Christmas Events in Little Rock and North Little Rock (2026)

There are plenty of fun ways to celebrate Christmas in Little Rock and North Little Rock!

You can see gorgeous Christmas lights, watch The Nutcracker, take the kids to a holiday circus, shop for Arkansas-made gifts, run a race in your ugliest Christmas sweater, and even sample some very creative eggnog.

Whether you are looking for a family Christmas tradition, a holiday date night, or something festive to do with friends, here are some of the best Christmas events in Little Rock and North Little Rock.

NOTE: A few annual events have not announced their 2026 dates yet. I have noted those below and will update them as the information becomes available.

Christmas Lights and Classic Little Rock Traditions

GloWILD at the Little Rock Zoo

GloWILD transforms the Little Rock Zoo into a completely different place after dark.

The pathways are filled with huge handcrafted silk lanterns in the shapes of animals, plants, mythical creatures, and other colorful designs. It is much more than a traditional Christmas light display and is especially fun with kids.

GloWILD also has special themed nights during the season, including visits from Santa and a sensory-friendly evening.

  • 2026 Dates: Select nights October 29, 2026–January 3, 2027
  • Location: Little Rock Zoo, 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock
  • More Information: Little Rock Zoo GloWILD

The Mayor’s Tree Lighting in Argenta

The lighting of North Little Rock’s enormous Christmas tree is one of the events that kicks off the holiday season in Argenta.

The 38-foot tree stands in Argenta Plaza in the heart of the Arts District, making this an easy event to combine with dinner or drinks at one of the nearby restaurants.

North Little Rock Tourism still lists the Mayor’s Tree Lighting as one of its annual holiday traditions, but the currently published page contains the 2025 date.

Northern Lights Holiday Festival in Argenta

Northern Lights is a free, family-friendly Christmas festival held in the Argenta Arts District.

The festival typically includes a holiday market, live entertainment, children’s activities, food, photos with Santa, and plenty of Christmas lights surrounding the big tree in Argenta Plaza.

It’s a fun way to enjoy downtown North Little Rock during the Christmas season.

The festival is an annual North Little Rock event, although an official 2026 date has not yet been posted.

A Capital Christmas at the Capital Hotel

The Capital Hotel is one of the prettiest places in downtown Little Rock at any time of year, but it is especially beautiful at Christmas.

Stop by to see the large Christmas tree and holiday decorations in the grand lobby. You could also make an evening of it with dinner or drinks at the hotel.

The Capital Hotel calls its annual holiday celebration A Capital Christmas and typically offers special seasonal events in addition to the decorations.

  • 2026 Dates: Holiday season; special event dates to be announced
  • Location: Capital Hotel, 111 West Markham Street, Little Rock
  • More Information: Capital Hotel
The interior of the Capital Hotel at Christmas.

Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony

This is one of Arkansas’s great Christmas traditions.

The annual State Capitol Lighting Ceremony dates back to the 1930s and includes live entertainment, the lighting of the Capitol and Christmas tree, and a fireworks show.

The inside of the Capitol is also beautifully decorated for Christmas, so don’t just admire the lights from outside. Go inside and see the tree and decorations in the rotunda.

The ceremony takes place immediately after the Little Rock Holiday Parade, which makes it easy to attend both events.

  • Date: December 5, 2026
  • Ceremony Begins: 5:30 p.m.
  • Tree Lighting: Approximately 6:15 p.m.
  • Location: Arkansas State Capitol, 500 Woodlane Street, Little Rock
  • More Information: Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony
One of the most traditional of the holiday events in little rock is stopping by the state capitol building to see the lights on the outside and the decor on the interior. This photo is of the decor in the interior of the building in the rotunda.

Christmas Shows, Concerts and Performances

Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus

Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus brings a little old-fashioned European circus magic to North Little Rock during the Christmas season.

This is a small, intimate circus rather than a huge arena production, and the Zoppé family has a circus tradition that stretches back for generations.

Expect acrobatics, comedy, beautiful performances, and a festive atmosphere under the big top.

  • Dates: November 13–22, 2026
  • Location: Argenta Arts District, 100 Bishop Lindsey Avenue, North Little Rock
  • More Information and Tickets: Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus

Scrooge at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse

Murry’s Dinner Playhouse is going classic Christmas for 2026 with Scrooge.

This musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol follows Ebenezer Scrooge through his encounters with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.

Because this is Murry’s, your ticket combines dinner with the live stage production.

A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland

If you enjoy Irish music and dancing, this is a different way to start the Christmas season.

A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland brings traditional Irish dance, music, storytelling, and Christmas favorites to the Robinson Center for one performance in November.

A Christmas Carol at Argenta Contemporary Theatre

Another version of the Charles Dickens classic will be on stage across the river in North Little Rock.

Argenta Contemporary Theatre has a long tradition of producing A Christmas Carol, and the show returns for the 2026 Christmas season.

It’s a fitting production for the historic Argenta Arts District and an easy event to combine with dinner nearby.

  • Dates: December 2–19, 2026
  • Location: Argenta Contemporary Theatre, 405 Main Street, North Little Rock
  • More Information: Argenta Contemporary Theatre

Ballet Arkansas – The Nutcracker Spectacular

There are certain things that just feel like Christmas, and seeing The Nutcracker is one of them!

Ballet Arkansas presents its annual Nutcracker Spectacular at the Robinson Center with live accompaniment from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.

This is the largest and longest-running holiday production in Arkansas and one of Little Rock’s classic Christmas traditions.

