Happy Thanksgiving from Little Rock Family! We hope you have a wonderful holiday sitting around the table with loved ones. And after all of the pie and turkey, we hope you'll make some family memories at one of the many activities in central Arkansas this weekend. It's a fun-filled weekend that includes the opening of The Velveteen Rabbit at Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre, decorating the Christmas tree at Laman Library's Argenta Branch, and the illumination of multiple holiday lights around town!

Plus, if you're still feeling stuffed from Turkey Day, you can find ways to work off a few calories with our list of fun (and active) ideas for family workouts (hint: how about some skating or trampoline parks?). Or, if you're ready to snag a Christmas tree and decorate your home for the holidays, check out our list of local Christmas tree farms. Speaking of Christmas, Santa is all over town, waiting to hear Christmas wishes--click here to see where you can find him.

Last, but not least, you may notice central Arkansas shining a little more brightly this weekend--many of our favorite holiday light displays are returning! And, several new holiday lights will illuminate, too. See a few lighting ceremonies below and check out our full list of holiday lights here.

1. The Velveteen Rabbit at Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theater: A Christmas-themed childhood favorite comes to life on stage. Families will recognize the heartwarming story of a stuffed rabbit and his quest to become real through the love of his owner. The Velveteen Rabbit is written by Alan Keith Smith and based on the story by Margery Williams. $12.50; AAC members are $10. Performances are: 7 p.m. Fri., 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. Nov. 28-Dec. 21. For info: (501) 372-4000, ArkansasArtsCenter.org.

2. Holidays in the Park in Riverfront Park & First Security Amphitheater: Downtown Little Rock is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights this holiday season. Enjoy this festive light display that operates to music and dances on the Amphitheater Stage; shows run nightly from 5-10 p.m. Nov. 29 - Jan. 3. Celebrate this addition with a holiday party in the Rivermarket Pavilion 3-5 p.m. Nov. 29, complete with a visit from Santa, games, crafts, holiday cookies, beverages and more. 3-10 p.m. Nov. 29. For info: (501) 375-2552, Rivermarket.info. FREE!

3. Children's Department Tree Trimming at Laman Library North Little Rock Argenta Branch: The Children's Department needs help decorating their tree! 10:30-11:30 a.m. Nov. 29. For info: (501) 687-1061, LamanLibrary.org. FREE!

4. 7th Annual Celebration of Lights & Light the Night Sale at The Promenade at Chenal: Shoppers will delight in the animated tree and light display and free Promenade Express train rides all day. Other exciting events include free photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus (1-5 p.m. Nov. 29, 1-6 p.m. Nov. 30), Plays with a Purpose presents "The Gift of the Magi" in the courtyard at 1 & 4 p.m., and the tree lighting presentation at 5 p.m. Plus, don't miss the special sale event, refreshments, and free gifts for the first 100 kids. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 29. For info: (501) 821-5552, ChenalShopping.com. FREE!

5. Capital Hotel Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Capital Hotel: Don't miss this yummy family event that includes delicious cookies, treats and hot chocolate with the trimmings. Holiday music will be performed by U.A.L.R. flautists and carolers. After the tree lighting at 6 p.m., Santa will arrive to visit with the boys and girls! Bring your camera for pictures with Santa, too. 5-9 p.m. Nov. 30. For info: (501) 374-7474, Facebook.com/TheCapitalHotel. FREE!

6. The Polar Express at Colonel Glenn 18+XTREME: The movie theater will screen special Christmas films throughout the holiday season, including The Polar Express (PG) starring Tom Hanks. Based on the beloved book by Chris Van Allsburg, this 2004 animated film follows a young boy as he travels to the North Pole on a magical train ride. 2 p.m. Nov. 30. For info: (501) 687-0499, Cinemark.com.

7. Lighting Ceremony at Mountain Harbor Resort: The festive lighting ceremony includes live music on the stage, free hayrides to view the Christmas lights of Harbor, free cookies and hot cocoa and cider, Christmas story reading by Mrs. Claus, and the arrival of Santa on a hayride wagon to turn on all the lights of Harbor. Open to the public. Nov. 28. For info: MountainHarborResort.com. FREE!

8. 17th Annual Mountain Rendezvous at Petit Jean State Park: Experience a primitive camp and learn some of the survival skills used by Arkansas pioneers. Watch a variety of demonstrations including muzzleloading rifles, tomahawk throwing, and more. Co-sponsored by the Early Arkansaw Reenactor Association. Contact the park for a schedule as the event draws near. Nov. 28-30. For info: (501) 727-5441, PetitJeanStatePark.com. FREE!

9. Green Friday at Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park in Scott: Spend Black Friday exploring the history of cotton agriculture in Arkansas. The gift shop is located in the main museum featuring unique gifts-- and no crowds! 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 28. For info: (501) 961-1409, ArkansasStateParks.com/PlantationAgricultureMuseum. FREE!

10. Black Friday Skate at Arkansas Skatium: Work off your Thanksgiving meal while you ice and roller skate. $10 admission; skate rental free. Noon-5:30 p.m. Nov. 28. For info: (501) 227-4333, ArkansasSkatium.com.

11. Fall Hayride & Campfire at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Jostle, bounce, and laugh your way across the fields and through the woods on a guided hayride with a warm campfire, stories, hot chocolate, and marshmallows. Advance payment is required. $12, children ages 6-12 $6. 3-5 p.m. Nov. 29 & 30. For info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain.

12. Hometown Holiday Lights at Burns Park: At this annual event, families enjoy holiday lights in a drive-through setting. More than 40 displays are set-up beginning at the Softball Complex and continuing down Funland Drive ending at Military Drive. Open 6-10 p.m. nightly except on Christmas. Donations welcome. 6-10 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 30. For info: (501) 791-8543, NLRPR.org. FREE!

For more events, see our full online calendar here.