November
What: Andy Warhol: 15 Weeks of Fame
When: through Feb. 1
Where: Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock
This three-part exhibition features 63 iconic silkscreen prints that propelled Warhol to the front of the 1960s pop art phenomenon. The exhibition also features drawings and objects created by Warhol including his 1964 Brillo Boxes, a triple portrait of Marilyn Monroe, and the Silver Clouds room.
Info: (501) 372-4000, or visit www.arkarts.com
What: 12th Annual Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends
When: Nov. 18–Dec. 31
Where: Pine Bluff/Jefferson Co. Regional Park, Pine Bluff
One of the state’s largest drive-through holiday light displays covers 1.2 miles of Regional Park, which becomes a winter wonderland. Enjoy the show from the comfort of your vehicle from 6–9 p.m. nightly. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Info: (800) 536-7660, or visit www.pineblufffestival.org/home
What: 7th Annual Dazzle Daze
When: Nov. 20–22
Where: Don Owen Sports Center, Conway
This three-day holiday shopping event features more than 60 merchants from around the country. Events include: Girl's Nite Out Preview Party on Nov. 20 from 6–9 p.m.; general shopping on Nov. 21 from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. and Nov. 22 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Breakfast with the Clauses on Nov. 22 from 8:30 a.m.–10 a.m. General admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and free for children under 12.
Info: (501) 513-5771, or visit www.dazzledaze.com
What: Hayride and Campfire
When: Nov. 22–23
Where: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock
Enjoy a fun-filled hayride as we explore woods and fields. You'll enjoy the unspoiled scenery of the park’s hills and valleys. Afterwards warm up with a roaring campfire and treats. Advance payment required. Limited seating available. The event is held from 5–6:30 p.m. Meet at the Pinnacle Mountain State Park visitor center. Admission is $8 for adult and $4 for children ages 12 and under.
Info: (501) 868-5806, or visit www.arkansasstateparks.com
What: 73rd Annual World's Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over The Prairie Festival
When: Nov. 22–29
Where: Downtown Stuttgart on Main Street
There will be duck calling contests, Queen Mallard Pageant, duck gumbo cook-off, arts and crafts, commercial exhibits, off-road vehicles, carnival, Great 10K Duck Race and more. Most events are free.
Info: (870) 673-1602, or visit www.stuttgartarkansas.com
What: 13th Annual Lights of the Delta
When: Nov. 25–Dec. 27
Where: Arkansas Aeroplex and downtown Blytheville
A family tradition since 1995, 6 million lights in a 1.5 mile drive-thru create an award-winning lighting display and holiday experience. Hayrides are offered every night and pictures with Santa every weekend. There’s also a live Nativity and souvenir stand. Several new major displays will be added this year. Admission is $10 per vehicle and up.
Info: (870) 762-9788, or visit www.lightsofthedelta.com
What: 21st Annual Winter Wonderland Arts & Crafts Festival
When: Nov. 28–29
Where: Hot Springs Convention Center, Hot Springs
Enjoy this arts, crafts and gift show from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at the convention center. More than 250 vendors display a variety of hand crafted items.
Info: (501) 262-3651, or visit www.hotsprings.org
What: 11th Annual Mountain Rendezvous
When: Nov. 28–30
Where: Petit Jean State Park, Morrilton
Enjoy a primitive mountain camp and learn some of the survival skills used by early Arkansans. Watch a variety of demonstrations including muzzleloading rifles, tomahawk throwing and more. It is co-sponsored by the Early Arkansas Re-enactor Association. Admission is free.
Info: (501) 727-5441, or visit www.petitjeanstatepark.com
What: Caroling in the Caverns--A Christmas Concert
When: Nov. 29–Dec. 21
Where: Blanchard Springs Caverns, Mountain View
Marvel at the beauty of astonishing formations coupled with the sounds of caroling resounding through the caverns as musicians perform your favorite old-time Christmas songs. Shows are held on weekends, and reservations are required. Tickets are $17 per person.
Info: (888) 679-2859, or visit www.YourPlaceintheMountains.com
What: ArtBlast 2008
When: Nov. 29
Where: Hot Springs Convention Center, Hot Springs
This interactive, hands-on arts festival is for kids age 4-18 with 18,000 square feet of art activities. A collaboration of non-profit art organizations, the programs include painting, drawing, drum making, documentary filmmaking, poster contests, music activities, a treasure hunt and lots of fun for the entire family. The event will be held from 10 a.m.– 2p.m., and tickets are $5 each.
Info: (501) 625-3992, or visit www.artblasths.org
December
What: 24th Annual Rogers Community Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 1
Where: Rogers Historic Downtown District
Floats, marching bands, decorated cars, scout troops, choirs and Santa parade through historic downtown Rogers. Pre-parade entertainment includes local school and church group choirs, dance studios and more at many intersections beginning as early as 6:15 p.m. The parade begins at 7 p.m.
