From sparkling performances to spirited parades, it’s looking a lot like Christmas in the metro this weekend. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Dec. 11
The Signal at Ron Robinson Theater // Little Rock Public Radio is turning it up this weekend for this annual fundraising show. Attendees will watch a live recording of the program “Radiolab Presents: Visera” where hosts Latif Nasser and Dr. Avir Mitra will discuss wild tales of the human body, plus a silent auction. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Phil Cook at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Next up in the AMFA concert series is this musician known for his work on “some of the past decade’s most vital folk, indie and gospel records.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
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Friday, Dec. 12
2nd Friday Art Night in Downtown Little Rock // It’s 2FAN time, aka the (extra merry) monthly roundup of downtown businesses opening their doors for an after-hours gallery walk. Highlights this month include an Arkansas Chamber Singers concert at the Old State House Museum, a celebratory return to Roberts Library and the annual Nog-Off at HAM (more on that in a second). Also returning this month is the pop-up with food and art vendors, this time moving indoors to The Capital Hotel. The fun lasts 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
21st Ever Nog-Off at the Historic Arkansas Museum // Get excited, nog people. HAM’s annual friendly competition to crown the best eggnog in the metro is officially back, featuring a delicious lineup of sips all judged by a guest panel for top honors, as well as a people’s choice winner. Yes, technically it’s part of 2FAN, but this deserves its own spot in the roundup. The fun starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Bottoms up: Here’s how to curate your holiday bar cart.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” Opening Night at Wildwood Park for the Arts // The new Stage 13 theater company is doing the holidays up right by debuting its inaugural production with Snoopy and the gang in tow. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
“A Very Electric Christmas” at UA-PTC CHARTS // Now this is a holiday show to remember. Lightwire Theater performers are bringing their mesmerizing, glow-in-the-dark, seasonal show to the stage to dazzle crowds for one night only. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Santa Rave at The Rev Room // The festive vibes are coming out to party in the River Market. Crowds can expect holiday hits, Y2K jams, remixes, techno and more. Doors open at 8 p.m. Learn more here. (And yes, they’ll be staying open through May 2026.)
Keep the festivities going: 12 Ways to Have the Perfect Little Rock Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 13
Christmas Market at Chenal on Rahling Circle // Things are getting rather merry in WLR. Bring out the fam and get in on food trucks, vendors, games, music, Santa visits and more. Stop by 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Peppermint Land Holiday Expo at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // This seasonal event is putting the mint in merriment. Attendees will find a holiday village filled with vendors, entertainment, food and drinks. Check it out 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Holiday Sip & Shop at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Festivities with a view and some vino, too. Get down on the farm, er, vineyard, with a day of perusing booths from local artisans and tasting wines and spirits from around the world. Guests will shop in time slots from noon – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Shop on: Soirée Holiday Gift Guide Part II
Grinchmas at Park Plaza // Santa’s not the only one bringing the holly jolly. Whoville’s finest is headed to the mall for a morning of hands-on activities, treats, giveaways and visits with the green guy. Stop by 1-4 p.m. Learn more here.
Holiday Social in the Governor’s Mansion Historic District // There’s no place like (someone else’s) home for the holidays. The Quapaw Quarter Association is bringing back its seasonal home tour featuring three historic houses decorated for the holidays along Center Street. The tour concludes with dinner at The Capital Hotel and a silent auction. It starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Cirque Noel at Wildwood Park for the Arts // You’ve never seen reindeer fly quite like this. Hosted by Arkansas Circus Arts, this annual show takes the holidays to new heights with a variety of aerial and acrobatic performances. Showtime is 6 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Not enough for you? Check out The Great Christmas Circus at Plaza Frida all weekend.
Toys for Tots at Four Quarter Bar // Now in its 15th year, this concert benefits Arkansas Children’s Hospital with a night of music, Santa and food from local restaurants. Admission is the donation of two toys, which will go to ACH kids. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
PSA: The 20th annual Miracle Ball may be sold out, but you can still participate in online auctions and give to support Arkansas Children’s. More on that here. And don’t miss this month’s cover story on the ACH mission with Mary and Fred Scarborough.
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 12 & 13
CALS Used Book Sale at Roberts Library // Time to add a few titles to that hibernation reading list. With Main Library’s renovations complete, the beloved sale is back downtown with loads of gently read books, and they’re calling your name with a price tag of just $2 or less. Sale hours are 5-8 p.m. on Friday (in conjunction with 2FAN) and noon – 4 p.m. on Saturday. Learn more here. Bonus: Keep the bookish love going on Sunday at Beautywood Books’ Very Merry Un-Basement Book Sale.
Required reading: Step into the December issue of Soirée
Arkansas Chamber Singers Holiday Concert // Yes, we’re getting awfully close to peak Christmas this weekend. This troupe is dedicated to performing the best of the classical choral repertoire, and its free annual holiday program — this year titled “Christmas Around the World!” — does just that. Hear them at the Old State House Museum on Friday and the St. Edward Catholic Church on Saturday, both at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Gingerbread Extravaganza at the Arkansas State Capitol // You can’t beat the combo of tasty and merry. In its 38th year, this competition will display all the gingerbread house entries from local bakers for you to see up close, plus photos with Santa and more festivities. Stop by 1-3 p.m. Learn more here.
Confection connection: Try these dessert dip recipes for the holidays.
North Little Rock Elks Christmas Parade in Argenta // NLR will be hopping with holiday excitement on Sunday. This annual parade (formerly known as the North Little Rock Sertoma Christmas 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.
Friday – Sunday, Dec. 12-14
“The Nutcracker Spectacular” at the Robinson Center // Tell the Sugar Plum Fairy she’s on. Featuring a huge cast of dancers from central Arkansas and professional company members from Ballet Arkansas, this classic is a holiday tradition for many families in the metro. As is also tradition, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will again provide the iconic live music for the show. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Learn more here.
Read on: The Season of Enchantment for Ballet Arkansas
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 13 & 14
Festive Markets in the Metro // The #shoplocal spirit is still going strong this weekend and the market scene definitely got the memo. Hit up these seasonal pop-ups and shopping spectacles.
And ‘tis the season for holiday open houses and ugly sweater parties! Check out these around town:
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