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 for this week on 103.7 the Buzz here.
Heather Baker discusses weekend events every Friday morning on 103.7 The Buzz.
Thursday, December 9
What: Children’s Holiday Ball
Where: Chenal Country Club Ballroom (Little Rock)
When: 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Dress to impress for the Children’s Holiday Ball at Chenal Country Club. This night includes music by DJ Hollywood for dancing, a red carpet to make an entrance, guest appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a performance by Rock City Dance Center and dinner. All proceeds from the ball will be donated to The Call and PARK Ministries. Find your tickets for this stellar night here.
Thursday, December 9 – Friday, December 10
What: Drive Through Christmas
Where: Central Baptist Church (Conway)
When: 6 pm to 8 pm
Journey to the city of Bethlehem this year with Central Baptist Church — it’s cheaper than a plane ticket. Drive through an interactive model of Bethlehem with refreshments and singing. A trip of the ages, see the Christmas story come to life.
Thursday, December 9 – Sunday, December 12
What: Elf the Musical
Where: The Royal Players (Benton)
When: 7 pm
Buddy the Elf has passed through the seven levels of the candy cane forest, through the sea of swirly-twirly gum drops and walked through the Lincoln Tunnel to find his birth father, and you have the chance to witness it all. Join the actors at the Royal Players in Benton for the live stage performance of “Elf the Musical.” A holiday classic movie, see Buddy and his Scrooge of a father in a new way. Get your tickets here!
Friday, December 10
What: 2nd Friday Art Night
Where: Select Locations in Downtown Little Rock
When: 5 pm
It’s Central Arkansas’ favorite time of the month: the second Friday. Hit up participating galleries and vendors in Downtown Little Rock for featured artists, special galleries and a few surprises that only come once a month. A few highlights include live music with The Jellies, pecan roasting in the Brownlee House kitchen, caroling and a modified Nog-Off with the Historic Arkansas Museum staff. Participating galleries will have extended hours for guests to come in, explore and enjoy the art and pieces in the community. Find a full list of participating galleries and activities here.
Thursday, December 9 – Sunday, December 12
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.
Starting the weekend off with a little bit of healthy competition, there will be a gingerbread house contest from 9 am to 4 pm on Thursday, Dec. 9 at the Farmer’s Bank Lobby. Once you’ve dominated the competition with your sugary architecture, stick around for the Camden Christmas Parade in downtown starting at 6 pm.
The fun doesn’t stop there because on Friday, Dec. 10, there is a Christmas Comedy Improv at Allen’s Restaurant. Everyone needs a good laugh this time of year, so let go of some holiday stress and enjoy a few chuckles.
Rounding off the weekend is the Snowman Breakfast at Thrive Church from 9 am to 11 am.
On both Friday and Saturday, be on the lookout for the Christmas Train. Adults and children can hop on, go for a ride and make meaningful memories.
Thursday, December 9 & Sunday, December 12
What: The Nutty Nutcracker
Where: Robinson Center (Little Rock)
When: Schedule
Needing some ho, ho, hos? The Nutty Nutcracker at the Robinson Center is here to make you laugh in a re-telling of the favorite classic story. Filled with humor, playful mischief and Clara’s quickie adventure to the “Land of the Sweets,” Ballet Arkansas along with special guests Ansley Watson and Bret Ihler present The Nutty Nutcracker. With only two chances to catch the fun, purchase your tickets now.
Friday, December 10
What: Conway Community Christmas Caroling
Where: Rogers Plaza (Conway)
When: 6:30 pm to 8 pm
Caroling, caroling now we go, Conway’s bells are ringing for the first annual Christmas Carol Sing-along. Join Red Curtain Theatre, Rob Matson and other local musicians for an evening of holiday tunes and community celebration. Guests are encouraged to bring their voices, instruments friends and families. The digital songbook that will be used can be found here.
Friday, December 10
What: Christmas at the Old State House Museum
Where: Old State House (Little Rock)
When: 7 pm
We only have a few more weeks left of Christmas music, so grab every opportunity you can to listen to those favorite melodies. The Arkansas Chamber Singers are presenting an assortment of holiday classics at the Old State House Museum. “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “In the Bleak of Mid-Winter,” are only a taste of what to expect. As a special treat, there will also be a new work commissioned by the Chamber Singers for this performance written by composer Adam Stanley, a former singer of the group. This performance is free and heart-warming, so you have to be there.
Friday, December 10 – Sunday, December 12
What: Nutcracker Spectacular
Where: Robinson Center (Little Rock)
When: Schedule
The holiday season is nothing without a return of the classics, and The Nutcracker is most definitely at the top of the list. The Robinson Center is hosting the largest holiday production in the state with Ballet Arkansas and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Nutcracker Spectacular. The story we all know and love of a girl, a heroic nutcracker and an evil rat is hitting the stage this weekend and this weekend only, so you don’t want to miss it. Find your tickets for this festive production here.
