Special Events
CENTRAL ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL through Jan. 14, Arkansas State Fairgrounds, 2600 Howard St. Cost: $10-$15. arkansaslanternfest.com or (888) 484-2698. CENTRAL ARKANSAS COIN CLUB 6 p.m. third Thursday of each month, Parkway Place Baptist Church, 303 Parkway Place. Buying, selling, swapping, appraisals, auctions, programs. (501) 351-3114. CHRISTMAS TREE SALE 9 a.m.-9 p.m. through today, Arkansas School for the Blind, 2600 W. Markham St. (870) 225-3252.
GEM AND MINERAL CLUB 6:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of the month, Terry Library, 2015 Napa Valley Drive. Central Arkansas Gem, Mineral and Geology Society. Children welcome. (501) 772-4325. LITTLE ROCK CHESS CLUB 7 p.m. Fridays, Southwestern Bell Room, CHI St. Vincent Infirmary, Markham Street and University Avenue. (501) 224-2439.
LITTLE ROCK ZOO Jonesboro Drive, War Memorial Park. Safari tours, educational programs and more, continuing. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $12.95, ages 60 and older and children 1-12 $9.95. (501) 666-2406.
NATIONAL INSPIRATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTION 6:30 p.m. Wednesday-1 a.m. Dec. 31, Statehouse Convention Center, 101 E. Markham St. Youth conference. Cost: $75$155. info@niyc.org or (302) 501-6492.
NEW YEAR’S EVE AT FLYING SAUCER 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31, Flying Saucer, 323 President Clinton Ave. Music by The Crumbs. Admission: $5. (501) 372-8032.
NYE@NLE NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31, Next Level Events, Union Station, 1400 W. Markham. Tickets: advance $25, at the door $35. (501) 626-7830.
RIVER TRAIL BICYCLE RIDE 1-4 p.m. Sundays in December, Two Rivers Park, 4400 River Mountain Road. 18-35 mile bike ride with coffee stop. arkansasbicycleclub. org or (501) 912-1443.
SANTA PHOTOS through Sunday, Outlets of Little Rock, 11201 Bass Pro Pkwy. Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. (501) 455-9100.
SANTA’S WONDERLAND through Sunday, Bass Pro Shops, 1 Bass Pro Drive. Photos, crafts, games. Hours: 5-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. (501) 954-4500. Around Arkansas
FEAST IN THE FORT 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Elm Grove Community Building, 1901 N. Greenwood Ave., Fort Smith. Community Christmas dinner donated by Milk and More on a Mission and Women of Divine Purpose organization. Visit with Santa 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (479) 831-9605. FIRST DAY HIKES 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. or 2-2:45 p.m. Jan. 1, Historic Van Winkle Trailhead, Hobbs State Park Visitor Center, 20201 Arkansas 12, R0gers. friendsofhobbs.com or (479) 789-5000.
GARVAN WOODLAND GARDENS 550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs. Holiday Lights, gates 3 p.m., lights 5-9 p.m. through Dec. 31; $15, children 4-12 $5. (800) 366-4664. SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, The Walmart Museum, 105 N. Main St., Bentonville. Pictures with Santa. (479) 277-6851.