8 Events for Weekend Fun: Christmas Carols, Nano Science and More!
The countdown has begun! It's the last weekend before Christmas, many kids are getting out of school for the winter break and the city is buzzing with holiday cheer! This weekend provides lots of opportunities to hear Christmas tunes and sing along, too. Plus, kiddos can watch a classic Christmas film on the big screen or catch "The Gingerbread Man" on the Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre stage.
And, of course, there's still plenty of time to see Santa, view holiday lights, chop down a Christmas tree or finish up your shopping before the big day arrives!
ASO Pops Live! Holiday Pops at Connor Performing Arts Center: The symphony's most popular and longest-running tradition brings holiday cheer to music lovers of all ages. Families will recognize festive tunes like "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Carol of the Bells," and the audience gets the chance to sing along, too. Special guests will put a spin on Christmas classics, such as Bonnie Montgomery's rendition of Johnny Cash’s "Little Drummer Boy" and a performance of "Silent Night" by a children's choir. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 & 19; 3 p.m. Dec. 20. $19-$58; kids free for Sunday matinee with paid adult admission via Entergy Kids Ticket. For info: (501) 666-1761, ArkansasSymphony.org.
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 hot chocolate is served around a campfire at the Pinnacle Pavilion. 7-9 p.m. Dec. 19. Info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain. FREE!
Santa at the Center at Clinton Presidential Center: Enjoy holiday activities, including art projects, special entertainment, tasty treats and free photos with Santa. While you’re visiting, don’t miss the Coca-Cola exhibit which celebrates the iconic glass bottle as well as Coca-Cola-commissioned illustrations like Norman Rockwell paintings and Haddon Sundblom Santa Clauses. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 19. Free for all ages, but regular admission fees apply to tour the library: $7; seniors & college students $5; kids 6-17 $3. Info: (501) 374-4242, ClintonFoundation.org.
Neil Berg's "Broadway Holiday" at Maumelle Performing Arts Center: Direct from New York, five of Broadway's brightest stars warm up Little Rock just before Christmas! Get in the holiday spirit with traditional and contemporary Christmas songs, along with crowd-pleasing Broadway favorites. 8 p.m. Dec. 18; 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Dec. 19; and 2 p.m. Dec. 20. $32-$57. For info: (501) 244-8800, CelebrityAttractions.com.
Nano Days at Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs: Join the museum to discover nanoscale science and engineering. Explore how to make things invisible, launch nano particles with an air cannon and more! Other hands-on experiments will allow visitors to use polarizers, graphene, kinetic sand, transmission electron microscopes, heat transfer, nano fabric, liquid crystals, and 3D photos. Participants will also have the opportunity to dress up as a nano-scientist! 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 19. Free with admission: $10, children 3-12 $8. Info: MidAmericaMuseum.org.
5th Annual Holiday Crafts Open House at Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park: The museum opens its grounds and buildings to the public. Bring the family and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while shopping, making handmade crafts, sipping hot mulled-apple cider or coffee, and nibbling on homemade treats. All items in the museum gift shop are 20 percent off. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 19. Price: Free for main event, $2 per craft or $14 per family. Info: (501) 961-1409, ArkansasStateParks.com/PlantationAgricultureMuseum. FREE!
"The Gingerbread Man" at Arkansas Arts Center: It's your final weekend to see this festive musical, starring the Gingerbread Man who springs to life in Grandma Tic and Grandpa Toc's 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! When you attend the Friday evening performance (7 p.m. Dec. 18), you'll be treated to milk and cookies after the show. Plus, little fans can take photos with the cast! Enjoyed by all ages. $12.50; AAC members are $10. Performances are: 7 p.m. Fri., 2 p.m. Sat. & Sun. Dec. 18-20. For info: (501) 372-4000, ArkansasArtsCenter.org.
"Miracle on 34th Street" at Colonel Glenn 18+ Xtreme: Introduce your youngsters to this 1947 classic starring Natalie Wood, Maureen O'Hara and John Payne. In the film, a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus wins over a young girl who doesn't believe in Santa. The man is institutionalized—until a young lawyer defends him in court by arguing that he is the real Kris Kringle. Rated PG. 2 & 7 p.m. Dec. 20. For more info, click here.