The most magical time of year is almost upon us. With the season’s crisp winter weather and the joy in the air, it is a great time to get out and enjoy all that Arkansas has to offer.
And does the state have some events to offer! Check out our winter events list to stay up-to-date about the coolest events going on around the state.
From fun shopping events to wonderful charity events, there is no end to the creative and entertaining activities that await you this holiday season.
We add to our list daily, so check back often.
*Times and dates subject to change. Please check each event’s information link. Email your winter event to kmcanulty@aymag.com.
November 9 – January 1, 2023
WHAT: Listening Forest by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
WHERE: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville
TIME: Times vary
DETAILS: Crystal Bridges’ North Forest comes to life once again with a brand-new outdoor, nighttime experience. It’s time to listen in.
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November 9 – January 7, 2023
WHAT: GloWILD!
WHERE: Little Rock Zoo, 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock
TIME: Times vary
DETAILS: As one of the nation’s largest interactive light festivals featuring dozens of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns – this holiday event will not disappoint! As Little Rock’s premier light festival, this uniquely- themed lantern light event will offer guests an immersive encounter like no other. And this year’s event promises to be bigger and brighter with a new prehistoric dinosaur section, a new holiday light display and other new lanterns that will captivate your mind and capture your heart. GloWILD is illuminating fun for the whole family and a show that you don’t want to miss!
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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November 9 – December 4
WHAT: Guess and Company Christmas at the Warehouse
WHERE: 2411 Main Street, Des Arc
TIME: Times vary
DETAILS: Once a year Guess and Company opens their warehouse up to the public so you can shop amazing products at discounted prices. See all of their fantastic products in a Christmas wonderland and get your Christmas decor that you will cherish and create memories with for years to come.
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November 12
WHAT: Christmas Open House Sale
WHERE: Kiehl Avenue Flea Market, 902 East Kiehl Avenue, Sherwood
TIME: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
DETAILS: Our 2022 Christmas Open House Sale is set for November 12th from 10-5. We will have a 10% off store wide discount, light refreshments, and lots of holiday decor and gifts! Come shop and get first pick of our vendors freshly stocked holiday items. Discount and refreshments will be Saturday November 12th only.
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November 12
WHAT: Christmas Open House
WHERE: Painted Tree West Little Rock
TIME: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
DETAILS: Painted Tree is kicking off to the holiday season on Saturday, November 12th from 10:00 AM -8: PM! With over 100 shops featuring Christmas gifts, decor, fashion and more, this is the perfect event to get anyone into the holiday spirit! And what Painted Tree event is complete without food and drinks? This event will also feature live music, treats, and refreshments! Come join in the Painted Tree holiday festivities all day on Saturday, November 12th!
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November 13
WHAT: Tipton & Hurst Florist Holiday Open House
WHERE: The Heights, 1801 North Grant Street, Little Rock
TIME: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
DETAILS: It’s time again for our Holiday Open House! We will have all new Christmas decor, arrangements, sweets and more…T&H Cash is back!! For every $50 you spend we’re going to give you $10 in credit! Also, Chris Norwood will be doing a live wreath demonstration that you won’t want to miss! So mark your calendars and get ready for the winter wonderland that is Tipton & Hurst’s Holiday Open house!!
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November 13
WHAT: Tipton & Hurst Florist Holiday Open House
WHERE: 810 4th Avenue, Conway
TIME: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
DETAILS: It’s time again for our Holiday Open House! Come shop our all new holiday decor while enjoying refreshments and racking up T&H Cash! For every $50 that you spend you get $10 in T&H Cash! We will also be giving out free roses to everyone who attends and holding a drawing for our holiday door prize!
So mark your calendars and get ready for the winter wonderland that is Tipton & Hurst’s Holiday Open house!!
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November 13
WHAT: Holiday in the Heights
WHERE: The Heights, Little Rock
TIME: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
DETAILS: Festive family event full of shopping, music, food and more! Parade will begin at 1pm with the main man Santa and Mrs. Claus at the helm! Kick off the holiday season on In The Heights! Check out the discussion for more details on events and fun!
