So, Christmas is upon us, and that means shopping 'till we drop. Please don't take that literally, and don't forget to take a break from those big box stores to peruse local places and enjoy other holiday festivities that'll put a bit less strain on your budget.

Thursday 

The Go!bbler, Little Rock’s Turkey Trot: You can walk or run to feel less guilty about over indulging and give back at the same time. The event begins at 8 a.m. at Go! Running, 1819 N. Grant St. Entry is one non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Arkansas Foodbank. Cash donations also accepted. Options include 3-, 4-, or 6.5-mile routes. 

Friday

Christmas Party/Artisan Craft Fair at Blue Yoga Nyla: The studio will be raffling a six-month unlimited package to benefit Boone Park Elementary, and donations are welcome. Connect with your yoga family and pick up homemade gifts from 5-8 p.m.

Dino-Lites 2.0 at Mid-America Science Museum: Every Friday and Saturday evening from 5-7, visitors can see the Oaklawn Foundation DinoTrek as the dinosaurs are decorated by community groups and organizations competing for a chance to win $500. Visitors are invited to choose their favorite display. Join the museum at 5 p.m. Nov. 29 for the opening night as the staff flips the switch. 

Saturday

SoMa Business Saturday: Shoppers are invited to visit locally owned shops, eateries and entertainment options, starting at 7 a.m.

Think BIG, SHOP small at the River Market: This third annual Small Business Saturday event will feature goods from local retailers, artisans crafts and life entertainment. Enjoy an entertainment district beverage and bring your pet if you’d like. Starts at 11 a.m.

A Christmas Carol at CALS Children's Library: Join cranky ole Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey to become a better person who truly believes and lives by the spirit of this season of giving. Showtime is 11 a.m. FREE

Teddy Bear Tea at One Eleven at the Capital Hotel: Enjoy finger sandwiches, assorted pastries, hot chocolate and tea. Each child receives a teddy bear to take home and Santa pays a special visit. Event is 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tickets available by calling Judy at 501-370-7068. FREE

Deck the Rex at the Museum of Discovery: Help the museum decorate its T-Rex for the holidays from 2-4 p.m.! Enjoy tinkering activities, meet museum animals, make ornaments to place on Rexy, enjoy snacks and more. This event is recommended for ages 3-10. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets must be purchased in advance. They are $5 for Museum of Discovery members, $15 for adult non-members and $13 for children non-members (cost of museum admission is included).

Northern Lights Festival in Argenta: Celebrate the grand opening of Argenta Plaza, 510 Main St., in the Argenta Arts District of North Little Rock with this community holiday festival. The fun begins at 4 p.m. FREE

Sunday

Alternative Market at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral: Advent wreaths and candles for the home will be available for purchase, along with other gifts, starting at 10 a.m. in Morrison Hall. Vendors include Stewpot, Saint Francis House, Rice Depot, Our House, Heifer International, EYC, The Cathedral Choir and Episcopal Relief and Development.

Giving Gallery at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church: Do some bidding at this silent auction featuring local artists. It will benefit Ozark Mission Project. There will be snacks and drinks, too, starting at 2 p.m. 

The Nutcracker Ballet with South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra: Watch as Clara takes her magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets and meets plenty of interesting characters. Showtime is 3 p.m. Doors open at 2:15.