Little Rock Weekend Guide: Dec. 4-7 – Community Spirit Event

The merriment is in full force for the first weekend of December and the city is showing out. Let’s get into it.

Thursday, Dec. 4

“Happy Holidays” at UA-PTC CHARTS // The Little Rock Wind Symphony’s annual holiday show returns with yuletide cheer and a few special guest performers like baritone George Mayo and an appearance by Santa, as well as a silent auction before the concert. Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Simmons Bank Arena // Cue the pyrotechnics, it’s time for Christmas with TSO. The iconic band is once again bringing its holiday rock show “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” to the NLR stage with a whole lot of flair (and lasers). Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.

“Holiday! 2025” at St. James United Methodist Church // It’s lovely weather for a concert together with the River City Men’s Chorus. On the final night of this annual holiday show, the chorus will perform old and new favorites alike, guaranteeing to leave you caroling long after the free concert ends. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.

Handel’s “Messiah” at Calvary Baptist Church // No, we never get enough carols, especially with a tradition like this. The Arkansas Choral Society is helping kick off the season with its 95th year of performing George Frideric Handel’s acclaimed piece. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.

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Friday, Dec. 5

Holly Days at the Pleasant Valley Country Club // ‘Tis the season to be shopping. Now in its fifth year, this holiday market brings in more than 60 local vendors to help you check everything off your list in one afternoon. This year also comes with a cash bar, swag for the first shoppers and an ask for donations of peanut butter and pasta that will go to the Arkansas Foodbank. Come shop 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Learn more here.

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SoMa After Dark on South Main Street // Just south of 630, this quarterly event features area businesses offering later hours and special activities. Highlights this month include a shop ‘n’ sip at Pink Olive, exhibit party at Esse Museum & Store, pop-ups at South Main Creative and The Nest, new works at M2 Gallery, screen printing at AR-T’s and a joint open house with The Punch Bowl, Boswell Mourot Fine Art and The Green Corner Store. SoMa After Dark runs 4-10 p.m. Learn more here.

Christmas in the Park at Lake Willastein // As part of its Very Merry Maumelle lineup this season, the city is hosting an evening of family-friendly activities, photo opps and live performances before the official tree lighting ceremony. It starts at 4 p.m. Learn more here.

Home for the Holidays at the Albert Pike Masonic Center // Benefiting Our House, this 10th annual fundraiser promises guests a night of food, drinks, live music, auctions and lending a hand to one of the city’s nonprofits helping our unhoused neighbors. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.

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Thursday & Friday, Dec. 4 & 5

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 Thursday with extra festive First Thursday fun like a holiday hayride. On Friday, things get cranked up a Christmas notch with the annual tree lighting ceremony, caroling, photo opps with Santa and more. Learn more here.

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Saturday, Dec. 6

Grand Opening at Pickleball Kingdom // Get excited, picklers. The new facility located in the Shackleford Crossings shopping center boasts 11 climate-controlled courts for you to throw down on, and you can be one of the first to do so on Saturday. Doors open bright and early at 6 a.m. Learn more here.

Jacob Wells 3 Bridges Marathon Through the Metro // Now in its 13th year, this race is true to its name, taking runners across the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge, Big Dam Bridge and Two Rivers Bridge. This race is a special one in the running community and is run in memory of Jacob Wells, who started 3B26 in 2013. Go time is 7 a.m. Learn more here.

A Very Merry Breakfast With Santa at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ // This is how you start a jolly Saturday. A fundraiser for the local foster-care-focused nonprofit The Call, this event is serving up breakfast, crafts, caroling and a special appearance from Santa. Time slots begin at 8 a.m. Learn more here.

Jingle Bell Run at Murray Park // Not up for the full 26.2? Get moving at this holiday 5K benefiting the Arkansas chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. Themed costumes are absolutely encouraged. It starts at 9 a.m. Learn more here.

