Illustration of Santa and Mrs. Claus handing wrapped gifts to children in a cozy community hall (The Little Rock Holiday Parade)

The Little Rock Holiday Parade

Downtown streets transform into Candy Cane Lane as the parade brings festive floats, joyful music, and live performances to Little Rock. Visitors can watch the procession and float competition as entries travel east along Markham toward the Interstate 30 area. Before the procession, families can meet Santa Claus at the Statehouse Convention Center.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

When

Hours

Parade kicks off at 3 p.m.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Little Rock

Going?

Location

Downtown Little Rock · 485 W Markham St, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and lively

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to choose a viewing spot along the route, which begins at Broadway and West Markham and continues east toward I-30.
  • Visit the Statehouse Convention Center before the procession for Santa photos; family visits are scheduled from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Use the route details to choose where to watch, since the procession travels east along Markham toward the I-30 area.
  • Bring warm layers for watching outdoors in December, as the parade runs through downtown streets.
  • Stay afterward for the Capitol festivities, including the annual tree lighting and fireworks, rather than leaving when the parade ends.

Special Events & Promotions

  • New this year: a float competition
  • Candy Cane Lane theme this year
  • Meet Santa Claus and take a family photo at the Statehouse Convention Center before the parade

Links & Contact

Run by Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can kids meet Santa?

Yes. Before the parade, stop by the Statehouse Convention Center to meet Santa Claus and take a family photo.

What's the theme this year?

This year the parade turns downtown streets into Candy Cane Lane, with a peppermint theme.

What's new this year?

The parade now has a float competition.

What will I see?

Festive floats, live performances and holiday music.

What is there to do after the parade?

Head to the Arkansas State Capitol for the annual lighting ceremony, with the tree lighting and a fireworks show.

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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