There are always great things to do in the Natural State, and AY About You has compiled some of the most exciting events in Arkansas this weekend.
Listen to Heather Baker’s Weekend Plans every Friday morning on 103.7 the Buzz.
Thursday, December 16
What: Conway Art Walk
Where: Downtown Conway
When: 5 pm
Art-n’t you glad it’s Thursday? Downtown Conway is hosting its monthly art walk. Join the Creative Institute for craft drinks, tasty treats, local talent and artisanal Christmas gifts. For whatever night it may be for you, girls’ night out, date night or just a Thursday with the family, this is the place to be.
Thursday, December 16
What: Downtown Christmas Open House
Where: Downtown Benton
When: 5 pm
Head downtown for Benton’s Christmas Open House. Stores will stay open late with special sales, last-minute Christmas deals and holiday treats as you wander. Don’t forget to make a stop at the courthouse to walk through the holiday lights.
Thursday, December 16
What: GloWild Sensory Friendly Night
Where: Little Rock Zoo
When: 5 pm
For one night, GloWild at the Little Rock Zoo is making a safe space for guests with sensory sensitivities. The GloWild Sensory Friendly Night will feature a smaller crowd, a quieter atmosphere, limited flashing lights, designated quiet areas and animal encounters in the pavilion. This night is open to all visitors but it is designed with sensory-sensitive guests and their families in mind. Purchase your tickets here in advance as sales are limited to accommodate for a smaller attendance size.
Thursday, December 16
What: Celtic Angels Christmas
Where: Reynolds Performance Hall (Conway)
When: 7:30 pm
Nollaig shona! If you’re not familiar, this is the Irish Gaelic expression for Happy/Merry Christmas! This is important to know to not only expand your language understanding but also prepare you for when you experience Celtic Angels Christmas at the Reynolds Performance Hall. Celtic Angels Christmas will feature a talented vocal quintet of Victoria Sexton of Co. Kildare, Louise Barry of Dublin, Searlait Ni Caiside of Co. Tyrone, Olivia Bradley and Michaela Groth. Also performing will be The Celtic Knights Irish dancers and The Trinity Band Ensemble of Dublin. Experience the magic of an Irish Christmas with holiday and seasonal Irish songs and Irish dance choreography. Get your tickets now! ($30 to $40)
Thursday, December 16 – Saturday, December 18
What: 2021 Creekmore Holiday Express
Where: Creekmore Park (Fort Smith)
When: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Not exactly the Polar Express, but the Creekmore Holiday Express comes pretty close. This miniature train takes guests on a journey through holiday lights twinkling around Creekmore Park. Bundle up and relax on this free train ride.
Thursday, December 16 – Sunday, December 19
What: Christmas in Camden
Where: Downtown Camden
When: Schedule
If you haven’t heard, it’s Christmas time, and Camden has been working their jingle bells off to bring the community event after event after event to reign in the holiday season.
Regular Christmas is fun and all, but have you ever experienced a Cajun Christmas? Now is your chance at Native Dog. From Thursday, Dec. 16 to Saturday, Dec. 18., enjoy fresh gumbo, oysters, Cajun music and a visit from Papa Noel.
Once you’re full on gumbo, head to A Cup of Joe for Santa, S’Mores & Bedtime Snores. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for holiday music, a sing-along, s’mores, hot chocolate and special Christmas stories. Children are of course welcome to arrive in their festive pajamas.
Adults and children are all welcome for these last few days of the holidays to make meaningful memories.
Friday, December 17
What: Argenta Art Walk
Where: Argenta Arts District (North Little Rock)
When: 5 pm
Let’s keep the local art celebrations coming, shall we? Join the artists of Argenta for this month’s Argenta Art Walk. Pop by the different studios to catch up with current projects and featured local talent, and while you’re around, go ahead and grab a bite to eat and something to drink from local restaurants and bars.
Friday, December 17
What: Rock Town Christmas Dinner with El Sur
Where: Rock Town Distillery (Little Rock)
When: 7 pm
Get your taste buds rockin’ around the Christmas tree this year with Rock Town Distillery and El Sur food truck owner and chef Luis Vasquez for Rock Town’s Christmas dinner. A three-course meal prepared by El Sur will be paired with Rock Town’s whisky and craft cocktails in the Barrel House. Intrigued yet? Maybe the menu below will convince you.
Appetizer: Sopa Marinera. A flavorful Honduran coconut soup consisting of fish or seafood such as crab and shrimp. Paired with a Rock Town Rye Whiskey Aperitif.
Main Course: Puerco y Camotes. Roasted pork and camotes (sweet potato), banana leaf sauce, pickled red onions and baby arugula. Paired with a Rock Town Single Malt Old Fashioned.
