Enjoy family time around the metro with these holiday-themed events. Still stumped? Check our Complete Guide to the Holidays for details on light displays, trees farms, Santa sightings, parades and (even more) upcoming events. 

Thursday

Bernice Garden Virtual Tree Lighting 

This year, the Bernice Garden Tree Lighting will be virtual with a message from Santa and Blixen Baby, his funny reindeer. For a fun spin, families can take a selfie in masks beside the tree, post it on instagram or facebook and tag Bernice Garden. Three lucky winners will be announced on December 20 to receive a gift card from a SoMa restaurant.

Tree location: Bernice Garden | 1401 Main St., Little Rock Streaming location: facebook When: Dec. 3, 6-9 p.m. Cost: Free! For info: bernicegarden@gmail.com, 501-410-3938 

Holidays in Hillcrest

Tune in for the virtual tree lighting and enjoy in-person treats like classic carols from Pulaski Heights Baptist Church and a chance to stroll and shop local. 

  • Virtual Tree Lighting: facebook When: Dec. 3, 6-630 p.m. Cost: Free! For info: facebook

  • Carols: Pulaski Heights Baptist Church | 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock When: Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. Cost: Free! For info: facebook

Friday

City Year's "Candy, Candy Canes and Cars" Drive-In Movie Screening of "Elf" in Little Rock

Enjoy a drive-in screening of the holiday classic film "Elf" plus holiday music, food trucks with food for purchase and candy canes. Money raised at the event will directly support the work that City Year AmeriCorps Members provide to thousands of students in Little Rock. 

Where: MP Productions Outdoor Cinema | 6700 Allied Way, Little Rock When: Dec. 4, Gates open at 6 p.m., movie will begin at 7 p.m. Cost: $50 For tickets and info: website

Ballet Arkansas: Baking with the Sugar Plum Fairy

Join the Sugar Plum Fairy and together you'll bake holiday cookies and decorate Mother Ginger's gingerbread house! Shopping lists will be sent in advance. 

Where: virtual event When: Dec. 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cost: Free, RSVP required and donations suggested More info: website, facebook 

Saturday

Nexus Coffee & Creative Holiday Market & Brunch

Come enjoy delicious food and shop local for a holiday win-win. Featured vendors are Hills Pottery and Van's Honey. 

Where: Nexus | 301 B President Clinton Ave., Little Rock When: Dec. 5, 9 a.m. More info: facebook 

Santa's Snaps, Snacks, & Sales at Feelinthropic in Little Rock  

Enjoy snacks, shopping and Santa at Feelinthropic. Babies and fur babies are welcome for picture sessions—families will receive their digital photos the same day. 

Where: Feelinthropic | 5717 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock When: Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More info: facebook 

Funland Holiday Express and Pajama Party in North Little Rock 

Visit Funland for an afternoon of family fun including train rides, the carousel, reindeer games, visits with Santa, sled run, penguin slide, holiday crafts and more.

Where: Funland | 25 Funland Drive, North Little Rock When: Dec. 5, 1-5 p.m. Cost: Free for parents, $5 for children age 2 & older More info: 501-753-7307, bperkins@nlrpr.org 

63rd Annual REVERSE Christmas Parade in Downtown Jacksonville

This year, viewers will drive through the parade route to check out the floats. The parade begins at the corner of Sharp & Main streets and will end at First United Methodist Church on Main Street.

When: Dec. 5, 2-4 p.m. Cost: Free For info: 501-982-4171, cityofjacksonville.net

91st Annual Sausage Supper in Little Rock 

This drive-thru event will provide a delicious dinner and a chance for you to give back as a family. Make sure to bring an unwrapped child’s toy for Helping Hand.  

Where: Lady of the Holy Souls Church Allen Center Tyler and “I” Streets, Little Rock When: Dec. 5, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Cost: Adults $10, Children under 12 $5, $30 family maximum For info: facebook

Arkansas State Capitol Fireworks Show

While the Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade is off for this year, but the big fireworks finale is still on the books. Families are welcome to watch on the capitol grounds, just make sure to mask up and spread out.

Where: Arkansas State Capitol | 500 Woodlane Ave., Little Rock When: 6 p.m. Cost: Free For info: Learn more here.

Sunday 

Junior League of Little Rock's Zoom with Santa

Each virtual visit includes a 10-minute zoom session with Santa, a digital letter template and a digital picture of your child's chat. All proceeds support the Junior League’s mission. 

Where: Zoom, email used at time of purchase will be email used for all correspondence. When: Dec. 6, slots are available 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m. Cost: $40 More info: jllr.org

Cookies & Cartwheels Clinic at MGC Kids

Kids will work on mastering cartwheel skills, then take a well-deserved cookie break. MGC Kids Christmas elves will help kids decorate their very own Christmas cookies to bring home! 

Where: MGC Kids Main Building | 9300 White Oak Crossing North Little Rock When: Dec. 6, 1-2 p.m. Cost: $20 Ages: 5 & up More info: facebook

A Very, Merry MTCC Holiday Special

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center will host a virtual holiday experience with family-friendly music, crafts for the kiddos, cookie decorating demonstrations, a tribute to Robert "Say" McIntosh and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Where: Virtual event When: Dec. 6, 5-6:30 p.m. Cost: Free More info: websitefacebook

Windsor Valley Christmas Lights at Night

Come out to enjoy beautifully decorated homes during Windsor Valley’s annual Christmas Lights at Night.

Where: Windsor Valley Drive, North Little Rock When: Dec. 6, 6 p.m. Cost: Free More info: facebook

Friday-Sunday

St. Nick’s Weekend at the Movie Tavern

Enjoy a retro or current movie as a family this weekend and get some early Christmas treats. Kids who come to see a movie this weekend (retro or current film) can receive a free piece of candy or popcorn and a holiday coloring sheet! 

Where: Movie Tavern Little Rock | 11300 Bass Pro Pkwy, Little Rock When: Friday 3 p.m.-Sunday 8 p.m. Cost: Retro movies are just $5+tax on Friday and Saturday and only $1+tax on Sunday More info: facebook

Arkansas Craft Guild 42nd Annual Christmas Showcase in Little Rock 

Shop handmade arts and crafts by potters, glass artists, jewelers, fiber artists, woodworkers, photographers, home and fashion, plus specialty foods at the premier fine arts and crafts show in Arkansas.

Where: State Fairgrounds Hall of Industry | 2600 Howard St., Little Rock When: Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $5 at the door More info: facebook

Arkansas Arts Center Virtual Museum School Sale

Virtually shop handcrafted items and support local artists at the AAC virtual museum school sale. 

Where: Shop here When: Nov. 23-Dec. 18 More info: website

Saturday & Sunday

Christmas is Coming Brunch At The Corner

Every weekend leading to Christmas, families can enjoy a special Christmas menu highlighting Christmas dishes from around the world. Open for outside dining and curbside pickup only. 

Where: At The Corner | 201 E. Markham St., Little Rock When: Dec. 5 & 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. More info: facebook