It’s finally Christmas, and one thing that central arkansas is good at is celebrating the ever-festive season. There are countless things to do within a reasonable distance that will definitely turn even the most cynical person from the Grinch to George Bailey. Even though some have passed, there’s still time for yuletide and cheer to abound. 

Hot Springs: 

Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre Company Presents “The Nutcracker” 

On Nov. 25 at 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. at LakePointe Church on 1343 Albert Pike Road, Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece will be presented with a youth cast mixed with professional performers. 

“It’s a Wonderful Life in Hot Springs” Holiday Celebration 

The second annual celebration will feature fine art galleries and studios with art demos, exhibits, and events from Dec. 1-4. You can shop for art, donate cash to the Jackson House, and see work by Jimmy Leach, Bill Sorrells, and Virgil Barksdale. Other galleries that will have special events are the Artists Workshop Gallery, Gallery Central, Justus Fine Art Gallery, Legacy Fine Art Gallery, and the Whittington Gallery & Studios. 

Miracle on 34th Street the Play presented by the Pocket Community Theatre 

The classic Christmas film will be translated to the stage from Dec. 1 to Dec. 10 at 170 Ravine St. and will be directed by Stephen Fryar. Performance dates are Dec. 1&2 7:30 p.m., Dec. 3 2:30 p.m., Dec. 8&9 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 10 2:30 p.m.. Tickets are general admission $10 and students through age 12 $5. 

Hot Springs Christmas Parade 

On Dec. 4 in Downtown Hot Springs, this year’s “The Magic of Christmas” themed parade will begin at 6:30 p.m.. Trophies awarded will be Best Decorated Float, Best Use of Theme, Best Use of Special Effects, Best Choreographed, and Most Decorated Non-Float. 

Little Rock: KLOVE Christmas 

The special concert will take place on Nov. 25 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and will feature Steven Curtis Chapman, Plumb, We Are Messengers, and Marc Martel. Tickets are $22-$103 and the event will take place at 426 West Markham Street. 

Loblolly Holiday Preview Party 

Loblolly Scoop Shop will preview all of their holiday flavors on Nov. 27 from 6:30-10:30 p.m.. Tickets are $20 and will include access to flavors such as pink peppermint, gingerbread, eggnog, and cranberry orange sorbet. 

Cookies with Santa at Graffiti’s Restaurant 

On Nov. 29 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on 7811 Cantrell Road, you can stop by Graffiti’s and get your picture taken with Santa. Cookies are $1 each and you can enjoy wine and appetizers in the main dining room. 

39th Annual Arkansas Craft Guild’s Christmas Showcase 

From Dec. 1-2, over 100 artists will offer an array of hand crafted work including pottery, woodworking, fiber art, glass, photography, gourmet foods, etc. Hours are Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 101 East Markham Street. Tickets are only $5 at the door. 

Ballet Arkansas Presents “The Nutcracker.” 

If you want another showing of “The Nutcracker,” head over to the Robinson Center at 426 West Markham. Tickets are $21-$73. Times are Friday Dec. 8 at 7 p.m., Saturday Dec. 9 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday Dec. 10 at 2:00 p.m.. 

Arkansas Chamber Singers Holiday Concert 

On Dec. 15 and 16 at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. respectively, Christmas at the Old State House will be held at 300 West Markham Street. Tickets are free. 

Arkadelphia: The Polar Express: A Special Holiday Showing 

On Nov. 30, there will be an entire afternoon of Christmas festivities for the whole familyy to enjoy in Downtown Arkadelphia. Starting at 4:30p.m., there will be train rides and face painting. Presentations of donations for nonprofits and charities will be at 5:30 p.m., the Nickelodeon kids choir will perform at 5:45 p.m., the ugly sweater contest is at 6:00 p.m., and the movie begins at 6:15 p.m.. The price of entry is one non-perishable food item that will go to the Ecumenical Food Pantry. 

Christmas Open House 

Tons of businesses participated in the holiday open house on Sunday, Nov. 19 from 12-4 p.m.. The participating businesses included the Arkadelphia Arts Center, Smarty Pants Boutique, Young Forever, Hardman Interiors, The Farmhouse, Knit Unto Others, Shuffield Music, Print Mania, Take a Load Off, 67 Grill, Kelzek Fine Jewelry and Gifts, Factory Connection, Mary & Martha’s, Slim & Shorty’s, JavaPrimo, Christi’s Gifts, Adorn Boutique, Compass Healthcare, Caddo Valley Flea Market, and Rebel Child. Photos with Santa was available from 1-4 p.m. at Southern Bancorp. 

26th Annual Festival of Christmas 

OBU’s “gift to the community” features vocal ensemble performances by Ouachita Concert Choir, Ouachita Singers, Women’s Chorus, and Ouachita Sounds. The Festival will take place from Dec. 1 to 2 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Jones Performing Arts Center at Ouachita Baptist University. Admission is $20. 

“Let There Be Peace on Earth:” Arkadelphia Christmas Parade 

On Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. on Main Street the annual Christmas Parade will happen! Deadline for float entry is Nov. 30. Call 870-246-1460 of 870-260-2053 for more information. 

Enjoy the holidays, peace on earth and good will to us all!