It is always fun to attend a special events! This is our list of the best Christmas events in Little Rock and North Little Rock that we hope will be helpful as you plan your festive season!
Another good idea is to check with the local churches for Christmas events that they may be offering. Many churches have Christmas Eve services and some even offer festivals or nativity scenes.
Some of the area libraries also offer holiday activities that would be especially fun for children.
Let us know if there are any Little Rock holiday events that we might have missed!
Holiday Events in Little Rock
These events are roughly in order by date.
GloWild at the Little Rock Zoo
GloWild at the Zoo is one of the most unique of the holiday events in Little Rock. Kids of all ages will love seeing the HUGE silk covered lanterns in the shape of bugs, jungle animals and even mythical creatures.
This is a unique immersive encounter!
- DATE: Begins November 6 and continues on various dates through January 3
- LOCATION: Little Rock Zoo 1 Zoo Dr, Little Rock, AR 72205
- MORE INFORMATION and TICKETS: Little Rock Zoo: GloWild
Murray’s Dinner Playhouse
The Murray’s Dinner Playhouse will be performing the award-winning musical Frozen during the Christmas Season. If you have children, especially little girls you already know that this production will melt hearts of all ages.
- DATES: Various days from November 12 – 31
- LOCATION: 6323 Colonel Glenn Rd, Little Rock, AR 72204-7733
- MORE INFORMATION: Murray’s Dinner Theater
Piccolo Zoppe Winter Circus
A special event during the Christmas season to gather your family and indulge in unique live entertainment. Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus, is a magical European circus that is sure to capture your heart.
- DATES: Various days and times from November 13 – 22
- LOCATION: Argenta Arts District: 100 Bishop Lindsey Ave, North Little Rock, AR 72114
- MORE INFORMATION: Piccolo Zoppe
The Mayors Tree Lighting in Argenta
Kick off the Holiday season with the lighting of North Little Rock’s massive 38-foot Christmas tree right at the heart of the Argenta Arts District at the Argenta Plaza.
- DATE: November 18 at 6:00
- LOCATION: Argenta Plaza
- MORE INFORMATION: Mayors Tree Lighting
Argenta Community Theater Christmas Performance
In 2025 the Argenta Community Theater will be presenting “A Christmas Story!”
- DATES: November 19 – December 21
- LOCATION: Argenta Community Theater, 405 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114
- MORE INFORMATION: Argenta Community Theater
Northern Lights Holiday Festival in Argenta
This is an annual Holiday Festival in Argenta Plaza in North Little Rock. Northern Lights is free and family-friendly with live entertainment, fun activities for kids, and photos with Santa.
- DATES: November 22 from 3:00 – 7:00
- LOCATION: Argenta Plaza, 510 Main Street, North Little Rock
- MORE INFORMATION: Northern Lights Holiday Festival
Vist a Local Tree Farm
Are you a real tree family? Then you will definitely want to visit one of the Arkansas Christmas tree farms. Even if you use an artificial tree you might want to visit just for the fun and festivities.
We have an entire post that you might want to check out about the tree farms in Arkansas including a few that are in the Little Rock and the Central Arkansas area.
- DATES: Most of the local tree farms open the day after Thanksgiving
- LOCATION: Various places
- MORE INFORMATION: Arkansas Tree Farms
Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour
Step into a glow-filled evening with soaring strings and timeless melodies. Let this unforgettable performance become your new Christmas tradition.
- DATES: December 2
- LOCATION: Robinson Performance Hall: 426 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201
- MORE INFORMATION: Vienna Light Orchestra
View the Tree and Decor at the Capital Hotel
The Capital Hotel is not only the most historic, but also the grandest hotel in Little Rock.
They have a free tree lighting ceremony, but if you miss that you can always stop by for a drink or dinner and view the gorgeous tree and decor in their stunning lobby.
In addition to the free tree lighting ceremony there are events for children such as a Teddy Bear Tea and lunch with Santa. Do note that these sell out very quickly.