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Donuts With Santa at the Junior League of Little Rock Building // The JLLR HQ is standing in for the North Pole this weekend. Bring the kiddos to meet the big guy and get in on holiday treats and activities, all while helping support JLLR’s work in the community. Tickets are available in time slots from 9 a.m. – noon. Learn more here.

Pancakes & Pinecones at The Good Earth Garden Center // Let’s keep this Polar Express going. Get your fill of pancakes and coffee on the nursery’s festive grounds, and don’t skip the crafts, treats and getting a word in with Santa. Be there 9-11 a.m. Learn more here.

“Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!” Opening Day at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Next up for the AMFA Children’s Theatre is a little dose of Christmas chaos. This show follows famed first-grader Junie B. Jones as she learns about empathy, conflict and friendship amid the holidays. Catch the show at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., or through Dec. 21. Learn more here.

Holiday Parades in the Metro // Both sides of the river are getting into parade mode this weekend, and locals have their pick of the bunch. Choose one or hit a couple, it’s all up to your level of cheer. Here’s where to go:

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Fresno State Bulldogs at Simmons Bank Arena // Polish off that call, basketball fans. This is your one chance to see the Hogs take the NLR court this season. Coming off a win against Louisville, the men’s team and Coach Cal will face off against the Bulldogs at 3 p.m. Learn more here.

Capitol Lighting Ceremony at the Arkansas State Capitol // Downtown’s about to get even brighter. To kick off the shiny season, the fireworks will fly once again at this family tradition. Also returning, of course, are the beautifully lit capitol building, Santa visits and the chance to explore the stunning interior decor, too. The ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.

Holiday & Anniversary Celebration at Leiva’s Coffee Roastery // Somehow it’s already been a year since Leiva’s Coffee opened its new HQ in Roland, and the team is marking the occasion in seasonal style. Expect live entertainment, holiday treats, Santa sightings, discounts and more. Be there 6-8 p.m. Learn more here.

More local flavor: How to create a glam bar cart for the holidays

Thursday – Saturday, Dec. 4-6

“Hairspray” Opening Weekend at Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church // LR looks a bit like Baltimore this weekend. Next up for the Actors Theatre of Little Rock, get ready to hear hits like “You Can’t Stop the Beat” and “The Nicest Kids in Town” live as the Tony-winning musical takes the stage with Tracy and the crew and a whole lot of groove. Learn more here.

Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on Thursday and “Die Hard” on Friday, both at 7 p.m. On Saturday is “Home Alone” at 12:30 p.m., the next Exhibition on Screen installment “Girl with a Pearl Earring” at 4 p.m., followed by a 50th anniversary screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 8 p.m. Learn more here.

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Friday & Saturday, 5 & 6

“The Book of Mormon” at the Robinson Center // Straighten your tie, brother. When the Tonys, Grammys and a slew of critics all agree on a best musical, you know it’s going to knock your socks off. This Broadway blockbuster follows the outrageous story of two young Mormons who travel to Uganda to share their faith. You have three chances to see the show The New York Times called “the best musical of this century.” Learn more here.

Pawty Season at Bark Bar // Fido’s gone festive. Bark Bar is turning up the merriment this month, and this weekend that means a Christmas tree lighting party, photos with Santa, music, crafts and movies on the lawn. Learn more here.

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Sunday, Dec. 7

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. Icing on the cake? They’re all relatively close, so you can hit them all in one afternoon (and for free). Here’s when and where:

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Una Voce Madrigal Dinner at Wildwood Park for the Arts // Step back in time with an evening of caroling, feasting and — if you’re lucky — a healthy helping of wassail. Join the madrigal merriment at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.

Thursday – Sunday, Dec. 4-7

Festive Markets in the Metro // The #shoplocal spirit is going strong this weekend and the market scene definitely got the memo. Hit up these seasonal pop-ups and shopping spectacles.

Friday – Sunday, Dec. 5-7

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 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.

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.

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