Info: (479) 936-5487, or visit www.mainstreetrogers.com
What: North Little Rock Holiday Lights Display
When: Dec. 1–30
Where: Burns Park, North Little Rock
This drive-thru display within Burns Park features lovely holiday lights and displays. Dashin' thru the Lights, a fun half-mile run/walk is generally held the second Saturday of the Lights Display. Admission is $5 per car, $10 for multi-passenger vans and $20 for motorcoaches. The display is held nightly from 6–10 p.m.
Info: (501) 753-7307, or visit www.northlittlerock.travel
What: 8th Annual Enchanted Forest & Holiday Trails of Lights
When: Dec. 1–30
Where: Sherwood Forest, Sherwood
A spectacular 1.5-mile drive-thru stretch of holiday lights with displays for the trail provided by the Sherwood A&P Commission, businesses and individuals. New displays are added each year. Admission is free but donations are accepted.
Info: (501) 835-8909
What: Gallery Walk
When: Dec. 5
Where: Downtown Hot Springs
Stroll beautiful downtown Hot Springs and enjoy some of the finest contemporary art in America. The art galleries that sparkle like a fine necklace in the heart of the Victorian downtown district stay open until 9 p.m., often with music and complimentary refreshments. Admission is free.
Info: (501) 624-0550, or visit www.hotsprings.org
What: Eureka Springs Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 5
Where: Downtown Eureka Springs
This evening parade features floats, walkers, bands and thousands of lights as it makes its way through downtown Eureka Springs. Admission is free.
Info: (800) 638-7352, or visit www.eurekaspringschamber.com
What: Mena Christmas Festival
When: Dec. 5
Where: Downtown Mena and Janssen Park
This delightful night parade features food vendors, fireworks, lighted displays, Santa, caroling and more. The parade starts at 6 p.m., and admission is free.
Info: (479) 394-8355, or visit www.visitmena.com
What: Mount Magazine State Park Winter Open House
When: Dec. 6
Where: Mount Magazine State Park, Paris
Enjoy the warm, festive atmosphere of the holiday season in the park. Begin your holiday shopping early in our gift shops. Discover winter wildlife outside the visitor center's wildlife viewing window and through interpreter-led programs. Children can learn about recycling and wildlife as they make gifts to take home. Free gift wrapping and light refreshments will be served courtesy of Mount Magazine Action Group volunteers. Admission is free.
Info: (479) 963-8502, or visit www.MountMagazineStatePark.com
What: Christmas Open House
When: Dec. 6
Where: Petit Jean State Park, Morrilton
See Petit Jean State Park dressed in its Christmas finery. Activities, crafts, and seasonal entertainment are planned for the afternoon at historic Mather Lodge. Rumor has it that Santa will be making an appearance to have his picture taken with the young at heart. Admission is free.
Contact: (501) 727-5441, or visit www.petitjeanstatepark.com
What: Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony
When: Dec. 6
Where: State Capitol Building, Little Rock
Join Secretary of State Charlie Daniels after the Big Jingle Jubilee Parade for the annual Capitol Lighting Ceremony featuring fireworks, music, children’s activities and more. Admission is free.
Info: (501) 682-1010, or visit www.littlerock.com
What: Christmas in the Wild
When: Dec. 6
Where: Little Rock Zoo
Children can meet Santa, enjoy cookies and milk, and make some fun crafts. Then, travel with Santa to give the animals some special Christmas presents. Reservations are required.
Info: (501) 661-7203, or visit www.littlerockzoo.com
What: Battle of Prairie Grove Re-enactment 1908-2008)
When: Dec. 6–7
Where: Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, Prairie Grove
The park will commemorate the 146th anniversary of the Battle of Prairie Grove and the 100th Anniversary of Battlefield Park. Re-enactors and spectators can participate in guided tours through Union, Confederate, and civilian camps; various military drills; cooking, spinning, and lace-making demonstrations; and living history programs. Battle demonstrations begin at 1 p.m. each day, featuring charges and counterattacks by Union and Confederate infantry and cavalry, on the actual battlefield. Parking is $4 per vehicle.
Info: (479) 846-2990, or visit www.arkansasstateparks.com
What: 2nd Friday Art Night
When: Dec. 12
Where: Downtown Little Rock/River Market District
The 2nd Friday Art Night offers many great opportunities for art and movie lovers to enjoy in downtown Little Rock from 5–8 pm. Held monthly, this free after-hours event is open to the public. Each Art Night location has something special planned, and an Art Night shuttle will run a continuous loop, stopping at each gallery. Shuttle service ends at 8:30 pm.
