North Little Rock Tourism in partnership with the City of North Little Rock and Argenta Downtown Council will host the Sixth Annual Northern Lights Holiday Festival on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Argenta Plaza at 510 Main Street in North Little Rock.
“The gem of North Little Rock’s holiday season, Northern Lights is the perfect way for families and friends to enjoy the holidays together,” said Erica Warden, North Little Rock Tourism’s Director of Market Development.
A free holiday event for all ages, Northern Lights will have a holiday market; “Santa’s Workshop” with kids’ holiday activities; photos with Santa (Black Santa ARK LLC); live music by The Big Dam Horns, and North Little Rock’s 38-foot Christmas tree. Food trucks as well as North Little Rock’s two breweries, Flyway Brewing and Diamond Bear Brewing Company, will have food and drinks available for purchase. For mixed drinks or more food options, restaurants and bars within the Argenta Outdoor Dining District allow patrons to order to-go beverages to consume within dining district boundaries, which include Argenta Plaza.
Unlike previous years, Northern Lights will not conclude with a firework show, as the Piccolo Zoppé’s Winter Circus will be in the lot from which the fireworks are usually launched. Organizers also did not want to scare the circus horses. Main Street will also remain open, with the holiday market moved to the 600 Main building parking lot.
“Between Northern Lights, the circus, and Bert Kreischer at Simmons Bank Arena, downtown North Little Rock will be busy,” Warden said. “There’s plenty of free parking throughout the area, we just encourage attendees to plan ahead – come earlier or expect a little bit more distance between parking and activities.”
For more information about Northern Lights, visit https://northlittlerock.org/north-little-rock-tourism-to-host-northern-lights-holiday-festival-nov-18-2023/ or join the Facebook event.
Within walking distance of the festival, at the corner of Bishop Lindsey Avenue and Magnolia Street, Piccolo Zoppé’s Winter Circus presented by North Little Rock Tourism will perform November 9 through November 19. Since 1842, the Zoppé family from Italy and now stationed in Arkansas has been entertaining families around the world. Ticket prices range from $15 to $100 and are available online at https://secure.piccolozoppe.com/. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy both events.
NORTH LITTLE ROCK TOURISM SIGNATURE HOLIDAY EVENTS 2023
- November 7, 6 p.m.: North Little Rock Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, Argenta Plaza
- November 9 – November 19: Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus sponsored by North Little Rock Tourism, downtown North Little Rock
- November 18: Northern Lights Festival, Argenta Plaza
- December 3, 2 p.m.: North Little Rock Sertoma Christmas Parade, Main Street
For more holiday events in North Little Rock, visit northlittlerock.org/events.