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November 13
WHAT: Downtown Conway Christmas Open House
WHERE: Historic Downtown Conway
TIME: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
DETAILS: For over 50 years, Downtown Merchants have opened their doors on a Sunday afternoon in early November as the start of the holiday shopping season.
Visitors flock to downtown Conway to take advantage of the special hours and to be among the first to see the seasons’ holiday collections. We will set up our Welcome Station at Oak & Chestnut!
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November 15
WHAT: City of North Little Rock, Mayor’s Annual Tree Lighting
WHERE: Argenta Plaza, North Little Rock
TIME: 6:00 PM
DETAILS: Mayor Terry Hartwick is hosting the Annual Tree Lighting at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. Tom Brannon with Today’s THV will be LIVE at 6 pm for the tree lighting. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item. Good items will be collected and delivered to the NLR community.
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November 16 – November 19
WHAT: Holiday House
WHERE: Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock
TIME: Times vary
DETAILS: Holiday House is the highlight of the holiday shopping season in Central Arkansas. Approximately 14,000 shoppers visit Holiday House every year to kick off the shopping season with over 165 merchants from around the country. For the last 30 years, shoppers from all over the state have helped the Junior League of Little Rock raise over $5 million to fund community projects including Stuff the Bus, Kota Camp, Little Readers Rock, and the Nonprofit Board Institute. The event generates more than 50 percent of all funding for the League’s community projects.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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November 17
WHAT: Holiday Cookie Plate Workshop
WHERE: Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, 201 East Broadway Street, North Little Rock
TIME: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
DETAILS: Create your own ceramic cookie plate for the holidays using a variety of hand-building and surface decoration techniques including slumping, coiling, sprigging, stamping, and under glazing. Santa’s sure to be impressed with your cookie offering this year! All experience levels are welcome. Participants under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Non-Members: $50
Members: $40
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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November 17 – November 19
WHAT: Tipton & Hurst Florist Holiday Open House
WHERE: 910 West 29th Avenue, Pine Bluff
TIMES:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday and Friday
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday
DETAILS: It’s time again for our Holiday Open House! Come sample some of our favorite store food and shop our all new holiday decor!
Mark your calendars and get ready for the winter wonderland that is Tipton & Hurst’s Holiday Open house!!
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November 17
WHAT: Taste of the Holidays
WHERE: Mid-America Science Museum, 500 Mid America Boulevard, Hot Springs
TIME: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
DETAILS: Experience a delicious wine and food pairing presented by Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort’s The OAK Room Restaurant.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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November 17
WHAT: A Magical Cirque Christmas
WHERE: Robinson Center, 426 West Markham Street, Little Rock
TIME: 7:30 PM
DETAILS: The world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spellbinding and incredible holiday production – A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS! Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family. “Lucy Darling is a true original – hilarious and delightful. An EXCEPTIONAL new talent in magic.” – David Copperfield.
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November 19
WHAT: The Nightmare Before Christmas (movie 1993)
WHERE: Arkansas Public Theatre, 116 South 2nd Street, Rogers
TIME: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
DETAILS: The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloween Town’s beloved “Pumpkin king”, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the “real world.” When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmas Town, all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life — he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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November 19
WHAT: City of Bentonville’s Lighting of the Square
WHERE: Bentonville Square
TIME: 4:00 PM
DETAILS: Event begins at 4:00pm. Lights come on promptly at 6:00pm
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November 19
WHAT: Northern Lights Holiday Festival 2022 (North Little Rock)
WHERE: Argenta Plaza, 510 Main Street, North Little Rock
TIME: 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
DETAILS: North Little Rock’s annual holiday celebration, Northern Lights, returns to Argenta Plaza at 510 Main Street in North Little Rock on Saturday, November 19, 2022.
The event features photos with Santa, storytime on the streetcar, kids’ activities, live music, fireworks show, craft vendors and food trucks.