Info: Visit www.2ndfridayartnight.com
What: 5th Annual Holiday Extravaganza
When: Dec. 12–13
Where: Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home
Great holiday gifts for everyone will be for sale, including crafts, baked goods, NASCAR memorabilia, kitchen items, Red Hat items, jewelry and more Face painting and pictures with Santa available. Hours are 8 a.m.–6 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free.
Info: (870) 425-9261
What: Second Saturday Gallery Stroll
When: Dec. 13
Where: Lower Spring Street, Eureka Springs
No where else within half a day's drive will you find, in just 11 fine art/fine galleries, more than 751 artists and craftsmen as represented by Eureka Springs Gallery Associates. Seek and find on downtown Spring Street with one just steps away on Center. The stroll takes place from 6– 9 p.m., and admission is free.
Info: (479) 253-7679, or visit www.artofeureka.com
What: Caroling in the Forest
When: Dec. 13
Where: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock
Meet at the Kingfisher Trailhead for an easy, 1/4-mile stroll into the forest along a paved path. The path is stroller and wheelchair-friendly. Wear warm clothes, bring a flashlight and your best singing voice. Caroling will take place from 7–8:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Info: (501) 868-5806, or visit www.arkansasstateparks.com
What: Christmas in the Wild
When: Dec. 13
Where: Little Rock Zoo
Children can meet Santa, enjoy cookies and milk, and make some fun crafts. Then, travel with Santa to give the animals some special Christmas presents. Reservations are required.
Info: (501) 661-7203, or visit www.littlerockzoo.com
What: Saturday Discoveries at the Museum of Discovery
When: Dec. 13
Where: Museum of Discovery, Little Rock
Saturday Discoveries is a great way to learn more about science through hands-on activities and experiments. A different theme is held each program, so attend one or attend them all! Saturday Discoveries is held from 1–4 p.m. and is open to children in grades kindergarten through sixth. Call ahead for reservations. December’s program is about how animals survive their environments by adapting.
Info: (501) 396-7061, or visit www.amod.org
What: Winter Bird Cruise
When: Dec. 20–21
Where: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock
Dress warmly and join a park interpreter for a guided boat cruise on Lake Maumelle near Pinnacle Mountain. You’ll look for winter birds and other wildlife, discuss the area’s unique geology, and just enjoy the scenery. Space is limited. Reservations and advance payment required. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6–12. Cruises will be held from 1–2:45 p.m. and 3–4:30 p.m.
Info: (501) 868-5806, or visit www.arkansasstateparks.com
What: Christmas on the Mountain
When: Dec. 21–24
Where: Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Mena
For this family fun Christmas on the mountain, there will be wagon rides, tree decorating, crafts, caroling, concerts and more. Admission is free.
Info: (479) 394-2863, or visit www.queenwilhelmina.com
What: Holiday Hayride and Campfire
When: Dec. 27
Where: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock
A park interpreter will be your guide on a chilly adventure through the woods. Afterward, warm up with hot chocolate and a toasty campfire. Wear warm clothes and bring blankets. Advance registration and payment required. Limited seating is available. The event takes place from 3–5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 12 and under.
Info: (501) 868-5806, or visit www.arkansasstateparks.com
What: Zoo Year’s Eve
When: Dec. 31
Where: Little Rock Zoo
Get “cat scratch fever” as you dance the night away at the Little Rock Zoo. Zoo Year's Eve is central Arkansas’s only formal New Year’s Eve event complete with live music, original decor, food from fine dining area restaurants, delicious beverages and a silent auction with some very special and very rare animal art. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person and all proceeds benefit the Arkansas Zoological Foundation.
Info: (501) 661-7208, or visit www.littlerockzoo.com
What: Annual Tinsel and Tails: A Celebration With Friends New Year’s Eve Gala
When: Dec. 31
Where: Holiday Inn City Center Ballroom, Fort Smith
At this New Year’s Eve celebration, enjoy hors d'oeuvres, dinner music, silent auction, live auction and a live band: Ultra Suede. There will be a midnight balloon drop, champagne toast and breakfast buffet. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Tickets are $100 per person.
Info: (479) 783-2022, or visit www.alz.org/alzokar
What: First Night Fayetteville
When: Dec. 31
Where: Fayetteville Square
First Night Fayetteville is a celebration of the community and the arts on New Year’s Eve. First Night is a memorable way for your family and friends to mark the passage of time with fantasy, festivity and fun. To help you welcome the year 2009, First Night offers the finest in music, theater, dance, visual arts, puppetry, storytelling and magic. Festivities begin at 6 p.m.
Info: (479) 443-4797, or visit www.firstnightfayetteville.org
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