Dessert: Macheteadas y helado de Pinolillo. Fried fluffy tortilla dough topped with mango syrup and sugar powder. Served with Pinolillo ice cream. Paired with a Rock Town Chocolate Malt Bourbon and Coffee Liqueur Affogato.
Come with an appetite and leave with a jolly-full belly. Get your tickets for the dinner here. ($80)
Friday, December 17 – Sunday, December 19
What: Holiday Madness
Where: Northwest Arkansas Mall (Fayetteville)
When: Schedule
Showcasing small businesses from the area, Holiday Madness is exactly where you want to be to find that special gift for your loved one or may just yourself. Small businesses and vendors will be showcasing their products and services at the Northwest Arkansas Mall. Bring your wallet and a love for local goods.
Thursday, December 17 – Sunday, December 19
What: Finish the List Weekend
Where: Eureka Springs
When: Schedule
Checking that gift list twice and realizing it’s neverending? Never fear, Eureka Springs has got you covered. Bring your list for shopping in downtown Eureka Springs where shops will be open late and fully stocked so you can check those items off. For some more fun, wear your ugly Christmas sweater on Saturday to be judged at Basin Park at 12:30 pm for the chance to win a Eureka gift basket. Once the sun sets, head to the park to see Santa, carolers and enjoy refreshments at select shops.
Saturday, December 18
What: 9th Annual Jingle Bell Jog 5k & Children’s Fun Run
Where: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (Fayetteville)
When: 9 am
Elves, Santa impersonators and reindeer are all invited to the 9th Annual Jingle Bell Jog 5k and Children’s Fun Run. It doesn’t matter if you just started running yesterday, all levels and ages are welcome to participate. It wouldn’t be a Jingle Bell Jog without ugly Christmas sweaters, Santa hats, elf ears, bells, lights, etc. – so wear it all! Proceeds support the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks’ mission to provide education, entertainment and recreation for the visitors of the park. Find the schedule of races and sign up roster here.
Saturday, December 18
What: First Lady’s Breakfast with Santa
Where: Arkansas Governor’s Mansion (Little Rock)
When: 10 am to 11:30 am
Here comes Santa Claus — right down the Governor’s Mansion driveway. Children and adults are invited to join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a warm breakfast at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion. The Mansion Holiday Gift Shop will be open for guests to purchase a memory for the occasion. Come ready to eat, share those Christmas wish lists and have fun. Find your tickets here.
Saturday, December 18
What: 2021 Wreaths Across America
Where: Little Rock National Cemetery
When: 11 am
Remembering the fallen and those who have served in the military, Wreaths Across America is an annual event that began at Arlington National Cemetery and is now an organized event at cemeteries in all 50 states. Little Rock National Cemetery will be holding the 2021 Wreaths Across America ceremony at 11 am on Saturday, Dec. 18. Everyone is welcome and invited to attend.
Saturday, December 18
What: Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire – Fundraiser and Adoption Event
Where: Bark Bar (Little Rock)
When: 1 pm
Looking for someone other than Jack Frost to nip at your nose? Head to Bark Bar to hang out with furry friends from Last Chance Arkansas to raise funds for spaying and neutering and to bring home a new friend. Enjoy food and drink special all day, and all proceeds will go toward Last Chance. If you’re bringing your best fur-iend, make sure to fill out this form before you arrive.
Saturday, December 18
What: Historic Homemade Holiday Ornament Workshop
Where: Delta Heritage Trail State Park (West Helena)
When: 1 pm to 4 pm
Ever wondered how people would decorate for Christmas in the old days? Learn what all went into the holiday season years and years ago with the folks at Delta Heritage Trail State Park and make your very own historic ornament while you’re at it. Find more information here.
Saturday, December 18
What: Snow and Ice Sisters Carriage Ride
Where: The Castle on Stagecoach (Little Rock)
When: 2 pm
Hear ye, hear ye! Attention all royals, the Snow Queen and Ice Princess invite you for a magical carriage ride and holiday-themed celebration. Enjoy 15 minutes with your favorite character for just you and your family including a holiday storytime, sing-along and fun photos. Spend another 15 minutes with a private carriage ride with your family around the grounds of The Castle. RSVP and purchase your special tickets here.
