11 Places to Visit with Santa
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus Lane, or rather around Little Rock and central Arkansas. Santa is still visiting some of his favorite local spots, but with socially distanced, safe and even virtual updates for the 2020 season.
Here are 11 places to see Santa this season!
1. Lighting Ceremony at Mountain Harbor Resort on Lake Ouchita
The day after Thanksgiving is the official start of Christmas at this resort on Lake Ouachita. The festive lighting ceremony includes live music, free cookies, hot cocoa and cider and Santa. Open to the public.
Where: Located on Lake Ouachita; see website for directions When: Nov. 27, 6 p.m. Cost: Free! For info: 870-867-2191, mountainharborresort.com
2. Bernice Garden Tree Lighting
This year, Bernice Garden is transitioning some of their annual tree lighting activities to a virtual event. Local students will be caroling via Zoom and Santa will make a video appearance, too.
Where: Bernice Garden | 1401 Main St., Little Rock When: Dec. 3, 6-9 p.m. Cost: Free! For streaming: facebook For info: BerniceGarden@gmail.com, 501-410-3938
3. Santa's Snaps, Snacks, & Sales at Feelinthropic in Little Rock
Enjoy snacks, shopping and Santa at Feelinthropic. Babies and fur babies are welcome for picture sessions—families will receive their digital photos the same day.
Where: Feelinthropic | 5717 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock When: Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More info: facebook
4. Funland Holiday Express and Pajama Party in North Little Rock
Come to Funland for an afternoon of family fun this holiday season. Activities include train rides, spins on the carousel, reindeer games, visits with Santa, sled run, penguin slide, holiday crafts and more.
Where: Funland | 25 Funland Drive, North Little Rock When: Dec. 5, 1-5 p.m. Cost: $5 for children age 2 and older (parents get in free) More info: bperkins@nlrpr.org, 501-753-7307
5. Junior League of Little Rock's Zoom with Santa, Virtual
Each virtual visit includes a 10-minute zoom session with Santa, a digital letter template and a digital picture of your child's chat. Hurry! Sign up while sessions are still available. All proceeds support the Junior League’s mission.
Where: Zoom, email used at time of purchase will be email used for all correspondence. When: Dec. 6, slots are available 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m. Cost: $40 More info: jllr.org
6. Papa Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm in Benton
This quaint farm provides saws for adventurous visitors to cut down their own trees. Families can snack on free candy canes or sip complimentary hot cocoa and cider. Kids can also say hello to Papa Santa himself! No purchase required—bring your own camera to snag a free photo. Santa will be socially distanced this year, watch the Papa Santa Facebook for details on their COVID-friendly plan. Find more Christmas tree farms here.
Where: 4976 Warford Road, Benton When: Open daily Nov. 6-Dec. 20, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: Tree prices vary; visits with Santa free! For info: 501-779-1062, facebook.com
7. Santa Claus at McCain Mall in North Little Rock
Find Kris Kringle on the lower level at Center Court and give him your secret wish list for the holiday season. Masks and reservations are required for this socially-distanced experience.
Where: McCain Mall | 3929 McCain Blvd., North Little Rock When: Nov. 27-Dec. 24, visit website for times Cost: Photo package prices vary; visits with Santa free! For info: 501-758-6317, website
8. Santa Claus at Park Plaza Mall in Little Rock
Santa arrives Nov. 27 to visit with boys and girls every day until Christmas Eve. Hear him Ho-Ho-Ho on the second level near Dillard’s East. Reservations and masks are required for in-person visits. You can also book a virtual visit with the big guy if that’s more your 2020 style.
Where: Park Plaza Mall | 6000 W. Markham St. When: Nov. 27-Dec. 24, visit website for times Cost: Photo packages start at $39.99; visits with Santa free! For info: 501-664-4956, parkplazamall.com
9. Santa Shack at First Security Bank (Main) in Cabot
Cabot's 23rd annual Santa Shack welcomes children the day after Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season to chat with Santa and pose for a photo. Each child receives a free candy cane.
Where: First Security Bank | 205 W. Pine St., Cabot When: Nov. 27-Dec. 20; visit facebook for times. Cost: Photos available for $3 For info: facebook
10. Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Visitors will find a Christmas village, model trains, twinkling lights and free photos with the big man in red. This year, all families must make a reservation for this “Contactless Claus” visit.
Where: Bass Pro Shop | 1 Bass Pro Drive, Little Rock When: Nov. 7-Dec. 24, see website for hours Cost: Photo packages available for purchase; receive a 4x6 photo for FREE! For info: basspro.com, 501-954-4500
11. Santa Saturdays at the Little Rock Zoo
Head to Civitan Pavilion to tell Mr. and Mrs. Claws what you want for Christmas. You can take safe, socially-distanced pictures with your own cell phone. Free hot chocolate, too!
Where: Little Rock Zoo | 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock When: December 5, 12, and 19: 9 - 11 a.m. Cost: Included in admission | $12.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids 12-3, free for kids 3 & under For info: littlerockzoo.com/eventcalendar
Events that were canceled for the 2020 season: The Promenade at Chenal, Clinton Presidential Center, Santa Nights at Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens, Sundays with Santa at The Capital Hotel, Seaton's Scott Place, Cookies and Milk with Santa at the Ronald McDonald House and Outlets of Little Rock.
For more holiday fun, check out our guides to all the central Arkansas holiday lights and Christmas tree farms.