Kick off the last weekend before Christmas the right way — with Christmas events galore. From a Polar Express kids' night out to gingerbread house decorating at the Capital Hotel, we have your weekend calendar covered. 

And don't forget to check out Christmas lights all over central Arkansas! There are only a couple weeks left before they all come down. 

Friday

Polar Express Kids Night Out at Spirited Art Little Rock: Put the kids in their pajamas for some hot chocolate, cookies, crafts and painting! Spirited Art will read the Polar Express story as kids work on art. So drop off the kids and have a night to relax (or do last minute Christmas shopping). $35. Dec. 16, 6-9 p.m. For info: (501) 296-9903, Facebook.

Free Adult Day at The Wonder Place: Adults enjoy a free admission (with the purchase of one regular-priced or punch card admission) while their little ones learn and play. Discounts cannot be combined. Dec. 16, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. For info: (501) 225-4050, thewonderplace.com.

Saturday

Christmas Boat Parade at Gregg Orr Marine in Hot Springs: The parade starts at 4:30 p.m. but come early at 2 p.m. to meet Santa and get some free hot cocoa! Dec. 17, 2-6 p.m. For info: (501) 525-1818, Facebook. FREE!

Gingerbread House Decoration at the Capital Hotel: Enjoy an afternoon decorating a pre-assembled gingerbread house without all the fuss. The Capital Hotel provides the house and all the candy adornments, you provide the creativity. $65 for one adult and one child, $45 for each additional child. Dec. 17, 1-2:30 p.m. For reservations call (501) 370-7068 or (501) 370-7051.

Hogwarts Winter School Festival at the Knowledge Tree: Visit four fun booths as you work on your wizarding skills. At the S.P.E.W. booth, help Hermione free the Hogwarts House Elves. At the potions booth, mix a bottle of liquid luck. At the divination booth, create a crystal ball ornament modeled after your favorite house. At the history of magic booth, test your wizarding knowledge. Participants can duel Professor Snape for entrance into Dumbledore's army and take part in a costume contest at noon. $5 per person. Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. For info: (501) 663-2877, theknowledgetree.com.

Sunday

Sundays with Santa at The Capital Hotel: Each Sunday leading up to Christmas, The Capital Hotel hosts a special visit with Santa where children and adults alike have a chance to talk with Santa and take pictures. Dec. 17, 2-4 p.m. For info: (501) 370-7062, capitalhotel.com. FREE!

Friday-Sunday

"Charlie Brown Christmas" at The Royal Theatre: The classic animated television special "A Charlie Brown Christmas" comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. The Young Players present "Charlie Brown Christmas," directed by Jeremy Clay. Tickets are $12; $10 senior/military; $5 students. Dec. 15-17, 7-9 p.m. For info: (501) 315-5483, theroyalplayers.com.

ASO Home for the Holidays at the Robinson Center: The ASO returns home to the Robinson Center just in time for the holidays, with a show guaranteed to delight the entire family! The show is 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 & 17, and 3 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets range from $39-$67. For info: (501) 66-1761, arkansassymphony.org.