Sunday, December 19
What: Christmas Cookie Workshop
Where: Rusty Tractor Vineyards Sunset Lodge (Little Rock)
When: 2 pm to 5 pm
I sure do like those Christmas cookies, sugar. Join Chef Wendy from The Croissanterie at Sunset Lodge for a step-by-step process on how to decorate the perfect sugar cookie. Learn tricks for cookie baking, decorating, icing preparation and various design techniques. If you’re wondering whether or not you’ll get to take some cookies home, you can bet you jingle bells you do. In fact, you get to take home eight decorated cookies and copies of recipes. Open for ages 16 years and older, sign up here to become the best cookie baker in the family. ($45)
Sunday, December 19
What: Reverse Brunch
Where: Cannibal & Craft (Little Rock)
When: 3 pm
Only one more Reverse Brunch of the year 2021, and Brunch Brothers LR promises to go out with a bang. Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater and prepare for a rocking brunch and music from DJ Multi Talented and King Akeem. Text (757) 692-4005 to reserve your table for Reverse Brunch.
Sunday, December 19
What: Kris Allen Holiday Spectacular
Where: Robinson Center (Little Rock)
When: 3 pm
We might not get a white Christmas this year, but we are having a Kris Allen Holiday Spectacular. Kris Allen is joining the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra for a concert of holiday favorites, Christmas carols, orchestra features and some of Kris Allen’s own compositions. Don’t miss this homecoming concert – buy your tickets here! ($21 to $77)
Sunday, December 19
What: Festival of Lights Walking Tour
Where: The Reserve at Hot Springs
When: 5 pm
A light display on an elegant historic property covering four acres? Sign us up! The Reserve at Hot Springs has transformed into a magical holiday paradise with decorated trees and over 10,000 lights around the property. Take photos in Santa’s sleigh complete with reindeer, say hello to the gingerbread friends and angels keeping watch over the nativity scene. Finish your tour with a complimentary hot drink and fresh-baked Christmas cookies. This is the last day to catch the spectacle, so book your tour now.
NOW – December 23
What: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Where: The Rep (Little Rock)
When: Schedule
“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” It’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Rep for the next few weeks, and you don’t want to miss it. The Peanuts gang is coming to life on the stage with their usual silly antics, heartfelt moments and a jazz-infused music score. The Rep has even more in store for the season with kid-friendly holiday activities, Santa Claus and gift shopping. Relive your best childhood memories with Charlie Brown and his friends by reserving your tickets here. Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!
NOW – December 26
What: A Christmas Carol
Where: TheatreSquared (Fayetteville)
When: Schedule
A TheatreSquared original, “A Christmas Carol” is hitting the stage with a reimagined take on Charles Dickens’ story. Journey with Scrooge and his ghosts through the past, present and future. Welcome to all ages, purchase your tickets for this new Northwest Arkansas tradition here.
NOW – December 30
What: Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights
Where: 420 Dee Jay Hudson Dr. (Sherwood)
When: 6 pm
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and that obviously means that Christmas lights are being set up as we speak. Sherwood’s Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights will kick off the holiday season this weekend and run through Dec. 30. After a record year in 2020, the organizers of the event have added 11 new light displays to the lineup including the final installments of the 12 Days of Christmas along with a few surprises. The entrance to the trail is past the Henson Tennis Center driveway, a different location from the previous years to help with traffic. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate and enjoy the ride.
NOW – December 31
What: Wonderland
Where: Garvan Woodland Gardens (Hot Springs)
When: 10 am to 6 pm
For the safety of visitors in light of COVID-19, Garvan Woodland Gardens are not hosting their annual holiday light trail, but they do have something new and exciting planned for the winter season in its place. Garvan Woodland Gardens has installed a daytime art installation to wow all ages of visitors. With nine main areas of themes, each piece reflects the spirit of winter and the holidays. Larger-than-life pieces tower over the walking trails and transport spectators to another world.
NOW – December 31
What: Holidaze
Where: Walton Arts Center and 101 N. Block Avenue (Fayetteville)
When: Schedule
It’s time to answer the age-old question: Have you been naughty or nice this year? At Holidaze, a holiday-themed pop-up bar in Fayetteville, you can be both! For the whole family to enjoy, head to the Walton Arts Center for a holiday wonderland of twinkling lights, vintage decor and snowglobes surrounding fire pits where family and friends can hang out and share a few laughs. If you’re looking for some adult-only fun, head to Holidaze on Block for a more mature crowd with themed entertainment. Both locations will have holiday-themed cocktails and snacks, and the best part is that you can go to both. Proceeds from drinks will go toward Washington County Children’s Safety Center, Fayetteville, Independent Restaurant Alliance and NWA Equality. Purchase your tickets for special events coming up at the pop-up here. Happy Holidaze!
NOW – January 1
What: Glisten in Greenbrier
Where: Matthews Park (Greenbrier)
When: Schedule
If you look past the barren ground and sunny skies, you’ll find a winter wonderland right under your nose. Glisten in Greenbrier is bringing to the community winter fun for an entire month including an ice skating rink, a light display concessions and more fun for every member of the family. Lace up your skates (included in the entrance fee) and slip into the holidays.