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November 19 – December 31
WHAT: Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens
WHERE: 550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs
TIME: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM nightly (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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November 19 – January 2, 2023
WHAT: MAD on Ice
WHERE: 101 East Locust Street, El Dorado
TIME: Times vary
DETAILS: Murphy Arts District has announced that MAD on Ice will return for a fourth year beginning November 19th, 2022, and run through January 2nd, 2023. Visitors will once again be able to skate on real ice atop the outdoor amphitheater stage this holiday season. MAD on Ice is presented by Murphy USA with additional funding from the El Dorado A&P Commission.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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November 20
WHAT: Cabot Chamber of Commerce Christmas Open House
WHERE: Cabot
TIME: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
DETAILS: Shop local and find a new shop that will quickly become your favorite – while so many of our LOCAL shops are on showcase for this event!
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November 21
WHAT: Bright the Night
WHERE: Capitol Avenue and Main Street, Downtown Little Rock
TIME: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
DETAILS: Join the holiday festivities on Capitol Plaza, at the corner of Capitol Ave. and Main St., where we will light up downtown with our Bright the Night festival! Bright the Night is a fun, family friendly event for all ages! Come meet Santa, sing some carols, and enjoy the snow! The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Arkansas will be there, too, to help spread the cheer. The event begins at 5:30pm and is free and open to the public. The holiday lights will be on display through the New Year.
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November 23
WHAT: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
WHERE: ArcBest Performing Arts Center,55 S 7th St, Fort Smith
TIME: 8:00 PM
DETAILS: Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Steamroller, will celebrate over 35 Years of his annual Christmas concert tour, making it the longest running concert tour in the entertainment industry!
This year’s show will feature classic Christmas hits from the Mannheim Steamroller holiday albums along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting. Davis will direct and co-produce Tour performances with MagicSpace Entertainment.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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November 25 – November 27
WHAT: Handmade Holiday Shop
WHERE: The Warehouse, 301 Broadway, Hot Springs National Park
TIME: Friday and Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM, Sunday, 12 PM – 5 PM
DETAILS: The annual shopping event featuring all local artists will return to the Warehouse once again. Enjoy shopping for one of a kind gifts as well as mingling with each artist personally.
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November 25 – November 27
WHAT: Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s The Nutcracker
WHERE: Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
TIME: 2:00 PM
DETAILS: Introduce your family to the magic of one of the most popular Christmas stories of all time! As the clock strikes midnight, the adventure of a lifetime begins. This storybook journey takes us into the heart of a timeless fairytale, where we watch Clara battle the evil Mouse King, dance with sugar plum fairies and fall in love with the dashing Nutcracker prince. The breathtaking production features Canada’s premiere ballet company, a cast of local children and Tchaikovsky’s memorable score.
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November 25, 26, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 30
WHAT: A Fertile Holiday
WHERE: The Joint Comedy Theater, 301 Main Street #102, North Little Rock
TIME: Times vary
DETAILS: “A Fertle Holiday” This original two-act comedy chronicles the Fertle Family’s trouble-ridden reunion in the tiny town of Dumpster, Arkansas, as they attempt to entertain their rich relatives from San Diego. The Main Thing comedy trio brings the quirky family to life by portraying all the relatives and townspeople needed to create the illusion of a bustling Christmas get-together.
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November 26
WHAT: Winter Market
WHERE: 103 South Main Street, Bentonville
TIME: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
DETAILS: Join us for our 4th Annual Winter Market on the Square! Vendor applications are available online at www.liveloveeventsnwa.com
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November 26
WHAT: The Merry Market at St. Joseph’s
WHERE: St. Joseph Farm Stand, 6800 Camp Robinson Road, North Little Rock
TIME: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
DETAILS: Come shop local this Saturday at the Merry Market! A fun-filled outdoor event with activities, hayrides, live music local artists and vendors, food trucks, farm animals to see and feed, and amazing local products at the St Joseph Farm Stand!
