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Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like going to see arrays of sparkling lights and ornaments. Add in parades, music and baking contests and you have a full weekend to kick off a joyful holiday season. Get out and enjoy the magic and wonder of the holiday season this weekend, Only in Arkansas.
Parades
Annual Christmas Parade and Lighting of Downtown- Heber Springs
See the dramatic lighting of the historic Cleburne County Courthouse, listen to Christmas carolers, and sip hot chocolate. The parade features the big man himself, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. After the parade, visit with Santa and share your Christmas wish list with him.
When: Dec. 2
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Main Street
Contact: 501-362-8137
Photo Courtesy of Jingle Jubilee Parade Facebook Page
Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade- Little Rock
Dust off your holiday wreaths, shine up the jingle bells and mark your calendars now to enter the 2017 Little Rock’s Annual Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade. Sponsored by the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, the parade will take place Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at 3 p.m. in Downtown Little Rock. The Parade will begin at 2nd and Broadway, follow Broadway to Capitol Avenue, then proceed down Capitol Avenue to the State Capitol.
When: Dec. 2
More Info: Click Here
Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce Parade of Lights- Eureka Springs
The Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce Parade of Lights is one of the most anticipated holiday parades in Arkansas! This unique and beautiful parade begins along Spring St. in the Historic Loop of Eureka Springs, AR. You don’t want to miss this magical light parade!
When: Dec. 1
Time: 6 p.m.
Contact: 479-253-8737
Rogers Christmas Parade
Join the City of Rogers for their annual Christmas Parade held in Downtown Rogers. With special guest, Santa Claus.
When: Dec. 1
Where: Downtown Rogers
Contact: 479-936-5487
Searcy Christmas Parade
When: Dec.
Time: 6 p.m.
Contact: 501-268-2483 or Facebook
Forrest City Community Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 1
Time: 7 p.m.
Contact: 870-633-1651
Events
Arkansas State Capital
An Arkansas holiday tradition is the lighting of the State Capitol. The state’s official tree, the George Jernigan tree located on the front lawn of the capitol, will be decorated with hundreds of lights, and Santa Claus is on hand to listen to children’s wish lists. A fireworks extravaganza rounds out the program.
When: Dec. 2
Parade at 3 p.m.- Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m.
A Night with Black Crafted: Fashion & Trunk Show
To celebrate the arrival of the holiday season, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in downtown Little Rock will host A Night with Black Crafted: Fashion & Trunk Show December 1. The event, which recognizes creations by black Arkansans, will include a catwalk through museum exhibits. Designs by Project Runway season five runner-up Korto Momolu, bow-tie designer Jerald Mitchell and others will be featured. Live entertainment and food will also be available. While the event is free, those interested are asked to RSVP at info@mosaictemplarscenter.com or (501) 683-3593.
When: Dec. 1
Venue: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Contact: info@mosaictemplarscenter.com or (501) 683-3593
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Vesper Choir’s Annual Performance of Handel’s “Messiah”
For the 64th year, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Vesper Choir will present its annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The internationally recognized choir, celebrated for its diverse performances and repertoire, will perform with an orchestra and is under the direction of Professor of Music Michael J. Bates. The event is free and open to the public.
When: Dec. 3
Venue: Pine Bluff Convention Center
Time: 3 p.m.
Contact: UAPB Department of Music, (870) 575-7001
Mosaic Templars Cultural Center’s 6th Annual Sweet Potato Pie Baking Contest
Pie lovers, rejoice! The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock is hosting its “Say it Ain’t Say’s” Sweet Potato Pie Baking Contest from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. In conjunction with the museum’s yearly Holiday Open House, the event will feature 12 to 16 contestants competing for a first- or second-place spot in either the professional or amateur categories. The museum says a people’s choice winner will be named, as well.
When: Dec. 3
Venue: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
Time: 2-5 p.m.
Contact: info@mosaictemplarscenter.com or (501) 683-3593
The Gift Of The Magi- Little Rock
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre is proud to present the world premiere of a new chamber musical based on O. Henry’s beloved holiday story. Unwrap a new tradition in this tender tale of love and sacrifice, told with fresh intimacy on The Rep stage. Jim and Della may not have much, but they have each other. As Dec. 25 approaches, they each lament their modest means and search for the perfect gift for their beloved spouse.
When: Nov. 29- Dec. 24
Venue: Arkansas Repertory Theater
Website/Tickets: http://www.therep.org
Christmas on the Square- Marion
Celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way with your friends and neighbors in the historic Courthouse Square. Browse unique booths filled with one of a kind crafts while enjoying favorite holiday treats. The kids will have a ball riding the train and decorating cookies. Music provided by the Marion High School Jazz Band and Choir. Of course, Santa will make an appearance to the delight of everyone and a photographer will be on hand to capture all the magic.
When: Nov. 30
Time: 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Where: 100 Court St. Marion, AR
Admission: Free
Contact: 810-739-6041
Light up the Bay- Fairfield Bay
The annual lighting of the Christmas trees. Encore provides your favorite holiday drinks. Includes a visit from Santa, charity silent auction, five big trips given away. Kick off your holidays with wonderful holiday live music, you can sing along or take a mic and sing!
When: Dec. 1
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Venue: Fairfield Bay Conference Center
Admission: Free ($8 for dinner)
Contact: 501-884-3324
Website: http://www.ffbchamber.com
The Arkansas Craft Guild 39th Annual Christmas Showcase
The Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase features handmade fine art and crafts by members of the Arkansas Craft Guild and their guests. It is an annual event, held the first weekend in December.
When: Dec. 1- Dec. 3
Time: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Venue: Little Rock Statehouse Convention Center
Admission: $5
Website: http://www.arkansascraftguild.org
Annual Festival of Christmas- Arkadelphia
A Festival of Christmas is an annual musical production that rings in the Christmas season as Ouachita Baptist University’s gift to the community. Featured vocal ensembles include the Ouachita Concert Choir, Ouachita Singers, Women’s Chorus and Ouachita Sounds.
When: Dec. 1- Dec. 2
Venue: Jones Performing Arts Center
Admission: $12
Website: https://www.obu.edu/boxoffice/
Contact: 870-245-5218
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical – Fayetteville
The beloved TV classic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different might just be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition when it makes its highly anticipated return to Walton Arts Center!
When: Dec. 1- Dec. 2
Venue: Walton Arts Center
Website: https://waltonartscenter.org/kids-series/
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