5 Events for Weekend Fun: Fall Hayrides, Holiday Lights at the Promenade & More
Snap out of your turkey and pie-induced stupor and start planning your weekend fun! You can get away from the Black Friday madness and retreat into nature at several state park events or get your holiday fun started at The Promenade at Chenal's annual Celebration of Lights—which features special guests like Santa Claus and Olaf the Snowman!
If you're looking for even more holiday attractions, you can venture to a Christmas tree farm to chop down your own tree, share Christmas wishes with Santa at 14 locations, and follow the brightness of holiday lights around central Arkansas.
Green Friday & Fall Hayrides at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Looking to avoid shopping malls and traffic on Black Friday? Use Thanksgiving leftovers to prepare a picnic and hike to the top of Pinnacle Mountain! Guided hikes and nature programming are offered throughout the day. Plus, on Saturday and Sunday, families are invited on a fall hayride that includes hot chocolate and marshmallows around a campfire. Green Friday is 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 27; Fall Hayrides are 3-5 p.m. Nov. 28 & 29. Green Friday activities free; hayrides $12, children ages 6-12 $6. Info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain.
18th Annual Mountain Rendezvous at Petit Jean State Park: Experience a primitive camp and learn some of the survival skills used by Arkansas pioneers. Watch a variety of demonstrations including muzzleloading rifles, tomahawk throwing, and more at this three-day event co-sponsored by the Early Arkansaw Reenactor Association. Visit the park’s website for a full schedule of programs. Nov. 27-29. Info: (501) 727-5441, PetitJeanStatePark.com. FREE!
Wiggle Worms at Museum of Discovery: End your Thanksgiving festivities with one more foodie event! At this workshop, children ages 6 and younger are introduced to science with a fun experiment, and this week they’ll make some food discoveries with Whole Foods Market. 10 a.m. Nov. 28. Included with general museum admission. Info: (501) 396-7050, MuseumOfDiscovery.org.
8th Annual Celebration of Lights & Light the Night Sale at The Promenade at Chenal: A special sale event with hot cocoa and giveaways spreads holiday cheer! Santa has special helpers this year—the Ice Princess, Snow Queen and Olaf the Snowman—who will take pictures with fans and help with the lighting of the tree and display at 5:30 p.m. Stop by the fireplace for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 3-5 p.m.! 3-6 p.m. Nov. 28. For info: (501) 821-5552, ChenalShopping.com. FREE!
“The Nutcracker” at Garvan Woodland Gardens’ Anthony Chapel: Magical toy soldiers, sparkling snowflakes, mischievous mice, and all the enchanting inhabitants of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s whimsical world will be showcased in this stunning performance by the Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre Company, under the direction of Edmund Cooper. 6 p.m. Nov. 29. $25. Info: (501) 262-9300, GarvanGardens.org.