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November 26
WHAT: Chick-fil-A Illuminate: A Conway Christmas Tradition
WHERE: 900 Oak Street, Conway
TIME: 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM
DETAILS: Conway’s Christmas Tradition is back again! The lighting of the Conway Christmas Tree is set for Saturday, Nov. 26 in Rogers Plaza in downtown Conway!
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November 26
WHAT: Hot Cocoa Crawl
WHERE: Downtown Springdale, West Emma Avenue
TIME: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
DETAILS: Ticket purchase allows for you to sample hot drinks at participating establishments, and each ticket comes with a signature 2022 Christmas on the Creek mug! Be sure to get your mug in advance — these mugs are going to sell out!
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November 26
WHAT: It’s A Wonderful Life (movie 1946)
WHERE: Arkansas Public Theatre, 116 South 2nd Street, Rogers
TIME: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
DETAILS: George Bailey has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all – and it’s Christmas! As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback. As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence – who then shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadn’t been for all his good deeds over the years.
It’s a Wonderful Life is a 1946 American Christmas family fantasy drama film produced and directed by Frank Capra, based on the short story and booklet The Greatest Gift, which Philip Van Doren Stern self-published in 1943 and is in turn loosely based on the 1843 Charles Dickens novella A Christmas Carol. The film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has given up his personal dreams, in order to help others in his community, and whose suicide attempt on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers). Clarence shows George how he, George, has touched the lives of others and how different life would be for his wife Mary and his community of Bedford Falls if he had not been born.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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November 29
WHAT: UAFS: Season’s Greetings Concert, Season of Entertainment
WHERE: ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith
TIME: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
DETAILS: In a longstanding tradition, the UAFS Department of Music and Theatre will present a seasonal concert featuring some the season’s favorite and most well-known music. Every major musical ensemble in the department is featured, ending with a collaboration of all the ensembles and the audience in the traditional sing-a-long! Taking place the the ArcBest Performing Arts Center, this will be a ticketed performance.
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November 30 – December 31
WHAT: Guys and Dolls
WHERE: Arkansas Repertory Theatre, 601 Main St, Little Rock
TIME: times vary
DETAILS: With its brassy, immortal score, this oddball romantic comedy is considered by many to be the perfect musical. Will Nathan Detroit find a location for the secret craps game? Will Adelaide finally get a wedding after her fourteen-year engagement? Will what happened in Havana, stay in Havana? This fun, new production, filled with exciting choreography, is the perfect outing for family and friends during the holiday season.
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December 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11
WHAT: A Christmas Story
WHERE: The Pocket Community Theatre, 170 Ravine Street, Hot Springs
TIME: Times vary
DETAILS: Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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December 1 – December 23
WHAT: Winter Nights
WHERE: Bradberry Amphitheater & Rose Garden and Joy Pratt Markham Gallery at Walton Arts Center, 495 W. Dickson Street, Fayetteville
TIME: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Thursday, Friday and Saturday only)
DETAILS: Gather with your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers and enjoy the twinkling lights, beautiful silvery decorations, a cozy cup of cheer and take your seasonal selfies or use our photobooth for your perfect holiday-card shot. Winter Nights is the family-friendly holiday event of the season and a new tradition that you will look forward to each year.
*A limited number of firepits and domes with firepits for groups of eight can be reserved for a 1 hour and 45-minute time slot.
**Walk-up outdoor seating on benches and in the amphitheater with heaters, as well as indoor tables and couches are free and open to the public on a first-come first-served basis.
Warm up in Joy Pratt Markham Gallery, where there will be games and activities for children and adults, and guests will also have a chance to spread holiday cheer by writing a season greeting to a veteran or retirement home resident. Delightful treats and heartwarming drinks for both kids and adults will be available to purchase. To-go drinks will also be served as part of the Outdoor Refreshment Area.
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December 1 – December 24
WHAT: A Christmas Carol
WHERE: TheatreSquared, 477 West Spring Street, Fayetteville
TIME: Times vary
DETAILS: The inventive, magic-filled T2 original—a new Northwest Arkansas family tradition. Three spirits come to visit the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and take him on a fantastic journey through past, present, and future. But will it be enough to save him? For all ages.