  • Dates: December 11–13, 2026
  • Location: Robinson Center, 426 W. Markham Street, Little Rock
  • More Information and Tickets: Ballet Arkansas
Close up of a Christmas nutcracker. In the background are red lights that are blurry but the nutcracker is crisp and in focus.

Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour

If you love Pentatonix, this one is going to be a big Christmas event in Little Rock!

Pentatonix is bringing its Christmas in the City Tour to Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock on December 12, 2026. The group is especially known for its Christmas music and elaborate holiday concerts, so this should be a fun one if you want to make a night out of it.

Pentatonix has some devoted fans in our family. Both of my daughters and their husbands love them and already have tickets to this show!

  • Date: December 12, 2026
  • Time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock

Arkansas Chamber Singers Holiday Jazz

The Arkansas Chamber Singers are doing something a little different for their 2026 Christmas performance.

Their Holiday Jazz concert at the Clinton Presidential Library will feature the music of Rex Bell, along with a silent auction before the performance.

  • Date: December 15, 2026
  • Time: 7:00 p.m.; silent auction begins at 6:30 p.m.
  • Location: Clinton Presidential Library, Little Rock
  • More Information: Arkansas Chamber Singers

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra – Home for the Holidays

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Home for the Holidays concert is another longtime Little Rock Christmas tradition.

This annual performance fills the Robinson Center with Christmas music and is a beautiful way to celebrate the final weekend before Christmas.

  • Dates: December 18–20, 2026
  • Location: Robinson Center, 426 W. Markham Street, Little Rock
  • More Information: Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

Christmas Festivals, Parades and Special Events

Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase

If you want to shop local for Christmas gifts, the Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase is a great place to start.

Artists and craftspeople from around Arkansas and beyond bring handmade pottery, jewelry, woodwork, stained glass, leather goods, photography, home decor, fiber art, and much more.

This is a juried show, so the focus is on original handmade work rather than mass-produced merchandise.

  • Dates: December 4–6, 2026
  • Location: Arkansas State Fairgrounds Hall of Industry, 2600 Howard Street, Little Rock
  • Admission: $5, with limited free-admission periods
  • More Information: Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase

Little Rock Holiday Parade

Head downtown for floats, music, Santa, and plenty of Christmas cheer at the Little Rock Holiday Parade.

Family activities begin before the parade, including an opportunity to take photos with Santa at the Statehouse Convention Center. The parade travels along Markham Street through downtown.

Even better, you can stay downtown afterward and head to the Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony at 5:30.

  • Date: December 5, 2026
  • Parade: 3:00 p.m.
  • Location: Begins at Broadway and West Markham and travels east along Markham
  • Admission: Free
  • More Information: Little Rock Holiday Parade

The Nog-Off at Historic Arkansas Museum

Now THIS is a unique Little Rock Christmas tradition!

The annual Nog-Off at Historic Arkansas Museum is a friendly competition to determine who makes the best eggnog in Little Rock.

You’ll get to sample different versions ranging from historic recipes to more creative modern interpretations and vote for your favorite.

The event takes place during December’s 2nd Friday Art Night and is free to attend.

North Little Rock Christmas Parade

The annual North Little Rock Christmas Parade travels down Main Street through the Argenta Arts District.

Expect decorated floats, music, community groups, and plenty of hometown Christmas spirit.

Active and Outdoor Christmas Fun

Visit a Local Christmas Tree Farm

Are you a real-tree family?

Picking out a tree can be an entire Christmas outing, especially at farms that offer hayrides, treats, photo opportunities, wreaths, and other holiday activities.

Even if you use an artificial tree at home, visiting a Christmas tree farm can still be a fun way to spend an afternoon during the holiday season.

We have an entire guide to Christmas tree farms in Arkansas, including several in Central Arkansas.

  • Dates: Most farms open around Thanksgiving; check individual farms for 2026 schedules
  • Locations: Various locations around Central Arkansas
  • More Information: Best Christmas Tree Farms in Arkansas
Photo of a girl at a Christmas tree farm in arkansas.

Jingle Bell Run

Get out your Christmas gear and your running shoes for the annual Jingle Bell Run!

This festive 5K benefits the Arthritis Foundation, and participants are encouraged to wear Christmas costumes, bells, and plenty of holiday gear.

You don’t have to be a serious runner, either. There are both timed and untimed options.

  • Date: December 5, 2026
  • Location: Murray Park, 5900 Rebsamen Park Road, Little Rock
  • More Information and Registration: Jingle Bell Run Little Rock

Ugly Sweater Race

Dig out the tackiest Christmas sweater you can find and head to Two Rivers Park for the Ugly Sweater Race.

For 2026, you can choose from a 10K, 5K, or kids’ Elf Dash. There’s also a virtual option if you would rather participate on your own.

The race benefits Little Rock Parks and Recreation.

  • Date: December 19, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. for the 5K and 10K
  • Location: Two Rivers Park, 6900 Two Rivers Park Road, Little Rock
  • More Information: Ugly Sweater Race

There are so many fun ways to celebrate Christmas in Little Rock and North Little Rock. Whether you prefer Christmas lights, live performances, shopping, parades, or something a little quirky like an eggnog competition, I hope you find a new holiday tradition to enjoy this year!

Let us know if there is a Little Rock Christmas event that we missed.

Karen and Emily

Hey y'all! Thanks for stopping by.

We are Karen and Emily, a mother and daughter duo who write this blog together. We are based in Central Arkansas but love to travel all around our beautiful home state and share our discoveries with you!

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