UA Little Rock Winter Fest Returns Nov. 17

Central Arkansas community members can kick off their holiday season with a night of festive fun for the entire family at Winter Fest.

Hosted by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the second edition of Winter Fest will be Nov. 17 from 5-7:30 p.m. Admission, parking, and activities are all free. 

As one of the first holiday events of the season, Winter Fest satisfies a thirst for a communal holiday gathering in a “safe, vibrant place (where) there’s truly something for everyone,” said Emily Cox, vice chancellor for university affairs. “We want our students, faculty, and staff to enjoy the event, but it’s also a showcase of the university to the community.” 

Dazzling light displays along Trojan Way — the main thoroughfare through campus — live music by The Rodney Block Collective, a caricature artist, ice rink (skates provided), crafts, storytelling, and a holiday movie for children, create-your-own-gift-wrap at Trojan Forge inside Ottenheimer Library, a Shellam Flake Planetarium sneak peek, Ugly Sweater Contest, free hot cocoa, cookies, and cider are among the highlights. In addition, Starbucks and a variety of local food trucks will be open for snacks and beverages. 

Festive displays provide an ideal backdrop for photos, including selfies, Cox noted, recalling that last year’s light arch drew a line that seemed “a mile long,” and several attendees told her it was the most beautiful they had ever seen campus.

“It was wonderful to see so many people turn out for our first Winter Fest last year, and I’m delighted to welcome everyone back to join the excitement as this new tradition continues to grow,” said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “UA Little Rock is a place where our students, alumni, friends, and neighbors can come together and feel a real sense of community. I hope families from across Central Arkansas will join us on Trojan Way for an evening of holiday fun and experience the warmth and spirit of our university.”

An inflatable snow globe that served as a photo booth was one of the most popular attractions last year, so a second has been added this year to meet demand, Cox said. Trojan Forge, which opened in August inside the library, will offer crafting paper so guests can add some Trojans flair to their gift wrapping this season. 

Winter Fest was actually born out of a Chancellor’s Cabinet Retreat in the summer of 2025, when cabinet members were invited to pitch various ideas — “Shark Tank” style — for potential funding, and Cox wanted her idea to draw the community to campus, particularly to experience the newly completed Trojan Way.

Encouraged by her family, Cox proposed an event that could become an annual tradition for the campus and surrounding community. Winter Fest was among several initiatives selected for funding through the competition, along with the creation of an on-campus Museum of Natural History and virtual campus tours for prospective students.

Planning and hosting an event of this scale requires a university-wide effort, with Facilities and Marketing and Communications both playing key roles, Cox said. School of Education students help bring holiday stories to life for children, while student-athletes volunteer throughout the event — members of the Dance Team, for example, will line Trojan Way to greet attendees as they arrive.

Free parking is available at the Jack Stephens Center, 2801 S. University Ave. Follow the signs and lights to get to Trojan Way in the center of campus. Those planning to attend are encouraged to register online and complete waivers in advance so their children can participate in all activities.