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December 1
WHAT: Russellville Christmas Parade
WHERE: South Arkansas Avenue, Russellville
TIME: 5:30 PM
DETAILS: The 2022 Russellville Christmas Parade will be held on Thursday, December 1 at 6:30pm. All entry fees will be waived, however due to limited space in the line-up area, commercial entries will be limited to one vehicle. Entries can register online at the following link: https://secure.rec1.com/…/russellville…/catalog. The deadline to enter is Monday, November 28 at noon. Due to time constraints, entries will not be accepted past this time. For more information or if you need assistance with the online registration, please call the Recreation & Parks Department at 479-968-1272.
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December 2
WHAT: Holly Days
WHERE: Pleasant Valley Country Club, 1 Pleasant Valley Dr, Little Rock
TIME: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
DETAILS: Holiday shopping event.Free admission and open to the public.
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December 2 – December 3
WHAT: Million Dollar Quartet Christmas
WHERE: Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
TIME: 8:00 PM
DETAILS: Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together again to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Sun Records, now donned with a Christmas tree, garland and mistletoe, rings with the sounds of the season, and the chart toppers that made these four famous. Follow along the gang’s usual antics as we journey through a story of Christmas past, present and future. It’s a jam-packed evening of holiday hits and classic characters you won’t want to miss!
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December 2 – December 4
WHAT: Arkansas Craft Guild 44th Annual Christmas Showcase
WHERE: Arkansas State Fairgrounds Hall of Industry, Little Rock
TIME: Various
DETAILS: Christmas Showcase is Dec. 2-4 at the State Fairgrounds Hall of Industry. Shop fine arts and crafts handmade in Arkansas by members of the Arkansas Craft Guild and guests. Hours are Friday Dec. 2, 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday Dec. 3, 9 am to 6 pm; Sunday Dec. 4, 10 am to 4 pm.
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December 3
WHAT: The Joy of Christmas
WHERE: ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith
TIME: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
DETAILS: Our most popular concert of the season returns, bringing life to your holiday favorites such as Sleigh Ride, We Three Kings, The Nutcracker, Amazing Grace, and more!
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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December 3
WHAT: Polar Express Pajama Party
WHERE: Rialto Theater, Searcy
TIME: 10:00 AM
DETAILS: Join Main Street Searcy for a Polar Express Pajama Party at the Historic Rialto Theater! Warm up with FREE hot chocolate and enjoy “The Polar Express” in your favorite Christmas pajamas. After the movie, Santa will read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas from the Courthouse balcony! Make sure to bring your Christmas lists for Santa after Story Time. Then enjoy all the festivities at Jolly Jubilee in Downtown Searcy. Tickets are $8 and all proceeds benefit Main Street Searcy.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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December 4
WHAT: North Little Rock Sertoma Christmas Parade
WHERE: Argenta Plaza, North Little Rock
TIME: 2:00 PM
DETAILS: Free and open to the public, the parade will begin at Pershing Boulevard, head south on Main Street and end at Washington Avenue. The parade features floats, marching groups, decorated cars and trucks, school groups, pageant winners, equestrian riders and Santa. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs for viewing along Main Street. The parade will also go by Argenta Plaza (510 Main Street), where North Little Rock has set up its 38-foot Christmas tree.
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December 4
WHAT: Caring Santa is Coming to Town
WHERE: McCain Mall, 3929 McCain Boulevard, North Little Rock
TIME: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
DETAILS: Exclusively for children with special needs. Reservations are required for this private photo experience. Schedule your photo today.
