Use this guide to keep the kiddos and yourself entertained before the holiday some look forward to all year hits. There’s parties, performances, pajamas and more to choose from.

P.S. Don't forget to check our our complete guide to Christmas for holiday lights, tree farms and Santa stops!

Thursday

Gingerbread Party at Dee Brown Library: Build and decorate a gingerbread house at 4:30 p.m. Supplies are provided. Take the house with you after you’ve transformed it into a home. There will also be holiday-themed drinks and snacks. FREE 

Hot Chocolate Pajama Run at Go! Running: Prepare for all that extra comfort food you’ll be consuming at Christmas dinner but running or walking two, three, four or 5.5 miles. Bring your favorite holiday ‘spirit’ for the hot chocolate and wear your best holiday pj's. Starts at 6 p.m.

Cakesicles for the Holidays at Art Is In Cakes Bakery Supply: Learn to make cake pops using a mini ice cream mold, then decorate them for the holidays. Take the mold home, too. Starts at 6 p.m.

Home for the Holidays at Robinson Performance Hall: Settle in for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite," Holst's "In Bleak Midwinter," music from "The Polar Express," and holiday favorites like "O Holy Night," "Sleigh Ride" and "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!” Tickets start at $10 and are available here. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Friday

Story Time with Mrs. Claus at Whole Foods: Mrs. Claus will read a story and lead a sing-a-long with a craft at 10 a.m. A snack will also be provided. FREE

Parents’ Night Out at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church: You and the mister or missus should call the church’s Children’s Learning Center at 501-666-5683 right away to reserve a spot. Ages six weeks through 5th grade are welcome. The cost is $20 per child. A dinner, outside play (weather permitting) and indoor activities will be provided from 6-9 p.m.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Arkansas Skatium: The fun begins at 7:30 p.m. Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater and receive FREE skate rental. The best/worst sweater wins a grand prize.

Saturday

Christmas on the Run at Rock City Running: Rise and shine at 6 a.m., dress in your best or worst holiday costume and join this Little Rock Marathon training group run. Distance and pace will vary. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes! The store will also offer specials and the chance to try out Altra shoes. 

Wynken, Blynken and Nod at Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre: Pay what you can to see this enchanting and whimsical production for toddlers and preschoolers at 10:15 a.m. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 501-372-4000 or in person at 2510 Cantrell Road in Little Rock. 

Cookie Decorating at Dempsey Bakery: Holiday cookies, icing and the skills do something with ‘em are supplied. Call 501-375-2257 to reserve a spot. Class is 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Madrigal Feast at Una Voice at Wildwood: Enjoy a Middle Ages-themed dinner with singing and dancing. Tickets are $25, and the fun starts at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday

Christmas Brunch Buffet with Santa at The Little Rock Club: Indulge in an assortment of gourmet eats from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 501-372-1821 for reservations. The cost is $29.95 for adults, $13.95 for children ages 6-10 and free for children ages 5 and under. 

Friday-Saturday

Lord of the Rings Cosplay Party & Lock-in at Spec Ops Gaming Lounge: Take part with elven ears and horns at this special effects workshop, Lord of the Rings/Tolkien trivia, a scavenger hunt to search for the one ring, a cosplay contest and more. Cost is $25. Unlimited video and board game play is included. The party starts at 8 p.m. Friday and ends at 6 a.m. Saturday. All ages are welcome, but an adult must be present with any guests who are 15 or younger.