NOW – January 2
What: North Forest Lights
Where: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)
When: Schedule
Wander into the woods at Crystal Bridges for a light display unlike any other. Using the beauty of the natural world, lighting elements and soundscapes transform the forest into a mystical world captivating all senses. Five distinct installations are found along the trail: Crystal Grove, Forest Frequencies, The Hearth, Whispering Tree and Memory of Water. Created and produced by Moment Factory, North Forest Lights reconnects guests with nature through art. Listen to the natural world and experience the forest like never before. Find your tickets for this experience here.
NOW – January 2
What: MAD on Ice
Where: Murphy Arts District (El Dorado)
When: Schedule
Are you MAD about ice skating? Grab your friends, significant others, kids and grandma for the third year of skating at the Murphy Arts District outdoor amphitheater. If you’re not the most skilled skater, and you’re not a fan of hanging onto the wall the entire time, skating aids or “helpers” – Bobby the Seal and Tommy the Reindeer – are available for adults and children to look like pros on the ice. Admission costs vary between guests and MAD members, but hot chocolate and concessions are available for all – and what’s ice skating without hot chocolate to warm those red cheeks and fingers? Visit the MAD website here to sign your waiver ahead of time and maybe sign up for a season pass. Have a n’ICE time!
NOW – January 15
What: GloWild!
Where: Little Rock Zoo (Little Rock)
When: Dates and Times
A whole new world awaits you at the Little Rock Zoo. Under the light of the stars, see the animals brighter than they’ve ever been before. The Little Rock Zoo is introducing a new interactive light festival featuring thousands of silk-covered lanterns glowing in the likeness of the zoo’s beloved animals. This fully immersive experience is the first of its kind at the zoo and an opportunity to create new traditions for the winter season.
Photos with Santa:
McCain Mall (North Little Rock)
Park Plaza Mall (Little Rock)
Bass Pro Shops (Little Rock)
Kringles in the Park (Hot Springs)
Pinnacle Hills Promenade (Rogers)
Northwest Arkansas Mall (Fayetteville)
Central Mall (Fort Smith)
Chaffee Crossing Christmas Winter Wonderland (Fort Smith)
The Mall at Turtle Creek (Jonesboro)
Santa’s North Pole (Jonesboro)
Check here for more holiday events happening around the state this month!
Weekend Lineup at the Rev Room:
December 17:
- Double Header Tribute featuring Crissy P as White Houston and Louis Heard III as Stevie Wonder; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $25.
December 18:
- Tragikly White; doors open at 8 pm, show begins at 9:30 pm; tickets are $10 to $60.
Weekend Lineup at Four Quarter Bar:
December 17:
- Brian Nahlen Band; doors open at 8 pm, show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $8.
December 18:
- Coyote Claw; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $7.
Weekend Lineup at White Water Tavern:
December 16:
- Adventureland, Way Away and Kin & Company; show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $8.
December 17:
- Winter Soulstice 2021 with Josua Asante, Kam Franklin and DJ Baldego: show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $12.
December 18:
- Nick Shoulders and Riley Downing; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $15.
Weekend Lineup at Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack:
December 16:
- Nané; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
December 17:
- TN Jet; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
December 18:
- Jed Harrelson; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $10.
Weekend Lineup at George’s Majestic Lounge:
December 16:
- Chucky Waggs; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $10.
December 17:
- Happy Hour with The Bel Airs; doors open at 5 pm, show begins at 6 pm; tickets are $8.
- Boom Kinetic; doors open at 8:30 pm, show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $12.
December 18:
- Cate Brothers Annual Birthday Concert with Dawn Cate Band; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $10.
December 19:
- Home for the Holidays Christmas Special with Funk Factory; doors open at 4:30 pm, show begins at 5:30 pm; tickets are $0 to $70.
Weekend Lineup at First National Bank Arena:
December 16:
- Zach Williams “I Don’t Want Christmas to End” Tour; show begins at 7 pm; tickets are $17 to $199.
Weekend Lineup at The Vapors:
December 18:
- Ken Goodman Christmas Show; doors open at 6:30 pm, show begins at 7:30 pm; tickets are $35.
Holidays:
December 16:
- Chocolate Covered Anything Day
- Barbie and Barney Backlash Day
December 17:
- National Maple Syrup Day
- National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
- Underdog Day
- Wright Brothers Day
- Pan American Aviation Day
- A Christmas Carol Day
- Clean Air Day
December 18:
- International Migrants Day
- National Roast Suckling Pig Day
- Give a Wine Club Day
- Answer the Telephone Like Buddy the Elf Day
- Arabic Language Day
- Wreaths Across America Day
December 19:
- National Hard Candy Day
- National Oatmeal Muffin Day
READ MORE: Arkansas Christmas Event Calendar 2021
