Things to Do in Little Rock in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Little Rock
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect outdoor activity weather - highs around 13°C (55°F) mean you can comfortably hike, bike, or walk the River Trail without overheating. The morning chill at 4°C (39°F) burns off by 10am, giving you a solid 6-8 hour window of ideal conditions.
- Holiday atmosphere without overwhelming crowds - Little Rock does December festivals well (River Market lights, Wildwood Park displays) but you're not fighting tourist hordes like you would in major cities. Locals are in good spirits, restaurants aren't slammed except weekends, and you'll actually get photos at Big Dam Bridge without 50 people in frame.
- Low rainfall means reliable plans - with only 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) spread across 10 days, you're looking at brief drizzles rather than washouts. December is actually one of the driest months here, so outdoor plans rarely need backup options.
- Seasonal food and drink scene peaks - local breweries run winter seasonal releases, restaurants feature game and comfort food menus, and the River Market has winter squash and root vegetables from Arkansas farms. The culinary scene actually gets more interesting in cooler months when chefs can work with heartier ingredients.
Considerations
- Daylight is limited - sunset hits around 5pm in early December, 5:15pm by month's end. If you're planning outdoor activities, you need to start early. That gorgeous River Trail walk? Better be done by 4:30pm or you're finishing in twilight.
- Weather can swing unpredictably - that 'variable' conditions label isn't marketing speak. You might get a 16°C (61°F) sunny day followed by a 7°C (45°F) gray one. December in Little Rock tends to bounce between mild and genuinely chilly, sometimes within the same day as cold fronts push through.
- Some outdoor attractions operate on reduced schedules - Pinnacle Mountain trails are open, but the visitor center has shorter winter hours. The Arkansas River Trail is always accessible, but amenities like restroom facilities at some trailheads close earlier or entirely for the season.
Best Activities in December
Arkansas River Trail Cycling and Walking
December weather is actually ideal for the 27 km (17-mile) River Trail loop. The 13°C (55°F) afternoons mean you're not overheating on the Big Dam Bridge climb, and the lower humidity makes the effort feel easier. Start mid-morning once temps climb above 7°C (45°F) and you've got perfect conditions. The trail connects downtown to North Little Rock, Riverfront Park, and Murray Park - you'll see locals out here daily because this is genuinely the best season for it. Deciduous trees are bare, which means better river views you don't get in summer.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park Hiking
The park's summit trail gains 305 m (1,000 ft) over 2.4 km (1.5 miles), and December is when locals actually hike it. Summer heat makes this trail brutal, but 13°C (55°F) December days are perfect for the steep sections. The West Summit Trail is the easier route, East Summit is technical scrambling. Views from the top span 48 km (30 miles) on clear December days - visibility is better in winter months. That said, the trail gets slick after rain, and with 10 rainy days in December, check conditions before driving out. Morning hikes catch better light and you'll avoid the slim chance of afternoon drizzle.
Historic Downtown and River Market Food Tours
December is when Little Rock's food scene shifts to comfort mode - local restaurants run seasonal menus with Arkansas game, winter vegetables, and heartier dishes. Walking food tours cover 1.6-2.4 km (1-1.5 miles) through downtown and River Market, hitting 4-6 stops. The cool weather makes the walking pleasant, and you're experiencing the city when locals are actually downtown for holiday shopping and events. River Market operates year-round with indoor pavilions, so weather doesn't shut anything down. Evening tours work well in December since you're not dealing with summer heat, though bring a jacket for the 4°C (39°F) nights.
Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
December weather makes indoor cultural activities more appealing, and the Clinton Library is Little Rock's standout museum experience. The building itself is architecturally interesting - designed to look like a bridge extending over the Arkansas River. You'll need 2-3 hours minimum to see the permanent exhibits properly. December typically sees moderate crowds except the week between Christmas and New Year's when families visit. The museum store runs holiday sales in December, and the grounds offer river views worth the short walk outside if weather cooperates. Locals tend to bring out-of-town visitors here, which tells you something.
Craft Brewery Tours and Tastings
Little Rock's brewery scene has grown considerably, and December is prime time for winter seasonal releases - stouts, porters, and barrel-aged beers that breweries hold for cooler months. Most breweries cluster in the River Market area and downtown, making a walking brewery tour feasible if you're dressed for 7-10°C (45-50°F) evenings. Locals pack breweries on Friday and Saturday nights in December for the holiday atmosphere. Taprooms tend to be more relaxed on weekday afternoons if you prefer avoiding crowds. Several breweries offer tours of their facilities on weekends, usually free or 5-10 dollars including samples.
Hot Springs National Park Day Trip
Located 88 km (55 miles) west of Little Rock, Hot Springs makes an excellent December day trip because soaking in 47°C (117°F) thermal baths feels especially good when it's 7°C (45°F) outside. The historic Bathhouse Row offers various spa experiences, from traditional baths to modern spa treatments. December weekdays are quieter than summer tourist season. The drive takes about 75 minutes through Ouachita National Forest, which is scenic even with bare trees. You can combine bathhouse visits with hiking the park's mountain trails - the 1.6 km (1-mile) Grand Promenade behind Bathhouse Row offers views and is manageable for most fitness levels.
December Events & Festivals
Wildwood Park for the Arts Winter Lights Spectacular
This drive-through light display runs throughout December at Wildwood Park, featuring over a million lights synchronized to music. It's become a Little Rock December tradition - locals go multiple times per season. You drive your own car through the 1.6 km (1-mile) route, tune your radio to the broadcast frequency, and watch the displays sync to holiday music. The park is located about 16 km (10 miles) west of downtown. Weekends get backed up with 30-45 minute wait times, weeknights move faster.
River Market Holiday Events
The River Market District runs various holiday events throughout December - weekend craft markets featuring Arkansas artisans, holiday concerts, and seasonal food vendors. The outdoor pavilion gets decorated with lights, and the indoor farmers market operates year-round so you can browse local products regardless of weather. Events are typically free to attend, though you'll obviously spend money on food and crafts. Check the specific weekend you're visiting since programming varies, but something is usually happening Friday through Sunday.