After Friday, the kids are officially off from school until next year! If you need some family-time inspiration to enjoy the beginning of break, check out these 15 events around the metro. Note: please wear your mask and social distance for all in-person events. 

For even more ideas, check our Complete Guide to the Holidays for details on light displays, trees farms and Santa sightings. 

Thursday, Dec. 17

Very Venezuelan Tacky Christmas

Grab those tacky sweaters and head to La Terraza for The Plato Navideno (the traditional Venezuelan Christmas Plate), available for dine-in or take away.

Where: La Terraza Rum & Lounge | 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock When: Starting at 5 p.m. For info: facebook 

Friday, Dec. 18

Winter Donation Drive for the Homeless Community by Always Giving A Hand, Inc.

Always Giving a Hand, Inc. is accepting gloves, scarves, socks and canned goods to be passed out to the local homeless community in Central Arkansas.

Where: 6701 W. 12th St., Suite 8, Little Rock When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For info: facebook 

"A Historic Ninth Street District Christmas" by the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission

Come celebrate the season with food giveaways, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and Christmas Holiday R&B classics at this outdoor, socially-distanced event. 

Where: 906 Broadway St., Little Rock When: 5-6:30 p.m. For info: facebook 

Ugly Christmas Sweater Skate at the Arkansas Skatium 

The Arkansas Skatium is celebrating the three S’s on Friday: snacking, skating, and (ugly Christmas) sweaters. 

Where: Arkansas Skatium | 1311 S. Bowman Road, Little Rock When: 6-10 p.m. Cost: Admission ($11/basic) + FREE skate rental if you wear an ugly Christmas sweater For info: facebook

Ballet Arkansas Magic of the Nutcracker Virtual Experience

Join Ballet Arkansas for a virtual experience as they revisit the years of their production of "The Nutcracker Spectacular." 

Where: virtual event When: 7 p.m. Cost: $25 For info: website, facebook

Saturday, Dec. 19

Santa Saturdays at the Little Rock Zoo 

This week, head to Civitan Pavilion for a Christmas story read along. Then, explore the zoo for animal enrichment activities happening all day. 

Where: Little Rock Zoo | 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: Included in admission | $12.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids 12-3, free for kids 3 & under For info: littlerockzoo.com/eventcalendar

Whimsy Christmas Party

Hot cocoa, coffee, activities, free cookies and goodies bags are all on the Whimsy Christmas Party agenda. Please RSVP to help with social distancing. 

Where: Whimsy Cookie Co. | 401 S. Bowman Road, Little Rock When: 2-3 p.m. Cost: Free For info: facebook

1st Annual Christmas 2020 Toy Giveaway at the Boys & Girls Club of Dalton Whetstone

Parents can bring their kids to this drive-thru event for food, drinks, school supplies and toys. 

Where: Boys & Girls Club of Dalton Whetstone | 46 Harrow Drive, Little Rock When: 2 p.m. For info: facebook

Sunday, Dec. 20

Brunch with Santa at The Rail Yard LR

Come hang with Santa and enjoy food truck food, holiday drinks specials and donate to their canned food drive. Bring two cans and get a free photo with Santa, Happy Hour drink prices and 10% off Count Porkula. 

Where: The Rail Yard | 1212 E 6th St., Suite 1, Little Rock When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For info: facebook

Virtual “Do You Want to Paint Olaf?” Event at Pinot’s Palette

Do you want to paint a snowman? Join Pinot’s Palette for a special Disney Christmas Music Virtual Event! Paint Disney's Christmas Album Cover featuring Olaf while listening to Disney's Christmas music. 

Where: Virtual Online Event by Pinot's Palette Little Rock | 11610 Pleasant Ridge Rd 11610 Pleasant Ridge Road, Little Rock When: 2-4 p.m. Cost: $15 (virtual link only); $35 (supplies) For info: littlerockfamily.com/calendar

All Weekend 

12 ACTS of Christmas

Join Argenta Community Theater as they continue their holiday gift to the community, 12 ACTS of Christmas. Each night leading up to Christmas, a new story will be streamed on their site for all to enjoy. 

Where: argentacommunitytheater.org When: Dec. 13-24, 8 p.m. Cost: Free! For info: website

“'Twas the Night Before Christmas” Virtual Play

Lexington Children’s Theatre in Kentucky is staging one of Arkansas Arts Center’s original Children’s Theatre scripts, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Families can purchase tickets to stream this festive treat throughout the month of December. 

Where: Virtual, grab tickets here When: Dec. 14-31 Cost: Family packs are available for $15, $25, $50 and $75 Ages: 5+ For info: arkansasartscenter.org/holiday-events

Friday & Saturday 

Funland Winter Wonderland in North Little Rock 

Visit Funland for an evening of family festivities including the Christmas train, Christmas carousel, hot cocoa, Christmas lights and food trucks.

Where: Funland | 25 Funland Drive, North Little Rock When: 5-9 p.m. Cost: Free for parents, $5 for children age 2 & older More info: 501-753-7307, bperkins@nlrpr.org 

Friday-Sunday

Cockrill’s Country Christmas

Christmas characters and animals will abound at Cockrill’s Country Christmas. Petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and more are included with admission. 

Where: Cockrills Country Critters Mobile Petting Zoo & Pony Rides | 2703 Ed Haymes Road, Austin When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: $15 per person, free for children 1 & under For Info: facebook 

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: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. For info: facebook