Maybe you have family or friends here, and you’re just in town for the holidays. Maybe you’re the host, trying to find things for the whole family to do together. Or, maybe you’re just taking advantage of a long weekend. Whatever the reason, we’re just glad you’re spending Thanksgiving weekend with us here in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Here are some ideas to throw out while you’re passing around the turkey:
Thursday, November 28
Thanksgiving Feast, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sometimes, you just want to enjoy the holiday meal without cooking the holiday meal! Wyndham Riverfront Hotel will have their infamous Thanksgiving Feast again this year on Thursday, November 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations required by calling 907-4826.
Friday, November 29
WWE Live Holiday Tour, 7:30 p.m.
Coming to Simmons Bank Arena, WWE Live Holiday Tour promises plenty of excitement mixed with lots of family-friendly entertainment. See some of the biggest names in sports entertainment! Get $10 off select seats by using the promo code THEMAN (online only). Offer valid through November 29. Buy Tickets
A Fertle Holiday at The Joint, 8 p.m. (Friday & Saturday)
This original two-act comedy at The Joint Theater & Coffeehouse chronicles the Fertle Family’s trouble-ridden reunion in the tiny town of Dumpster, Arkansas, as they attempt to entertain their rich relatives from San Diego. The Main Thing comedy trio brings the quirky family to life by portraying all the relatives and townspeople needed to create the illusion of a bustling Christmas get-together. Good, clean fun for all ages!
Saturday, November 30
Northern Lights Festival 2019, 5:30 p.m.
This family-friendly, dog-friendly, free holiday festival is the perfect way to get you in the holiday spirit. With live music, food trucks, holiday vendors, kids activities, North Little Rock’s biggest Christmas tree yet, horse carriage rides, libations, actors in period costumes and photos with Mrs. Claus and Santa, the Northern Lights Festival in North Little Rock promises all ages and interests can find something to enjoy. Also, you’ll be part of a historic moment: the festival marks the grand opening of Argenta Plaza, a beautiful, modern outdoor space in the Argenta Arts District of North Little Rock. Did we mention it was free?
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Caring Santa at McCain Mall, 9 a.m.
McCain Mall will have Caring Santa in Center Court 9 am – 11 am. This is a subdued environment in which they will turn down the music, turn the escalators off, leave the lights turned off and schedule times for children with special abilities to come and see Santa in a comfortable environment for themselves and their families. Online reservations will be available soon!
And speaking of McCain Mall…if you plan to get some holiday shopping done, be sure to stop by ALS in Wonderland at the top of the escalator to have your gifts wrapped. Donations welcome.
Annual North Little Rock Sertoma Christmas Parade, 2 p.m.
Every first Sunday of December, at 2 p.m., the North Little Rock community gathers for its annual Christmas Parade. There’s something nostalgic and comforting about families lining the historic Main Street, watching high school bands, community groups, the Mayor, fire and police and antique cars slowly inch down the 1.7-mile route.
North Little Rock Heritage Center: Holiday Open House
Come early or stay late after the Christmas Parade to check out the North Little Rock Heritage Center‘s annual holiday train exhibit, complete with a “train tree.” The exhibit chronicles North Little Rock’s long railroad history, with a variety of photographs and artifacts. The Union Pacific Credit Union Train Tree is unique, and was built with help from volunteers from the nearby Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. There is no admission for the Heritage Center, which is open during the Christmas parade and regularly 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the week.
Group Activity Ideas
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum – get up-close and personal with a World War II-era submarine and historic tugboat. For those able and willing, you can even take a tour of the submarine. Don’t worry, it’s heated.
Holiday shopping and photos with Santa at McCain Mall – in case you have hardcore Black Friday shoppers in your group, McCain Mall is a great way to let everyone divide and conquer their holiday shopping (and see Santa!).
Rock Region METRO Streetcar Rides (FREE!) – one of the most fun ways for families to experience North Little Rock and Little Rock. Hop on and off in the Argenta Arts District for dining and entertainment, or leisurely walks downtown. Rides are free and ADA-accessible.
Central Arkansas Escape Rooms – nothing brings a family together like being locked in a room together (not really locked, of course, it’s all in good fun).
Take Aim Axe Throwing (ages 14+) – in case you missed it, axe throwing is the new dart throwing. Understandably, this fun activity of throwing axes at targets is for ages 14 and up, if you have an older crowd to please.
Family pictures at The Old Mill – you’ve already got the gang together, might as well take advantage of it and snap some great family photos! The Old Mill is open year-round, free, and is beautiful even in the fall and winter.