Free. public event with Santa, holiday market, kids’ activities, live music, food trucks
NORTH LITTLE ROCK (Tuesday, November 15, 2022) – The North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the City of North Little Rock and Argenta Downtown Council will host the annual holiday festival, Northern Lights, on Saturday, November 19, 2022, 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Argenta Plaza at 510 Main Street.
“Northern Lights continues to be a highlight of the year for North Little Rock residents and visitors, and we are thrilled to host it for the third year at Argenta Plaza,” said Erica Warden, Director of Events for the North Little Rock CVB. “This is a free, fun event to bring together families and the community to celebrate the holiday season.”
Northern Lights will have food trucks and a holiday market with more than 20 local vendors. From 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., “Santa’s Workshop” will have free kids’ holiday activities. Families will be able to take photos with Santa and the 38-foot Christmas tree. Local band Mayday by Midnight will perform on the Argenta Plaza stage before and after the fireworks show at 7:30 p.m.
For the second year, Santa will be portrayed by Chris Kennedy, owner of Black Santa ARK LLC and North Little Rock local. Kennedy is a data analyst at First Orion Headquarters in North Little Rock by day, food blogger for Rock City Eats and the man behind @the_bearded_foodie_lr on Instagram by night.
Before, during and after the celebration, attendees can enjoy food from food trucks, including The Crepe Coop, Haygood BBQ Concession & Catering, Khao Gang Thai, Kingdom Made Treats, Tacos El Gordo and Top Dog Catering. North Little Rock’s two breweries, Flyway Brewing and Diamond Bear Brewing Company, will also be serving during the event. For attendees that want 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.
EVENT SCHEDULE*
4 p.m. – Event begins
Holiday Market with 20+ local vendors
Santa’s Workshop – kids activities
Photos with Santa (Black Santa Arkansas LLC)
Food trucks, Flyway Brewing and Diamond Bear Brewing start serving
North Little Rock Welcome Center (600 Main) open with deals and free hot chocolate
5 p.m. – Welcome, Announcements by North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick and North Little Rock CVB’s Karen Trevino
6 p.m. – Mayday by Midnight on the stage
7:30 p.m. – Fireworks show followed by Mayday by Midnight
8:30 p.m. – Event ends
*subject to change
For more information about Northern Lights, visit northlittlerock.org/north-little-rock-to-host-5th-annual-northern-lights-holiday-festival-nov-19/ and join the Facebook event. Attendees are encouraged to share their experiences on social media with hashtag #NLRNorthernLights for the chance to be featured on North Little Rock CVB social channels.
About the North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau
The North Little Rock CVB is the destination marketing organization for North Little Rock, Arkansas. It promotes North Little Rock as a positive tourism and hospitality experience thus enhancing economic growth and quality of life for its citizens and visitors. For more information about where to stay, where to eat and what to do in North Little Rock, visit NorthLittleRock.org.