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We've found the best 2024 HOLIDAY events and experiences in Arkansas and can't wait to share them with you so you can choose what's best for your family!
NEW FOR 2024 - This year we've included holiday events throughout Arkansas. Whether you're visiting relatives out of town or want to explore the Natural State, we've got something for everyone!
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Ongoing Events
While we strive to keep our guides and calendars as up-to-date as possible, weather and other unforeseen circumstances may delay or cancel events. Call ahead to confirm or check social media for updates before going. Links are included in the calendar event listings for your convenience.
Lights for Lions 2024 at the Little Rock Zoo - Nov. 1, 2024 to Jan. 31, 2025 ~ website
- Donate your unwanted string lights and extension cords at the Front Gate
- The Zoo has partnered with TRG in North Little Rock to recycle the copper with proceeds going to the Lion Recovery Fund
Lights of the Ozarks in Fayetteville - Nov. 22, 2024, to Jan 1, 2025 ~ website
The most treasured celebration of holiday lights in Northwest Arkansas, Lights of the Ozarks, returns to Fayetteville's Historic Downtown Square!
Holiday Lights Extravaganza at Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources in Smackover ~ website
- Every Friday and Saturday, from Nov. 22-Dec. 21, 2024, 5:30-8:30 pm.
- $10 per vehicle with up to seven people and $2 for each additional person.
- The Holiday Hoopla on Dec. 7th is $20 per car with up to seven people and $5 for each additional person.
Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs - Nov. 23 to Dec. 31, 2024 ~ tickets
- Nestled in the picturesque Ouachita Mountains of Southwest Arkansas the gardens offer breathtaking sights (and fantastic photo opportunities) at every turn. Visit during the day and return at night for the incredible holiday display with 7 million lights!
Glisten in Greenbrier at Matthews Park - Nov. 30, 2024 to Jan. 4, 2025 ~ website
- Central Arkansas' premier winter wonderland
- Festive lights, FAB&T skating rink, special events, and more!
- Tree Lighting and Santa "Fly-In" on Sat., Nov. 30th
- Christmas Parade "Music Notes and Christmas Floats!" on Thur., Dec. 12th
ISO Foundation Toy Drive - Dec. 1-20, 2024 ~ event flyer
- Drop off new, unwrapped toys and join us for our event party on Dec. 21, 2024
Winter Glow at Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks - Dec. 6-22, 2024 ~ tickets
- Each weekend features a different theme, performers, and experiences.
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Pancakes at the North Pole at Main Event Little Rock ~ tickets
- Meet and Greet with Santa and a Pancake Breakfast Buffet
- Fun Activities, Cookie Decorating Contest, and Arcade Fun
North Little Rock Elks Christmas Parade ~ website
- Celebrate "Christmas Around the World" with Santa and Friends along Main Street
Story Time with Santa at Lights of the Ozarks ~ RSVP required
- Cozy up with friends and family for cocoa and cookies as Santa Claus reads holiday stories to children of all ages! Free with RSVP; also occurs on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
The Santa Clause 30th Anniversary (1994, PG) at Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock ~ tickets
- This holiday favorite stars Tim Allen as Scott Calvin, an ordinary man who unexpectedly finds himself filling Santa’s big boots after an accidental encounter on Christmas Eve.
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Holy Ghost Stories Live - The Christmas Show in Bella Vista ~ tickets
- Rediscover the wonder of Christmas with immersive Biblical storytelling and live cello accompaniment.
Greenbrier's Annual Christmas Parade ~ website
- Join us as we celebrate "Music Notes and Christmas Floats!"
Friday, December 13, 2024
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 35th Anniversary (1989, PG-13) ~ tickets
- Celebrate the holiday season with the Griswolds in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation! Join Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) as he attempts to create the perfect family Christmas, complete with mishaps, eccentric relatives, and one electrifying holiday display.
Fayetteville Festivus ~ website
- This new event features a Holiday Haul Shopping Crawl, tasty treats, food trucks, a Silent (Night) Disco, winter inflatables to play in and explore, and screenings of Nightmare Before Christmas and Gremlins!
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Save Christmas Project at Safe Haven of West Little Rock ~ website
- Save Christmas Project is a drive-through toy drive dedicated to making this holiday season special for children in under-resourced families - 9 am-5 pm
Cookies with Santa Pajama Jam at Rogers High School ~ tickets
- Join us in your Christmas Jammies and jam with Santa in our Christmas Candyland.
Gingerbread House Decorating at Rick's Bakers in Fayetteville ~ tickets
- Decorate with buttercream icing, candy, and sprinkles! Houses are preassembled and ready to decorate!
- This workshop is open to all ages and skill levels.
Christmas on the Square Blood Drive ~ schedule appt online
- Look for the Bloodmobile on Ozark Square & give the gift of LIFE - 11 am-4 pm
Christmas on the Square at Main Street Ozark ~ website
- Visit Santa and friends, "Buddy the Elf" and "Elsa" - 12:00-3:00 pm
December 15, 2024
"A Christmas Story" Dinner at Brood & Barley w/ ACT in North Little Rock ~ tickets
- Join us for a cozy evening filled with festive cheer, delicious food, and heartwarming performances by the cast of "A Christmas Story."
- A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to the theatre.
Story Time with Santa at Lights of the Ozarks ~ RSVP required
- Cozy up with friends and family for cocoa and cookies as Santa Claus reads holiday stories to children of all ages! Free with RSVP.
Christmas Tree Cake Class at Rick's Bakers in Fayetteville ~ tickets
- Decorate with buttercream icing while learning tips and techniques.
- This kid-friendly class is open to ages 5 and up.
December 17, 2024
Gremlins 40th Anniversary (1984, PG) at Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock ~ tickets
- This horror-comedy classic celebrates its 40th anniversary! It follows the mayhem that ensues when adorable Gizmo and mischievous gremlins wreak havoc on a small town at Christmas.
December 19, 2024
Elf (2003, PG) at Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock ~ tickets
- This modern holiday classic follows Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) as he discovers his true identity and sets off on a quest to New York City to find his real family. A perfect holiday film for all ages, Elf reminds us of the importance of family, joy, and believing in the magic of Christmas.
December 21, 2024
ISO Foundation Toy Drive Party in Little Rock ~ event flyer
- Santa and his elves arrive to spread holiday cheer at our toy drive event party!
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977, NR) at Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock ~ tickets
- This charming Jim Henson classic tells the story of Emmet and his Ma, who enter a talent contest to afford Christmas gifts for each other. Filled with heartwarming songs and delightful puppet characters, Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas is a nostalgic journey that captures the simplicity and magic of holiday traditions, making it perfect for family viewing.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946, PG) at Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock ~ tickets
- One of the most beloved holiday films of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who discovers the value of his life thanks to his guardian angel.
Santa on the Square in El Dorado ~ website
- Photos w/ Santa and free horse-drawn carriage rides and rides on the Queen City Train.
Pancakes with Santa at Off the Rail Cafe in El Dorado (afternoon event) ~ tickets
- Eat pancakes in your PJs and visit with Santa. What a wonderful holiday tradition!
- Tickets available Nov. 22nd.
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Do you know of an event that should be listed here?
Email sandrao@macaronikid.com or for NWA events, email karaa@macaronikid.com
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☃️ Happy Holidays from our families to yours! ☃️