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December 4
WHAT: The Swingles, Together for the Holidays
WHERE: Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
TIME: 4:00 PM
DETAILS: For more than half a century, The Swingles have pushed the boundaries of vocal music. The seven singers who make up today’s London-based group are driven by the same innovative spirit that has defined the five-time Grammy-winning group since they first made waves in the 1960’s. At a time when a cappella music is more popular than ever, The Swingles are recognized as masters of their craft. Their 2022 Holiday Tour promises to be a festive and joyful event – it’s the perfect opportunity for your whole family to enjoy holiday classics performed by one of the world’s most admired vocal groups!
Learn more here and purchase tickets here.
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December 8
WHAT: 27th Annual Greenbrier Christmas Parade
WHERE: Greenbrier City Event Center
TIME: 6:00 PM
DETAILS: Enjoy “THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS” during the 27th annual Greenbrier Christmas Parade. The route will be bigger than ever with a new extended route and line up location for participants. Last year we were honored with over 90 entries. Who will take home the prestigious “Christmas Parade” trophy?!
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December 9 – December 11
WHAT: A Ferncliff Christmas
WHERE: Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center
TIME: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
DETAILS: Experience the Nativity story in a whole new way! Interactive Nativity Experience, Alternative Gift Market, Festive Food and Drink, & more!
Walk the Nativity Trail – a 45 minute (3/4 mile) walking trail where you will move through the biblical story of Jesus’ birth through sight, sound, music, and reflection. Hear the Angels announce the upcoming birth, get stopped by a Census Taker, feed Mary’s tired donkey, and more!
Warm up inside with some festive food and drink! Check out our Alternative Gift Market – do some holiday shopping and give a gift that keeps on giving! Learn about Ferncliff’s various ministries and the ways that your Christmas presents can make a big difference.
Reserve your time slot with a ticket! Admission is FREE. Parking is $5 per vehicle (pre-paid online or cash on-site).
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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December 9
WHAT: Alton Brown Live: Beyond the Eats, The Holiday Variant
WHERE: ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith
TIME: 7:30 PM
DETAILS: Television personality, author, Food Network and Netflix star Alton Brown will be heading out on his Alton Brown Live: Beyond The Eats – The Holiday Variant tour this holiday season. He is the host of Top 10 new Netflix Iron Chef reboot “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend.” Brown says fans can expect “more cooking, more comedy, more music, and more potentially dangerous science stuff with a sprinkle of seasonal spices. Plus, you’ll see things I’ve never been allowed to do on TV.” Critics and fans have raved about the interactive components of Brown’s shows. He warns, “Prepare for an evening unlike any other and if I call for volunteers…think twice.”
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December 9
WHAT: Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
WHERE: Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock
TIME: 7:30 PM
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December 9-11, 15-18
WHAT: A Tuna Christmas
WHERE: Arkansas Public Theatre, 116 South 2nd Street, Rogers
TIME: 8:00 PM PM
DETAILS: In this hilarious sequel to Greater Tuna, it’s Christmas in the third-smallest town in Texas. Radio station OKKK news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including the hot competition in the annual lawn-display contest. In other news, voracious Joe Bob Lipsey’s production of A Christmas Carol is jeopardized by unpaid electric bills. Many colorful Tuna denizens, some you will recognize from Greater Tuna and some appearing here for the first time, join in the holiday fun. A Tuna Christmas is a total delight for all seasons, whether performed by two quick-changing comedians as it was on Broadway, or by twenty or more. Production requirements are minimal, making the play suitable for school and community producers as well as large venues. Audiences who have and have not seen Greater Tuna will enjoy this laugh-filled evening.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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December 9 – December 11
WHAT: Ballet Arkansas Presents “The Nutcracker Spectacular”
WHERE: Robinson Center, 426 West Markham Street, Little Rock
TIMES:
Friday, December 9 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 10 @ 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 11 @ 2:30 pm
Run time: 120 minutes
DETAILS: The “Nutcracker Spectacular” is the largest and longest running holiday production in Arkansas, featuring live music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and a cast and crew of nearly 400! Join Ballet Arkansas at the Robinson Center for an unforgettable celebration of the season – featuring exciting updates and additions for all to enjoy. And don’t forget to visit the area’s largest Nutcracker Boutique in the lobby and take a piece of the production home with you.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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December 10
WHAT: Christmas Music at Smyrna Church
WHERE: Smyrna Church, Jay Bird Lane, Searcy
TIME: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
DETAILS: Join us for a twilight Christmas Music celebration! Listen to some local performers and the history of Smyrna church along with refreshments.