Saturday, December 11
What: Mistletoe Market
Where: Benton Farmers Market
When: 10 am to 3 pm
Family fun for free? Mistletoe Market at the Benton Farmers Market is just the thing. Look forward to bounce houses, carnival games, Santa pictures, face painting, a live nativity and hot chocolate for the whole family. If that’s not enough, there will also be local vendors and craftsmen ready to relieve your holiday shopping list. Find the schedule for the day here.
Saturday, December 11
What: Santa’s Block Party
Where: Main Street (Bryant)
When: 3 pm to 7 pm
“Santa! I know him!” You can also know Santa like Buddy the Elf if you attend Santa’s Block Party in Bryant. The road will be closed between Copper Mule and Highway 5 for the planned holiday events. There will be vendors, food trucks, shopping, crafts for the kids and the big man himself, Santa. Jolly Ol’ Saint Nicolas will be at Gateway Bank at 3:20 pm and available for photos from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Load up the family or friends and have a merry night.
Saturday, December 11
What: Cabot’s Annual Christmas Parade
Where: Main Street (Cabot)
When: 5 pm
Parade season is finally here, and Cabot has planned “A Classic Christmas” for the community to enjoy for this year’s annual route. Floats will be designed around participants’ personal favorite memories or interpretations of what Christmas means to them, and odds are spectators will relate to each one in some way. A parade is a great way to bring together neighbors, businesses and organizations in celebration of the holidays.
Saturday, December 11
What: Cirque Noel: Winter Show & Shop
Where: Argenta Plaza (North Little Rock)
When: 5 pm
Are you flipping out over the fact that Christmas is mere weeks away? The students and performers of Arkansas Circus Arts certainly are, and they’ll be at Argenta Plaza to show you just how excited they are for the holidays. For a candy cane twist on holiday entertainment, the Arkansas Circus Arts has prepared a show with aerial performances, fire dancers, stilt walkers and more. There will also be food trucks, hot drinks to keep Jack Frost at bay and the Vendor Village with local artisans and craft vendors. Bring a chair and a few blankets to stay warm for the free show, and come prepared to finish up your last-minute holiday shopping. Find the full vendor and food truck list here.
Saturday, December 11
What: Conway Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Conway
When: 6 pm
Throw on your Santa hat and cozy up in a couple of scarves because the Conway Christmas Parade is here. The Conway Chamber has planned a large lineup of floats, some new and some familiar, for the community to sit back and enjoy. Check here for updates. Stay warm!
Saturday, December 11 – Sunday, December 12
What: A Very SoNA Christmas
Where: Walton Arts Center (Fayetteville)
When: Schedule
A Northwest Arkansas tradition returns for another year. The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) is presenting a mix of traditional and secular holiday songs with local guest soloists, the SoNA singers and area high school and collegiate choruses. Find your tickets here.
Sunday, December 12
What: Holiday Brunch & Browse Pop Up Shop
Where: Lost Forty Brewing (Little Rock)
When: 9 am to 2 pm
Lost Forty Brewing has a morning chock-full of shopping opportunities for your holiday gift buying. Brunch, prizes and collected donations for a special organization are in store, with a little bit more. The shops to stop at include the Dry Good Shop with Lost Forty merchandise, the Bottle Shop with L40 bottles and specialty beer cases, the Book Shop with Paper Hearts Pop-Up Bookstore selling books and gift items and a gift wrapping station for a minimum $5 donation to Camp Aldersgate. While you’re shopping, DJ Courier will be playing holiday hits to keep the festive spirit alive. Stick around for chances at the raffle giving away three Lost Forty Prizes. Show up ready to eat, drink and shop till the reindeer come home.
Sunday, December 12
What: Pictures with Santa Paws
Where: 210 Prairie Lane (Bentonville)
When: 12 pm to 3 pm
Happy Howlidays! Why can’t our furry friends celebrate the holidays as well? CoolWag and Best Friends Lifesaving Center of Bentonville believe that the dogs in our lives deserve a little festive cheer, so they have organized Pictures with Santa Paws. Guests are invited to bring their dog to CoolWag’s main location to be professionally photographed by a CoolWag photographer in front of a festive background. Time slots to take a photo will be a minimum donation of $5 per dog. Proceeds from the event will go to Best Friends to support their continued mission of sheltering homeless animals and achieving a no-kill goal by 2025. Sign up for a time slot here!
Sunday, December 12
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. Open every Sunday through Dec. 19, book your tour now.
Sunday, December 12
What: Beer & Carols
Where: Four Points (Bentonville)
When: 5 pm to 7 pm
Beer, caroling and tacky holiday attire — it doesn’t get more festive than that. Head to Four Points for a Christmas carol sing-along like never before with emcees Jaclyn House and Jason Suel of Good Day NWA and music by The Beer & Hymns Band and guests front the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra. Wear your most mismatched, sparkly and itchy holiday outfit for a chance to win a paid bar tab and first, second and third place prizes. Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the price of admission ($10), and proceeds from ticket sales and 100 percent of donations go toward the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter. Get jolly and let loose!
