The (arguably) best holiday of the season is here, and with it comes a bevy of holiday events for the whole family. Work up a sweat at one of the many Turkey Trots so you can feel guilt-free getting that second helping of pumpkin pie. Finish the weekend off strong by checking out the holiday lights around Central Arkansas. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday

Go!bbler Turkey Trot at Go! Running: Before you feast on Thanksgiving lunch or dinner, lace-up your running shoes and hit the pavement! A fun course through Hillcrest and the Heights covers road, track, trails and includes other surprises along the way. Santa will be on hand to help gather canned food donations for the Arkansas Foodbank. Pies will be awarded to winners of surprise categories. Nov. 24, 8 a.m. For info: (501) 663-6800, gorunning.com. FREE with canned food donation.

TurkeyTrot 5k and Fun Run at Centennial Valley Country Club: Start Thanksgiving Day off on the right foot at the United Way of Central Arkansas Turkey Trot! Bring the kids out to enjoy bounce houses, a rock wall and much more! The course through the Centennial Valley Country Club neighborhood is flat, fast and flows through a welcoming neighborhood. $30. Thursday, Nov. 24, from 8:30-11 a.m. For info: (501) 327-5087, uwcark.org/Turkey-Trot.

Turkey Day 5K: Race begins and ends at McClure Fitness. Entry fee is 3 large cans of veggies: green beans, pork & beans, carrots, etc, which will be donated to the local food pantry. Thursday, Nov. 24, 7:30 a.m. For info: mcclurefitness.com. FREE with donation of three large canned goods.

Turkey Trot 5K at the Outlets of Little Rock: Proceeds provide Christmas gifts for the children of Sheep Dog Families (military and first responders) in need in central Arkansas. The Turkey Trot 5K registration fee is $25. Thursday, Nov. 24, 9-10:30 a.m. For info: email jeffw@sheepdogia.org.

Friday-Sunday

Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens: See more than 4 million brilliant bulbs transform approximately 17 acres into a memorable animated holiday display. As you amble through the winter wonderland, your family can sip complimentary hot chocolate. Leave your pooches at home, please. $15 children ages 6-12; $5 children under 6; members are free. Open 5-9 p.m. daily, Nov. 19 through Dec. 31. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. For info: (501) 262-9300, garvangardens.org.

For more holiday lights around Central Arkansas, browse our top picks here.

Saturday

Merry & Bright Holiday Celebration at The Promenade at Chenal: The shopping center's holdiay celebration includes free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus; the Snow Queen, Ice Man and Olaf as well as Beauty and The Beast. There will be a Make-A-Wish gift wrap station, music and a lights show. Saturday, Nov. 26, 1-5 p.m. For info, (501) 821-5552, chenalshopping.com. FREE!

Psst: For more opportunities to see Santa around central Arkansas, check out this article letting you know where he'll be all season!

The Ten Tenors at Robinson Performance Hall: Join Australia's rockstars of the opera "The Ten Tenors" as they amaze and enthral with their unique selection of traditional and contemporary seasonal favourites. With soaring versions of Joy to the World, White Christmas, Amazing Grace, Winter Wonderland, Feliz Navidad and more, this show is the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the season. $28-$78. Saturday, Nov. 26, 8-10 p.m. For info: (501) 244-8800, celebrityattractions.com.

Sunday

Fall Hayride at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Jostle, bounce, and laugh your way across the fields and through the woods on a guided hayride with a warm campfire, stories, hot chocolate and marshmallows. Advance payment and registration is required. $15; $8 for children ages 6-12. Sunday, Nov. 27, 3-5 p.m. For info: (501) 868-5806, arkansasstateparks.com.

For even more events, check out our full calendar here!