Prints of the church will be available for purchase from the White County Historical Society (purchase is a donation to the 501c3).
Dress according the weather, as the church does not have heating and air. Seating is limited.
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December 10
WHAT: A Very SoNA Christmas
WHERE: Walton Arts Center, 495 W. Dickson Street, Fayetteville
TIME: 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
DETAILS:A mix of sacred and secular holiday favorites, also featuring The SoNA Singers.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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December 10
WHAT: Downtown Mistletoe Madness
WHERE: Downtown Conway
TIME: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
DETAILS: Mistletoe Madness will kick-off the final 2 weeks before Christmas. Visitors to downtown Conway will find store-wide holiday markdowns the rule of the day! While you shop or dine in Downtown Conway, enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas: the giant 100-foot Ferris Wheel at Roger’s Plaza, the bell of the mighty Brothers’ Engine #1 as it makes it way around Rogers Plaza and carolers as they stroll through downtown.
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December 10
WHAT: Bentonville Christmas Parade
WHERE: Downtown Bentonville
TIME: 6:00 PM
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December 10
WHAT: A Charlie Brown Christmas
WHERE: Reynolds Performance Hall, 201 Donaghey Avenue, Conway
TIME: 7:30 PM
DETAILS: Just in time for the holiday season, the Peanuts gang heads to Conway! Produced by Gershwin Entertainment, A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage is a fresh take on the timeless classic that gives the audience a completely new way of experiencing the storyline as portrayed by real actors who maintain the integrity and spirit of each Peanuts character. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage encompasses each of your favorite scenes from the original animated show. It even expands the storyline into greater detail with more fun, more music, more finding the true Christmas spirit. So, join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas!
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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December 10
WHAT: Beebe Christmas Parade
WHERE: W. DeWitt Henry Drive, Beebe
TIME: 6:00 PM
DETAILS: Presented by the Beebe Chamber of Commerce.
Floats, Vehicles, ATV, UTV’s, Horses, Cars, Motorcycles, and much more.
Line up begins at 5:00pm in front of the Beebe High School bus parking lot across from the arena.
Route information:
-Route begins at Beebe High School -Left on Center Street -Right on DeWitt Henry Drive -Right on Pecan -Left into ASU parking lot beside tennis courts
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December 10
WHAT: The Polar Express (movie 2004)
WHERE: Arkansas Public Theatre, 116 South 2nd Street, Rogers
TIME: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
DETAILS: Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”; “Cast Away”) reunite for “Polar Express,” an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Bring the whole family, wear your pajamas and join us as we celebrate the season by watching a holiday movie in our very own historic downtown theatre while sipping hot cocoa and eating a treat.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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December 11
WHAT: The Snowman: A Family Concert
WHERE: Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
TIME: 2:00 PM
DETAILS: The tradition continues! Join us for a special screening of The Snowman, based on Raymond Briggs’ classic children’s book, with the original score performed live by SoNA. Following the screening, acclaimed Music Director Paul Haas will lead the audience in a sing-a-long of other holiday favorites. Join us for a merry and bright afternoon of family-friendly symphonic music!
Learn more here and purchase tickets here.
