10 Events for Weekend Fun: Basketball, Symphony and Gingerbread Houses
It's beginning to look (and sound and taste!) a lot like Christmas! This weekend's big events include the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's annual holiday concert, plus multiple gingerbread house workshops. Razorback fans can also attend men's and women's basketball games at Verizon Arena, or catch one of the final performances of "The Velveteen Rabbit" at Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre.
Keep reading for details on all 10 family fun events this weekend, Dec. 19-21!
1. Swingin' Holiday Extravaganza at Pulaski Academy Connor Performing Arts Center: Popular singers Destan Owen and Mandy Gonzalez return to lead a celebration of holiday music and festival, including traditional tunes “Jingle Bells,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." The exciting and uplifting swing stylings of Owen and Gonzalez are sure to bring a smile to faces of all ages this holiday season! $19-$58; children free at Sunday matinee with Entergy Kids ticket. Performances are: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 & 20; 3 p.m. Dec. 21. For info: (501) 666-1761, ArkansasSymphony.org.
2. The Velveteen Rabbit at Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre: A Christmas-themed childhood favorite of the story of a stuffed rabbit and his quest to become real through the love of his owner comes to life on stage. 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. Through Dec. 21. For info: (501) 372-4000, ArkansasArtsCenter.org.
3. Gingerbread House Workshop at the Capital Hotel: Kids construct their gingerbread houses with the expert instruction of the The Capital Hotel's pastry professionals. The gingerbread houses, candy, instruction, and an apron are provided, and snacks will be served. The class is limited, and advance registration is required. $55 per child; adults are $20. 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 20. For info: (501) 374-7474, CapitalHotel.com.
4. Women's SEC/Big 12 Challenge at Verizon Arena: This premiere showcase event promotes teams from two of the top women’s basketball conferences in the nation! Games are: 12:30 p.m. Texas vs. Texas A&M and 3 p.m. Arkansas vs. Oklahoma. Dec. 21. $18, kids 2-12 $12. For info: (501) 975-9000, VerizonArena.com.
5. University of Arkansas Men's Basketball vs. Southeast Missouri Redhawks at Verizon Arena: This weekend, you can also cheer on the Razorback men as they battle the Redhawks at Verizon Arena. $25 plus tax. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20. For info: (501) 975-9000, VerizonArena.com.
6. Holiday Movies: It's a Wonderful Life (PG) at Colonel Glenn 18+XTREME: Don't miss the 1946 classic starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. In the film, an angel helps the conflicted George Bailey see what life would have been like if he had never existed. 2 p.m. Dec. 21. For info: (501) 687-0499, Cinemark.com.
7. Christmas Museum Open House at Plantation Agriculture Museum in Scott: Bring the family and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere for the holidays while shopping in the gift shop (all items will be 20 percent off), making crafts, sipping hot mulled-apple cider or coffee, and nibbling on homemade treats. Activities will include the museum's annual graham cracker house contest, candle making, soap making, music, and various seasonal, period crafts. $1 per craft. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 20. For info: (501) 961-1409, ArkansasStateParks.com/PlantationAgricultureMuseum.
8. Gingerbread House Making at CALS Main Library: Kids craft gingerbread houses for free! 3 p.m. Dec. 20. For info: (501) 918-3000, CALS.org. FREE!
9. Caroling in the Forest at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Meet at the Kingfisher Trailhead to stroll into the forest and sing favorite Christmas carols along a paved path that is wheelchair and stroller friendly. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight and your best singing voice. Visit with everyone afterwards as we serve hot chocolate around a campfire at the Pinnacle Pavilion. This fun family activity has quickly become a local winter tradition! 7-9 p.m. Dec. 20. For info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain. FREE!
10. Music & Fun with the Kinders at CALS Main Library: Take a break from holiday hoopla for this fun and lively children's concert featuring Brian and Terri Kinder. 10:30 a.m. Dec. 20. For info: (501) 918-3000, CALS.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, and 8 Holiday Shows for Families.