Holiday Magic Is in the Air
The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating the Holidays in Little Rock
Shop for the best presents, experience festive activities, and watch magical performances this holiday season in Little Rock.
Every year, Little Rock transforms into a winter wonderland with a variety of unforgettable festivities. Tackle your holiday wish list with our shopping hubs and attend dazzling performances. Create photo-worthy memories and share your Little Rock holiday experience on social media. Whether you're having family over for the winter season or you're establishing new Christmas traditions with friends, Little Rock offers jolly fun for all visitors.
Top Holiday Activities in Little Rock
1. Find Holiday Treasures & Gifts at Local Little Rock Shops
'Tis the season to be jolly with a variety of shopping centers in Little Rock. Traverse across different neighborhoods and explore a wide range of local stores, including an array of Black-owned businesses. The Park Plaza Mall and Midtowne Shopping Center are just some of the major retail hubs that include upscale brands and high-end home accents. Shopping areas such as the River Market and South Main (SoMa) boast one-of-a-kind keepsakes and trendy accessories. Looking for a holiday market? Enjoy a festive atmosphere at the Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase on December 1-3, which will be held at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds. Find something for everyone on your list at retail areas such as the Outlets of Little Rock, Pleasant Ridge Town Center, and the Promenade at Chenal. For more store recommendations, check out our guide on holiday shopping in Little Rock.
2. Bask in the Holiday Spirit with Events & Performances
Little Rock features an assortment of holiday festivities and events for this winter season. Travel to the Arkansas Capitol Lighting Ceremony on December 2, and watch this historic building transform into a glimmering Christmas attraction. Listen to whimsical music and festive performances with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's Home for the Holidays on December 15-17, and Ballet Arkansas's Nutcracker Spectacular on December 8-10.
3. Embrace Winter Fun at the Little Rock Zoo
Seeking more ways to celebrate the holidays? The Little Rock Zoo offers a series of Christmas- and New Year's-themed events, including the GloWild Lantern Festival, which runs from November 21, 2023 to January 7, 2024, and Breakfast with Santa on December 16. Stroll through the grounds of the zoo and find vivid displays of different species. Have your children tell Santa about their wish list and participate in an exciting crafts session. On December 31, be enthralled by the New Year's Gloing Eve event with live entertainment and thrilling games.
4. Marvel at Holiday Lights & Decorations
Don't miss capturing Christmas and New Year's memories with a backdrop of luminescent holiday scenery. Admire the extravagant decorations of the Christmas tree at the Capital Hotel, and then make your way to the Capital Bar and Grill, where cups of scrumptious eggnog await. Be immersed in more twinkling light displays with our list of holiday-decorated locations.
5. Indulge in Holiday Feasts
Home to a thriving culinary scene, Little Rock offers plenty of holiday dining options for all palates. Enhance your dining experience at Murry's Dinner Playhouse, taking the family to see Beauty and the Beast, which runs from November 21 to December 31. Looking for restaurants that are open on Christmas Day? Explore mouthwatering options such as Capital Bar and Grill and Sullivan's Steakhouse.
6. Experience Family-Friendly Activities with a Merry Twist
Planning for an action-packed itinerary with family during the holidays? Pencil in an excursion to one of Little Rock's museums and find indoor fun with interactive exhibits. Bring your little ones to attractions such as the Museum of Discovery or the Firehouse Museum and Hostel. For a Christmas spin on your museum-going adventure, watch a classic holiday movie at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. This Movies at the Museum event will show The Grinch on December 19.
7. Unwind at a Top-Rated Lodging After a Day of Festivities
Looking for a place to stay during the holidays in Little Rock? Discover a variety of lodging options in different areas of Little Rock, featuring premier-rated hotels and bed and breakfasts. In addition to comfortable accommodations, there are festive happenings across different hotels in Little Rock, including the Capital Hotel's story time sessions with Santa on December 17-21 and a Beary Christmas Workshop on December 18-19.
8. Go Ice Skating With Your Loved Ones
There's no shortage of winter activities in Little Rock, and ice skating is one of the holiday staples in the city. Glide across a vast ice arena at the Arkansas Skatium, practicing new spins and turns with plenty of space. Plan a holiday party with a private event rental for the rink, or make a sports-filled outing with a round of broomball, a hockey-like sport without the skates.
9. Grab a Holiday-Themed Drink at a Lively Bar
The nightlife scene in Little Rock provides endless fun for the winter season with seasonal drinks and an energetic ambience. Head to the downtown area and find an array of bars to cozy up in this chilly season. The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium and Rock Town Distillery are just some of the local-favorite bars in Downtown Little Rock.
10. Spend a Day at a Christmas Tree Farm
Motley's Tree Farm combines Christmas tree shopping with kid-friendly fun. Along with selling three different types of trees, this farm features a farm zoo and a gift shop. Watch an exciting round of pig racing at the farm zoo, and collect an assortment of stunning ornaments at the holiday gift shop. Filled with wafting aromas of fresh pine, this tree farm is the perfect rustic outing for the holidays.
11. Spread Holiday Cheer with Donating & Volunteering
Little Rock offers plenty of ways to give back to the community during the Christmas season. Make your donations at the food and coat drive section of Chenal's Christmas Market on December 3. Run like the wind and participate in the Ugly Sweater Race on December 16, which supports the services of the Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department.
12. Take in the Brisk Air While Hiking and Biking in Little Rock
With the average high temperature of 52.6°F degrees in December, the winter weather in Little Rock gives way to invigorating outdoor experiences. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the holidays with scenic journeys across Little Rock's parks and cycling trails. Embark on a hiking experience across the winding Ouachita National Recreation Trail, which starts at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.
The holidays in Little Rock create joyous moments for all ages. Mark your calendar for the most wonderful time of the year with marvelous festivities.
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