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December 12
WHAT: Doktor Kaboom: The Science of Christmas
WHERE: Reynolds Performance Hall, 201 Donaghey Avenue, Conway
TIME: 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM
DETAILS: Science and Magic are the same thing. Therefore, Santa Claus must be the greatest scientist alive! This realization does not sit well with the towering ego of science comedian, Doktor Kaboom. Join us as Kaboom struggles valiantly to solve the magical mysteries of the man in red. In this new holiday show, Doktor Kaboom attempts to learn the secrets behind making reindeer fly, getting down those tight chimneys, and knowing who’s been bad or good. Will he succeed? We doubt it, but we’re sure going to have fun watching him try! Through this highly interactive comic performance, Doktor Kaboom will encourage students to express their awe of scientific demonstrations, to creatively explore the world around them, and to realize that science and mathematics are meant for everyone.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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December 16 – December 17
WHAT: Arkansas Symphony Orchestra: Home for the Holidays
WHERE: Robinson Center, 426 W. Markham, Little Rock
TIME: 7:30 PM
DETAILS: Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with your ASO! The ASO’s most popular concert features an array of performers bringing your favorite holiday-themed music, from Christmas carols and holiday movie music to winter-themed orchestral showcases – you won’t want to miss this cozy holiday tradition for all ages!
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December 17
WHAT: The Nutcracker presented by Western Arkansas Ballet
WHERE: ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith
TIME: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
DETAILS: This timeless ballet is presented by a cast of over 100 local children and adults.
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December 17
WHAT: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (movie 1989)
WHERE: Arkansas Public Theatre, 116 South 2nd Street, Rogers
TIME: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
DETAILS: As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife, Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo), and children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations. However, things go awry quickly. His hick cousin, Eddie (Randy Quaid), and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. Even worse, Clark’s employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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December 18
WHAT: The Nutcracker presented by Western Arkansas Ballet
WHERE: ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith
TIME: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
DETAILS: This timeless ballet is presented by a cast of over 100 local children and adults.
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December 18
WHAT: Martina McBride: The Joy of Christmas Tour 2022
WHERE: Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
TIME: 7:00 PM
DETAILS: Chart-topping country music star Martina McBride will herald holiday magic during her annual The Joy of Christmas Tour. Her timeless approach to holiday standards paired with an authentic passion formusic and storytelling is sure to get everyone into the holiday spirit. McBride, a 14-time Grammy® nominee, has sold more than 23 million albums and has earned 14 Recording Industry Association of America Gold® certifications. This year McBride is celebrating 30 years as a recording artist and 12 years of The Joy of Christmas Tour.
Learn more here and purchase tickets here.
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December 18 – December 22
WHAT: Storytime with Santa
WHERE: Capital Hotel, 111 West Markham Street, Little Rock
TIME: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
DETAILS: Santa Claus is coming to town and we can’t wait to see him! Storytime with Santa is one of our most magical and popular events.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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December 19 – December 21
WHAT: Lunch with Santa & Mrs. Claus
WHERE: Capital Hotel, 111 West Markham Street, Little Rock
TIME: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
DETAILS: We’re excited to offer children a unique opportunity to have a captivating lunch with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus!
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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December 21
WHAT: The Prophecy Show: The Music of Trans-Siberian Orchestra
WHERE: Robinson Center, 426 W. Markham Street, Little Rock
TIME: 7:00 PM
DETAILS: St. Louis powerhouse The Prophecy Show will bring their signature and highly-energized Rock Opera to the Robinson Center on December 21, 2022 at 7 p.m. Touring as a Tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, The Prophecy Show’s theatrical performances have been igniting stages nationwide. This is a production that loves TSO – loves their audiences – and knows how to create an electrifying evening of rock!
Given that their founder and lead guitarist has been tributing this band for 15 years, is it no surprise that The Prophecy Show has come to be known as the “next best thing to TSO.” The Prophecy Show has had its own show in Branson, Missouri for two years and performs in major Christmas celebrations, concert halls, and some of the largest performing art centers throughout the United States.
Come experience the power, the music and the magic this Christmas season at the Robinson Center as The Prophecy Show performs all your favorite music from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and more!
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
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March 19
WHAT: Winter Jam 2023
WHERE: Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock
TIME: 6:00 PM
DETAILS: Christian music’s biggest tour, Winter Jam, is coming back to the Simmons Bank Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 6 p.m.
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*Times and dates subject to change. Please check each event’s information link. Email your winter event to kmcanulty@aymag.com.