5 Events for Weekend Fun: The Nutracker, Teddy Bear Tea, Science with Santa & More
Enjoy classic holiday traditions this weekend, such as watching "The Nutcracker" performed by Ballet Arkansas or taking a holiday tea at the Capital Hotel. You can start a few new traditions too by watching Santa perform science experiments at Museum of Discovery or taking a farm animal selfie at Heifer Ranch's Holiday Open House!
And, of course, there's still plenty of time to see Santa, view holiday lights, chop down a Christmas tree, or cheer on a Christmas parade before the big day arrives!
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. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11; 2 & 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12; 2 p.m. Dec. 13. $20-$52. Info: (501) 666-1761, BalletArkansas.org.
Teddy Bear Tea at The Capital Hotel: This holiday tea for children and their parents includes homemade pastries, tea sandwiches and hot chocolate. Teddy bears adorn Restaurant One Eleven, and each child leaves with a teddy bear, too. Plus, Santa Claus will make a special appearance. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Dec 12. $38, kids $25. Info: (501) 370-7011, CapitalHotel.com.
Science with Santa at the Museum of Discovery: Enjoy science demos, pictures with Santa and a hot chocolate bar. Plus, Santa Claus and Kevin Delaney, the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon science expert, will perform scientific shows together! Photos with Santa: 9:30-11 a.m. & 12:30-2 p.m.; science demonstrations with Santa and Kevin Delaney: 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Activities included with general admission: $10, children 12 and under $8, children under 12 months free. Info: (501) 537-3078, MuseumOfDiscovery.org.
Holiday Open House & Living Gift Market at Heifer Ranch in Perryville: Stroll through the show barn to meet the animals, decorate cookies, find unique gifts in the 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. 12 & 3-6 p.m. Dec. 13. Info: (501) 889-5124, Heifer.org. FREE!
Central Arkansas Polar Plunge at Lake Willastein Park in Maumelle: Take a chilly dip for Special Olympics Arkansas. Individuals and teams take the plunge in the lake to raise money for Arkansas children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Awards will also be presented for the best costume. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.; the plunge is at noon. 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 12. $50 minimum donation per plunger. Info: (501) 771-0222, SpecialOlympicsArkansas.org.