This holiday season, central Arkansas will have two brand-new light displays to admire! Both the City of Little Rock and the City of North Little Rock have plans to unveil new holiday attractions.

Holidays in the Park: On Nov. 29, the First Security Amphitheater in downtown Little Rock will transform into a bright winter wonderland called Holidays in the Park. The seasonal lighting display, a new attraction for Riverfront Park, was donated by Randy Guptill, the Director of Technical Services at Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau. Guptill is well-known in Cabot for his family's annual Christmas light display at their home.

The 10-minute show will be choreographed to music and can be seen each night throughout the holiday season. Holidays in the Park will run on the First Security Amphitheater stage each evening from 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Nov. 29-Jan. 3. The show is completely free and open to the public.

Families can help kick things off at the official lighting ceremony from 3-5 p.m. Nov 29. The opening night celebration includes a meet & greet with Santa Claus, holiday cookies, beverages, crafts, games and more. For info: Rivermarket.info or HolidaysInLittleRock.com.

 

Northern Lights Festival: Across the river, the city of North Little Rock is gearing up for its Northern Lights Festival on Dec. 7--where they'll unveil a new, 20-foot tree made of LED lights. The free festivities take place from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and families can enjoy photos with Santa, free hot chocolate and performances from local choirs. Plus, kids can make holiday ornaments and cards with Art Connection, Thea Foundation and the North Little Rock Mayor’s Youth Council.

And families won't want to miss the annual North Little Rock Sertoma Club Christmas Parade, which takes place right before the festival. The parade rolls through town beginning at 2 p.m. at the intersection of Pershing Blvd. and Main St, heads south on Main St. to enter the Argenta Arts & Entertainment District and concludes in front of the City Services Building (120 Main St.).

After the Northern Lights Festival on Dec. 7, the tree will be lit each evening until Jan. 2. The tree will be located in the middle of "Trolley Plaza" in front of the City Services Building (120 Main St.) at Washington and Broadway Sts. For info: NorthLittleRock.org.