect:

Upscale holiday gala with live and silent auctions.

Description:

The Tux ‘n Trees Gala is a black-tie event featuring fine dining, live entertainment, and dancing. It is part of the 48th Annual Festival of Trees, celebrating the holiday season with traditional elegance.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: Tux ‘n Trees Gala

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What to Expect:

Whimsical adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic with magnificent sets and costumes.

Description:

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical is a heart-warming holiday classic featuring hit songs like "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas." Max the Dog narrates as the Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas from the Holiday-loving Whos. The show is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard, based on the original choreography by John DeLuca.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

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What to Expect:

International cast blending ballet with acrobatics and whimsical puppets.

Description:

The Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet features an international all-star cast blending world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics. Set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score, this holiday tradition brings together friends and family of all ages.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

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A Christmas Story: The Musical

What to Expect:

Classic film adaptation with iconic scenes.

Description:

A Christmas Story: The Musical is a heartwarming adaptation of the classic film, set in the 1940s in Hohman, Indiana. It follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker as he desperately seeks the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts, an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. The musical includes iconic scenes from the movie, such as Ralphie's friend Flick getting his tongue stuck to the flagpole and the bullies Farkus and Dill.

Where: North Little Rock | More Info: A Christmas Story: The Musical

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What to Expect:

Holiday music celebration with Motown classics.

Description:

A Very Merry Motown Christmas is a musical celebration featuring fresh new arrangements of favorite holiday songs inspired by Motown artists, including The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and The Supremes. The event showcases talented vocalists and is directed by Ken-Matt Martin.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: A Very Merry Motown Christmas

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What to Expect:

Parade with Santa, marching bands, and festive floats.

Description:

The Jacksonville Christmas Parade features decorated floats, Santa, marching bands, dance groups, and the fire department. It includes activities like letters to Santa, hot cocoa, crafts, and tree lighting.

Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Jacksonville Christmas Parade

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North Little Rock Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Community-driven holiday parade with festive floats and marching bands.

Description:

The Cabot 2024 Christmas Parade is a festive community event featuring floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer. It takes place on December 14 at 5 p.m. with registration closing on December 3.

Where: Cabot | More Info: Cabot 2024 Christmas Parade

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What to Expect:

Family-friendly activities and holiday festivities.

Description:

The Sherwood Christmas Parade is a festive event featuring holiday shopping, gingerbread house competitions, food trucks, and live entertainment in City Hall Park. The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, and begins at Lantrip and Kiehl, proceeding up Kiehl Avenue to Oakbrooke and Kiehl.

Where: Sherwood | More Info: Sherwood Christmas Parade

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What to Expect:

Historic holiday celebration with living history performances and traditional crafts.

Description:

Celebrate the holidays with living history, carols, reenactments, live music, and dancing as visitors enjoy hot cider and ginger cake, along with Arkansas-made holiday shopping in the Museum Store.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: 56th Annual Christmas Frolic

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What to Expect:

Quirky holiday attire competition.

Description:

The Ugly Sweater Race at Twin Rivers Park is a fun and quirky 5K event where participants wear their tackiest holiday sweaters. The race offers a unique opportunity for runners to show off their creative and humorous holiday attire while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: Ugly Sweater Race at Twin Rivers Park

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with Santa and animal ambassadors.

Description:

Join Santa at the Little Rock Zoo for a holiday breakfast where he will listen to wish lists from little and big children alike. Breakfast begins promptly at 8:30 AM, with food served until 10:00 AM. Activities include fun holiday crafts and photo opportunities with Santa and animal ambassadors.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: Breakfast With Santa at Little Rock Zoo

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What to Expect:

Annual parade with diverse floats and live performances.

Description:

The Beebe Christmas Parade features over 100 floats, ATVs, horses, and vendors, celebrating the holiday season with a new theme each year. This year's theme is Small Town Christmas, showcasing a wide variety of floats, marching bands, and costumed characters.

Where: Beebe | More Info: Beebe Christmas Parade

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What to Expect:

Complimentary hot cocoa and cookies on a scenic train ride.

Description:

The Holiday Express/Pajama Train is a 45-minute excursion offering a holiday delight for young children and those young at heart. Departing from Van Buren and Springdale, all passengers enjoy hot cocoa and cookies complementary with their tickets.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: Holiday Express/Pajama Train

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What to Expect:

Interactive Christmas story with live animals.

Description:

Join Children’s “The Road to Bethlehem” Experience at Marlsgate, where a classic children's story about the true meaning of Christmas is told on a staircase inside the plantation. The event then invites children to interact with stable animals, including a sheep, donkey, and goat, while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: Children’s “The Road to Bethlehem” Experience

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What to Expect:

Unique family experience with tree selection and farm activities.

Description:

Motley’s Christmas Tree Farm in Little Rock, Arkansas, offers a wide variety of Christmas trees, including Carolina Sapphire, Leyland Cypress, and Fraser Fir. Visitors can choose their own tree, cut it down themselves, or have it cut for them. The farm also features kid-friendly areas like pig races and a farm zoo, as well as a gift shop with holiday decorations and toys.

Where: Little Rock | More Info: Motley’s Christmas Tree Farm

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