Friday, December 10 – Sunday, December 12
What: A Christmas Carol
Where: Pocket Community Theatre (Hot Springs)
When: 7 pm
Charles Dickens’ holiday classic story of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit is hitting the Pocket Community Theatre stage. Patrick Barlow, writer of the Broadway and West End hit “The 39 Steps,” has molded the classic story to the stage for live audiences to enjoy. You know the story, you love the story, so join the crew at Pocket Community Theatre to relive the nostalgia of the holiday season. Find your tickets here.
NOW – December 18
What: Dino-Lites
Where: Mid-America Science Museum (Hot Springs)
When: 5 pm to 7 pm
The Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods may have unfortunately ended, but lucky for us these creatures apparently love the holidays enough to make a special appearance for the season. Mid-American Science Museum’s annual holiday light display has stomped back into the Dino Trek. Community organizations and businesses have “adopted” dinosaurs on the trail to decorate with 300 watts of holiday lights. The grand lighting ceremony will be Friday, Nov. 26 at 5 pm. Every Friday and Saturday from now until Dec. 18, pay these majestic dinosaurs a visit and be sure to attend on Dec. 18 for the announcement of the People’s Choice Award Winner. Purchase your tickets here.
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 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.
Check here for more holiday events happening around the state this month!
Weekend Lineup at the Rev Room:
December 9:
- Randy Rogers Band with Garrett T. Capps; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:15 pm; tickets are $25.
Weekend Lineup at the Whitewater Tavern:
December 10:
- Sumokem, Nightspake, Sling and Bones of the Earth; show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $12.
December 11:
- Bombay Cabert presents Midnight Noir; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $10.
December 12:
- Blues House Party with The White Water All-Stars; show begins at 4 pm; free to attend.
Weekend Lineup at Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack:
December 9:
- Erin Rae with Justin Peter Kinkel-Schuster; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $10 to $90.
December 12:
- Acoustic Evening with Aaron Lee Tasjan & Kevn Kinney; doors open at 6:30 pm, show begins at 7:30 pm; tickets are $15 to $120.
Weekend Lineup at the Vapors Live:
December 11:
- Ken Goodman Christmas Show; doors open at 6:30 pm, show begins at 7:30 pm; tickets are $35.
Weekend Lineup at Four Quarter Bar:
December 10:
- Garry Burnside; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $10.
December 11:
- Angie Clements’ 10th Annual Toys for Tots Christmas Party with Mayday by Midnight; show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $10 or two unwrapped toys.
Weekend Lineup at George’s Majestic Lounge:
December 10:
- Happy Hour with Ultra Suede with Swade Diablos in the Lounge; doors open at 5 pm, show begins at 6 pm; tickets are $8.
- Free Show with Ben Miller Duo; doors open at 8:30 pm, show begins at 9:30 pm.
December 11:
- Grateful Talking Deadheads with Lucas Parker Band & Jessica Paige; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $15.
Weekend Lineup at First Financial Music Hall:
December 10:
- Zach Williams’ “I Don’t Want Christmas to End” with Anne Wilson and speaker Blake Neesmith; doors open at 6 pm, show begins at 7 pm; tickets are $17.78 to $199.
On this day…
- On Dec. 9, 1965, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the first Peanuts animated special, premiered on CBS in the United States.
- On Dec. 10, 1884, Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is published in the UK and Canada.
- On Dec. 10, 1903, the Nobel Prize for Physics was awarded to Pierre and Marie Curie for the study of spontaneous radiation.
- On Dec. 10, 1930, Jane Addams was named the co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and became the first American woman Nobel laureate.
- On Dec. 10, 2001, The Fellowship of the Ring, the first installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, premiered in London.
- On Dec. 11, 1909, colored movie pictures were presented at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
- On Dec. 11, 1980, Magnum P.I. starring Tom Selleck, premiered on CBS.
- On Dec. 11, 1991, Hook, starring Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman, premiered.
- On Dec. 12, 1946, the detergent “Tide” was introduced to the market.
- On Dec. 12, 1977, Saturday Night Fever, starring John Travolta, premiered in New York City.
Holidays:
December 9:
- Christmas Card Day
- National Pastry Day
- Weary Willie Day
- International Anti-Corruption Day
- World Genocide Commemoration Day
December 10:
- Human Rights Day
- Dewey Decimal System Day
- National Lager Day
- Nobel Prize Day
- National Salesperson Day
- Jane Addams Day
- Official Lost and Found Day
December 11:
- National App Day
- National Noodle Ring Day
- National Wreaths Across America Day
- International Mountain Day
December 12:
- National Ambrosia Day
- National Ding-a-Ling Day
- Gingerbread House Day
- Poinsettia Day
READ MORE: List: 27 Arkansas Light Displays for You and Yours
