Central Arkansas is a fantastic destination for fall and winter activities, with plenty of events and outings to enjoy in November and December. Whether you’re a local looking to embrace the season or a visitor hoping to explore, there are plenty of options to celebrate both autumn and the holiday spirit. Here’s a roundup of fun activities to experience in Central Arkansas in November and December of 2024.
UPCOMING EVENTS
1. Attend the Arkansas Cornbread Festival (November 9)
Head to the South Main (SoMa) district of Little Rock for the Arkansas Cornbread Festival, an annual celebration of Southern comfort food. This event, typically held in early November, brings together local chefs and home cooks who compete to create the best cornbread dishes. Attendees can sample a range of cornbread varieties, from traditional recipes to unique, creative spins. Live music, local vendors, and food trucks make this festival a lively and delicious way to kick off the season.
November 9th
11-4pm
1401 S Main St.
Little Rock, 72202
2. Hike Pinnacle Mountain State Park for Fall Foliage (November)
November in Arkansas offers cool weather and vibrant fall colors, and Pinnacle Mountain State Park is the perfect place to see it all. The park offers a variety of trails that range in difficulty, with the West Summit Trail providing some of the best views of the Arkansas River Valley. For a more laid-back experience, try the Kingfisher Trail, which is a scenic walk along the Little Maumelle River. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the vivid reds, oranges, and yellows!
3. Attend a Performance at the Robinson Center (November and December)
The Robinson Center in downtown Little Rock hosts a packed lineup of shows during the holiday season, from Broadway productions to concerts and comedy shows. Some notable shows in November and December may include classic holiday performances, symphony concerts, and family-friendly musicals. Check their event calendar in advance to secure tickets and make it a date night or a family outing.
426 W Markham
Little Rock, AR 72201
4. Explore the Little Rock River Market District (November and December)
The River Market District is a bustling spot year-round, but in November and December, it’s especially festive. Stop by the Ottenheimer Market Hall to check out local vendors selling handmade crafts, holiday decorations, and unique gifts. Nearby, you’ll find coffee shops and restaurants where you can cozy up with a warm drink. The district also offers a picturesque view of the Arkansas River, making it an ideal place for an afternoon stroll.
5. Kick Off the Holidays with the Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade (December 4)
Little Rock’s Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade typically marks the beginning of the holiday season, with the downtown area coming alive with floats, marching bands, and festive characters. This free, family-friendly event usually concludes with a ceremonial tree lighting, filling the streets with holiday lights and music. The parade is a cherished local tradition and a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.
6. Take a Holiday Light Tour at Garvan Woodland Gardens (November and December)
Located in Hot Springs, Garvan Woodland Gardens hosts its annual Holiday Lights display from late November through December. The gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland with over five million lights, creating stunning displays across the botanical landscape. Highlights include a lighted fairy garden, an animated light show at the Evans Tree House, and illuminated walkways winding through the gardens. It’s a magical outing that’s well worth the hour drive from Little Rock.
7. Visit Holiday Markets for Unique Gifts (November and December
Throughout Central Arkansas, holiday markets pop up in November and December, providing the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts and support local artisans. The Arkansas Craft Guild’s Christmas Showcase, the Ozark Folk Center’s holiday market, and smaller pop-up events around Little Rock and Conway are great places to find handmade items, art, jewelry, and seasonal decor. Many of these markets also offer festive activities and treats, adding to the holiday cheer.
Ozark Folk Center Holidays Craft Show
Saturday Nov 30th 10am
Ozark Folk Center State Park, 1032 Park Ave, Mountain View, AR
46th Annual Arkansas Craft Guild’s Christmas Showcase at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds
2600 Howard St.
Little Rock, AR 72206
December 6-8, 2024
Friday 10-6pm
Saturday 9-6pm
Sunday 10-4pm
8. Watch the Lighting of the Arkansas State Capitol (December)
A beloved holiday tradition, the Lighting of the Arkansas State Capitol in early December is a grand spectacle that draws people from across the state. The historic Capitol building is decked out in thousands of lights, and the ceremony includes live music, Santa sightings, and fireworks. The building remains beautifully illuminated through the holiday season, so even if you miss the initial lighting, you can still enjoy the festive sight on a nighttime walk downtown.
Saturday, December 7, 2024 - 5:30 PM -
Please join Secretary of State John Thurston for the 86th Anniversary of the Capitol Lighting Ceremony at the Arkansas State Capitol, continuing a legacy that began decades ago. Mark your calendars and don't miss this heartwarming tradition that brings our community together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
500 Woodlane St.
Little Rock, AR 72201
9. Experience an Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Historic Arkansas Museum (December)
In December, the Historic Arkansas Museum hosts an “Old-Fashioned Christmas” event. Visitors can experience holiday traditions from the 1800s, with activities like candle-making, caroling, and toy-making workshops. The museum grounds are decorated to reflect an old-fashioned Christmas, creating a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere that’s perfect for families. Hot cider and holiday treats add to the charm of this unique seasonal event.
two big holiday events this year.
The 55th Annual Frolic is on Sunday Dec. 4 from noon to 4 p.m. This is a special year for the event as it has been around for 55 years. As in year’s past, the museum and grounds will be open to visitors to enjoy holiday fun in a historic setting. Last year’s event included a festive agenda of fiddle music, dancing, opportunities to make holiday items like garlands, and plenty of hot cider and ginger cake. This year’s lineup should be a memorable one too. Historic Arkansas Museum is located in the block between Scott and Cumberland off East Third Street.
The museum will also be hosting their popular annual Nog-Off competition during December's 2nd Friday Art Night on Friday Dec. 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Restaurants from around Little Rock will take a shot at creating their best eggnog recipe for visitors to sample and vote on.
The grounds of Historic Arkansas Museum include a restored half-block of the original city of Little Rock. They also have some of the oldest buildings in the state still standing on their original sites. This includes the 1827 Hinderliter Grog Shop, which is the oldest building in Little Rock, the 1840s McVicar and Brownlee Houses, and the Woodruff Print Shop, which was home to the Arkansas Gazette newspaper founded by William E. Woodruff and home to the state's first lending library.
10. Ice Skating at the Arkansas Skatium (November and December)
If you’re looking for some classic winter fun, the Arkansas Skatium in Little Rock offers both ice skating and roller skating. Open year-round, the rink is especially popular during the holiday season, providing a cozy and festive atmosphere with seasonal music and decorations. It’s an ideal indoor activity for chilly November and December days and a great way to add a touch of traditional winter sports to your Arkansas holiday.
1311 S Bowman Rd
Little Rock, AR 72211
501-227-4333
11. Take a Scenic Drive Along the Arkansas Scenic Byways (November)
Arkansas boasts 11 scenic byways, including three national scenic by-ways and eight state scenic byways.
The Arkansas Scenic Byways offer some of the best views of fall foliage, and November is an ideal time to drive these routes before the leaves fall completely. The Pig Trail Scenic Byway (Arkansas 23) and the Talimena National Scenic Byway (Arkansas 88) are two popular options, offering winding roads with expansive views of mountains, valleys, and forests. A scenic drive is a relaxing way to experience the region’s beauty at your own pace.
Whether you’re out exploring the fall foliage, getting into the holiday spirit at a light show, or discovering local history and traditions, Central Arkansas has plenty to offer this November and December. Make time to enjoy the season’s unique charm, and you’re bound to find something memorable for every weekend leading up to the new year.
⬇️
Christy Robinson
Keller Williams Realty LR
📲501-274-3555 (cell)
📞501-907-5958 (office)
Comments