- DATE: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
- LOCATION: Capital Hotel 111 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
- MORE INFORMATION: Capital Hotel
Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase
At the Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase you will find hand crafted gifts to meet the interests of everyone on your list!
The event features arts and crafts in various media such as; wooden kitchen tools and other wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, stained glass, home decor, garden art, leather goods, and so much more!
There is free parking, a cash bar, and food service available.
- DATES: December 5-7
- LOCATION: Arkansas State Fairgrounds Hall of Industry, 2600 Howard Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72066
- MORE INFORMATION: Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase
Lighting of the Capitol Dome
The Lighting of the Capitol Dome is a special Arkansas event with a history that goes back to 1930. There will be a ceremony and a fireworks show, and afterward you will be able to go inside the Capitol Building and see all the beautiful Christmas decorations.
Children can even visit Santa in his workshop. The Capitol Gift Shop will also be open.
- DATE: December 6 at 5:30
- LOCATION: Arkansas State Capitol Building
- MORE INFORMATION: Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony
Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
This is such a fun race. Everyone is decked out in the crazy and fun Christmas gear with bells on…literally.
The race benefits the Arthritis Foundation. It is held this year at Two Rivers Park which also happens to be one of my favorite places in Little Rock!
- DATE: December 6
- LOCATION: Murray Park
- MORE INFORMATION: Jingle Bell 5K Walk/Run for Arthritis
The BIG Little Rock Holiday Parade
This year’s theme, “Candy Cane Christmas,” brings sweet surprises, dazzling floats, and festive cheer to downtown for one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Experience the magic of the season with festive floats, joyful music, and holiday cheer at The BIG Little Rock Holiday Parade in Downtown Little Rock!
- DATE: December 6
- LOCATION: Through the River Market and beyond on President Clinton Blvd.
- MORE INFORMATION: BIG Little Rock Holiday Parade
Razorback Basketball at Simmons Bank Arena
Want to see the HOGS play basketball without having to make the drive to Fayetteville? This is your chance. The Razorbacks will be playing Fresno State this winter season in North Little Rock.
- DATES: December 6
- LOCATION: Simmons Bank Arena
- MORE INFORMATION: Tickets at Simmons Bank Arena
Ballet Arkansas – The Nutcracker
Ballet Arkansas presents an annual production of The Nutcracker Spectacular at the Robinson Center.
The Nutcracker happens to be the largest and longest running holiday production in Arkansas.
- DATES: December 12 – 14
- LOCATION: Robinson Center 426 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201
- MORE INFORMATION: Ballet Arkansas
Arkansas Chamber Singers Christmas Performance
The Arkansas Chamber Singers will perform their annual Christmas concert at the Old State House.
This year the theme is Christmas around the world.
- DATE: December 12 (there are two other dates at other locations!)
- LOCATION: Old State House 300 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201
- MORE INFORMATION: Arkansas Chamber Singers
North Little Rock Christmas Parade
This is a yearly tradition in North Little Rock. Don’t miss out!
- DATE: December 14
- LOCATION: Main Street through the Argenta Arts District.
- MORE INFORMATION: NLR Christmas Parade
Holiday Performance with the Arkansas Symphony
One of the premiere holiday events in Little Rock is the Christmas production by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. This year they will be presenting Home for the Holidays.
The program will include many classic Christmas songs along with excellent solo vocalists, and a few local high school choirs.
- DATES: December 19-21
- LOCATION: Robinson Center 426 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201
- WEBSITE: Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
Ugly Sweater Race 5K
Strap on your running shoes and join the fun at the Ugly Sweater Race at Two Rivers Park.
This festive run supports the Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department and promises plenty of holiday cheer along the way.
- DATES: December 20
- LOCATION: Two Rivers Park
- MORE INFORMATION: Ugly Sweater Race 5K
We hope that you enjoy all of these holiday events in Little Rock! Let us know if there is an event that we have missed and we will add it to the list
Thanks for stopping by.
