10 Events for Weekend Fun: Holiday Parades, Breakfast with Santa, Nutcracker Tea & More
This is a BIG weekend in central Arkansas and probably the most festive weekend you'll experience before Christmas Day! Why? Well, both Little Rock and North Little Rock host their holiday parades; "The Gingerbread Man" runs as fast as he can to the Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre; and Arkansas Children's Hospital hosts its annual Breakfast with Santa. Oh, and of course, the "Little Mermaid" will make a splash at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre.
There are dozens more events that you can peruse for yourself in our full online calendar. Or, streamline your weekend planning with help from our top 10 events below!
Breakfast with Santa at ACH Children's Hall: Hosted by Committee for the Future, Breakfast with Santa is an annual fundraiser for ACH. Local fire fighters from the Little Rock Fire Department cook and serve guests a meal of pancakes, eggs, sausage and fruit. Santa arrives at 7:15 a.m. aboard a fire truck! The children in attendance have the opportunity to take a picture with Santa, create holiday crafts, call the North Pole and enjoy festive music. 7-11:30 a.m. Dec. 5. Price: $15; tickets are $10 in advance. Info: (501) 364-1476, ARChildrens.org.
Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade in Downtown Little Rock: See Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudy the Reindeer in this annual parade in downtown Little Rock. Serving as this year's Grand Marshal is Peyton Hillis, former NFL and Razorback running back. He'll be joined by decorated floats, marching bands, dancing troops and members of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, too! Beginning at Second and Broadway, the parade will travel south on Broadway, turn west onto Capitol Avenue and end at the State Capitol. The lighting of the Capitol and a fireworks display will follow at dark or approximately 6 p.m. Parade begins 3 p.m. Dec. 5. For info: (501) 835-3399, HolidaysInLittleRock.com. FREE!
Click here to read our full list of holiday parades in central Arkansas!
North Little Rock Sertoma Club Christmas Parade in North Little Rock: The annual parade begins at Pershing Blvd. and Main St.; heads south into the Argenta Arts & Entertainment District and concludes in front of the City Services Building (120 Main St.). Stick around for the Northern Lights Festival and the lighting of the city's LED tree. Santa will visit with kiddos after the parade at city services building. 2 p.m. Dec. 6. For info: (501) 758-1424, NorthLR.org. FREE!
"The Gingerbread Man" at Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre: In this festive musical, Grandma Tic and Grandpa Toc couldn’t be more surprised (or pleased) when the Gingerbread Man springs to life and dances around their little clock shop. He’s a happy little cookie man made of ginger and molasses. But when the sly, hungry Fox comes along, playtime is over and the race is on! Enjoyed by all ages. 7 p.m. Fri.; 2 p.m. Sat. & Sun. Dec. 4-20. $12.50; AAC members are $10. Info: (501) 372-4000, ArkansasArtsCenter.org.
"The Little Mermaid" at Arkansas Repertory Theatre: Plunge into the colorful depths of an undersea wonderland as The Rep’s stage is transformed into an aquatic playground underscored by a funky Calypso beat. This enchanting musical features an infectious score that includes the popular songs “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.” 7 p.m. Wed.-Sun.; 2 p.m. Sun. Dec. 4-Jan. 3; special Saturday matinees are 2 p.m. Dec. 5 & 26 and Jan. 2. $45-$60. Info: (501) 378-0405, TheRep.org.
48th Annual Christmas Frolic at Historic Arkansas Museum: Celebrate Christmas as it was in the 1800s with living history, carols, reenactments, live music, dancing in the Grog Shop and games at the farmstead. Sample the hot cider and ginger cake, and do some Arkansas-made holiday shopping in the Museum Store. Then, hop on a free trolley to visit holiday events at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, Old State House Museum and the Arkansas Governor's Mansion. 1-4 p.m. Dec. 6. Info: (501) 324-9351, HistoricArkansas.org. FREE!
Nutcracker Tea at The Capital Hotel: Join the cast and characters of Ballet Arkansas's annual holiday classic, The Nutcracker, as they take you on a narrated journey from Clara's house through the Kingdom of Snow and into the Land of the Sweets. You'll meet your favorite characters along the way and get to snack on delicious sweets with the cast after the performance. Arrive early to visit with Santa in the lobby; he'll be visiting with children and taking photos from 1-3 p.m. Two seatings for tea: 1:30-3 p.m. & 3:30-5 p.m. Dec. 6. $25. Info: (501) 223-5150, BalletArkansas.org.
Conway Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert at UCA Reynolds Performance Hall: Celebrate the season with highlights from "The Nutcracker" performed by the Arkansas Festival Ballet, plus a special performance from the Central Arkansas Children's Choir. Families with young children won't want to miss the "Nutcracker Sweets" before the the performance; the pre-show event includes stories of The Nutcracker, crafts, cookies and punch, and a chance to meet the ballerinas and the Maestro (6:15 p.m.; children $5, accompanying adults free). 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5. $20-$38; students are $6. For info: (501) 450-3265, ConwaySymphonyOrchestra.org.
Click here to read our full list of holiday performances in central Arkansas!
Holidays in the Wild at Little Rock Zoo: Stop at the zoo for pictures with Santa, free carousel rides, a free lighted train ride to the North Pole, crafts for kids, special meet-n-greets with the penguins, live music and food. Three dates: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 4-6. $10; kids under 12 $8. Info: LittleRockZoo.com.
Holiday Open House and Living Gift Market at Heifer Village: Experience Heifer with a festival of sights, sounds and tastes of the holiday season. Make an international holiday-themed craft, snap a pic in a photo booth with a Heifer Ranch animal, warm up with a hot drink, and decorate delicious cookies. Guests can support the mission of Heifer by purchasing an animal for a family in need and complete holiday shopping at Shop@Heifer. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 5. Info: (501) 907-8800, Heifer.org. FREE!