15 Events for Weekend Fun: The Nutcracker, Teddy Bear Tea and Holiday Lights Festival
The holiday fun continues this weekend, Dec. 12-14! Ballet Arkansas presents its annual production of "The Nutcracker" and Burns Park lights up the night with a free Holiday Lights Festival. Plus, Garth Brooks visits North Little Rock to play three highly-anticipated concerts at Verizon Arena. All these events and more are included in our top 15 picks for families this weekend!
1. Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood at Verizon Arena: Don't miss the electrifying return of country legend, Garth Brooks. The star makes his first Arkansas appearance on The World Tour and his first time in North Little Rock in more than 23 years. And, believe it or not, tickets are still available! $73.25. Performances are 7 p.m. Dec. 11-13. For info: (800) 745-3000, VerizonArena.com.
2. Ballet Arkansas Presents "The Nutcracker" at Maumelle Performing Arts Center: Ring in the holidays with Tchaikovsky’s magical score performed live by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and a classic performance by Ballet Arkansas. With enchanting costumes and original choreography, the tradition of "The Nutcracker" will create unforgettable memories for children of every generation. $20-$52. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 & 13; 2 p.m. Dec. 13 & 14. For info: (501) 666-1761, BalletArkansas.org.
3. K.I.D.S. Volunteer Day at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: Kids Involved in Dynamic Service offers an opportunity for children ages 8-13 to serve their community. This year, K.I.D.S. volunteers will be creating handmade decorations to bring holiday cheer to those served by the Little Rock Compassion Center. Registration required. Noon-2 p.m. Dec. 13. For info: (501) 683-3592, MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE!
4. Teddy Bear Tea at Restaurant One Eleven at the Capital Hotel: This holiday tea is certain to bring smiles to children and their parents. Teddy bears will adorn Restaurant One Eleven, and live music by harpist Alisa Coffey from the Arkansas Symphony will fill the room. Special tea fare will be prepared, and each child will leave with a teddy bear. Call for reservations. $38, children $25. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Dec. 13. For info: (501) 370-7011, CapitalHotel.com.
5. Breakfast with Santa at Bravo! Cucina Italiana at The Promenade at Chenal: Blitz, the Bravo! elf and Santa have a busy schedule, but they take a break to have a merry breakfast with you! Be sure to bring your camera for photos, too! Reservations required. Call for seating time. $11.95, kids $5.95. 8 a.m. Dec. 13. For info: (501) 821-2485, ChenalShopping.com.
6. Holly Trolley Day in Downtown Little Rock & North Little Rock: Ride the trolley free all day and take a picture with Santa from 2-5 p.m. at the trolley barn in North Little Rock. 2-5 p.m. Dec. 13. For info: CAT.org. FREE!
7. Dashin' Thru the Lights at Burns Park Softball Complex: Run, walk, or stroll through the Hometown Holiday Lights in Burns Park. The display is about one mile each way, and you can complete the course as many times as you like during the event. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome at any time during the event. Leashed pets welcome after 5:15 p.m. A shuttle will be available to return participants to the parking lot. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. $5, $10 per family. 5-6 p.m. Dec. 13. For info: (501) 791-8543, NLRPR.org.
8. Holiday Lights Festival at Burns Park Softball Complex: Immediately following the Dashin' Thru the Lights run, families can enjoy a bright festival at the Hometown Holiday Lights. Enjoy games and activities for the whole family and don't miss photo opportunities with Santa and Dasher. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 13. For info: (501) 791-8543, NLRPR.org. FREE!
9. Living Gift Market at Heifer Ranch in Perryville: Stroll through the show barn, decorate cookies, find unique gifts in our international gift shop and support the work of Heifer International. Warm up with hot drinks and light snacks and enjoy a roaring bonfire. Snap a pic at a photo booth with an animal, too! 5-8 p.m Dec. 13 & 3-6 p.m. Dec. 14. For info: (501) 889-5124, Heifer.org. FREE!
10. Photos with Santa at Tipton Hurst at The Promenade at Chenal: Bring your little elves to enjoy a magical moment with Santa Pete! Take a free photo with Santa at the new Tipton Hurst location at The Promenade at Chenal. Donations to Home Away from Home scholarship fund are accepted and appreciated. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 13. To learn more about the fund, visit HomeAwayFromHome.LittleRockChurch.org. For event info: ChenalShopping.com.
11. Holiday Hayride at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Jostle, bounce and laugh your way across the fields and through the woods on a guided hayride. Then enjoy a warm campfire, stories, hot chocolate and marshmallows. Advance payment required. $12, children ages 6-12 $5. 3-5 p.m. Dec. 13 & 27. For info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain.
12. Arkansas Chamber Singers Holiday Concert: Christmas at the Old State House Museum: The annual Christmas at the Old State House concert features traditional music of the season, music of new composers and music popular during the American Civil War. The combination of the acoustical magic of the hall and the glorious voices of the Arkansas Chamber Singers promises to pack the house for all three thrilling performances! Performances are 7 p.m. Dec. 12 & 13; 3 p.m. Dec. 14. For info: (501) 377-1121, AR-ChamberSingers.org. FREE!
13. 28th Annual Christmas & Candlelight at Historic Washington State Park: The entire park is seen with natural 19th century holiday decorations. After dark, luminaries light the way for guests to stroll the streets, see historic buildings, and hear musicians caroling throughout the town. $10 plus tax; children are $5 plus tax. 1-8 p.m. Dec. 13. For info: (870) 983-2633, HistoricWashingtonStatePark.com.
14. Santa Skate at Arkansas Skatium: Meet Santa and sit in his sleigh as it snows in the arena! Holiday music and decorations will get all skaters in the holiday spirit. $13, includes ice and roller skates; free for kids 4 and younger. 2-5 p.m. Dec. 14. For info: (501) 227-4333, ArkansasSkatium.com.
15. Conway Christmas Parade in Downtown Conway: A festive parade beginning on south Front Street with bands, floats and lots of smiles. The parade is hosted by Relay for Life of Faulkner County with all proceeds from float sponsorships going to the American Cancer Society. 6 p.m. Dec. 13. For info: DowntownConway.org. FREE!
Looking for more holiday fun? Check out these articles from Little Rock Family: 5 Christmas Tree Farms in Central Arkansas, 7 Places to See Holiday Lights, Where to Find Santa Claus, Classic Christmas Movies Showing at Local Theaters, and 8 Holiday Shows for Families.