MERRY CHRISTMAS!
COLOR AND DECORATE A TREE OF YOUR OWN AND DREAM OF SUGARPLUMS!
A NOTE from the Publisher
Welcome to the December issue of NEA Kids’ Directory, part of the Occasions Publishing Group family of publications.
NEA Kids’ Directory has many features that make it a valuable resource for parents, teachers, grandparents, and childcare professionals – anyone who is involved with children. It is compact in size, making it a handy resource to keep in your purse or car. In addition, it offers valuable coupons for use at kid-friendly businesses and includes a calendar of events so you know what’s going on across Northeast Arkansas each month. You’ll even find a convenient dining guide inside that lists restaurants offering free or discounted kids’ meals!
Our goal each month is to help inform our readers of the many opportunities, events, products and services available for families in Northeast Arkansas. Please remember to support the businesses that advertise in this publication each month and tell them that you saw their ad in NEA Kids’ Directory. If you are interested in advertising in NEA Kids’ Directory please call us at 931-0012.
Audrey Poff, Publisher & Editor
PIERRE
Parents: Milton Moore and Lindsay Trent photo by Melissa Donner
LET’S GO OUT TO EAT!
MONDAY
Bliss Cupcakes Kids 10 and under get a free mini cupcake or frosting shot with the purchase of a regular cupcake. (10 a.m.-9 p.m.)
Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.
TaMolly’s Kids eat for $1.99 from the kids’ menu (nights only).
TUESDAY
Chicken Salad Chick Free Little Chick meal after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal. Dine in only.
Pizza Hut Free kid’s buffet with adult buffet purchase.
Pizza Inn Free kids’ buffet with adult buffet purchase (nights only).
Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.
WEDNESDAY
IHOP Kids eat free with purchase of adult entrée from 4-10 p.m.
THURSDAY
Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.
FRIDAY
Schlotzsky’s Deli Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult meal from 4 p.m. until close.
Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.
SATURDAY
Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.
Qdoba Mexican Eats $1.75 kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult entrée
SUNDAY
BA Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree
Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.
Qdoba Mexican Eats $1.75 kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult entrée
Slim Chickens 1 free kid’s meal per adult entrée purchase. Dine on a Dime
Newk’s 99 cent kids meals every night after 4 p.m. with purchase of an adult meal.
SPOT 5 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO PICTURES
FOR SOME EXTRA FUN, CAN YOU FIND OUR FROG IN THE TOP PICTURE?
DECEMBER
THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
The Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center, located at 600 E. Lawson Road in Jonesboro is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center offers visitors the chance to experience a unique piece of North America and its wildlife through multi-sensory movies, exhibits, trails, native gardens, nature programs and activities. Admission is free. Info: (870) 9336787.
The Arkansas State University Museum, located adjacent to the Dean B. Ellis Library is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. During these hours, visitors can enjoy the Family Reading Castle based on the museum’s Mother Goose collection characters, the Tinkering Studio, galleries and more. Info: (870) 972-2074 or visit astate.edu/museum.
The Foundation of Arts offers year-round registration for students interested in art, dance, theater and more. For more information, call (870) 935-2726 or visit foajonesboro.org.
Jonesboro Music, located at 2705 Paula Dr., offers music and movement classes for children ages birth to 7 years old. Year-round enrollment is available. Info: (870) 761-6570 or visit kmusikofjonesboro.com.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library offers a wide range of free events and activities, including Bookish Babies, Toddler Time, Pre-K Storytime, Family Literacy Night and Fall Break Events. For event times and locations, call (870) 935-5133 or visit libraryinjonesboro.org.
The Lawrence County Library offers programs for children of all ages. Check the Lawrence County Library News or Facebook page for updates on upcoming events. Info: (870) 886-3222 or visit lawrencecountylibrary.com.
Christmas at the Park is back at Joe Mack Campbell Park for an unforgettable holiday experience through Dec. 23. The attraction includes a half-mile drive-thru of more than 450,000 holiday lights and displays, with special events on select nights. General admission for one standard passenger vehicle (eight or less) is $20 Sunday-Thursday and $25 Friday-Saturday. For a complete schedule or to purchase tickets, visit christmasattheparknea.com.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2
St. Bernards Healthcare presents the 37th Annual Light Up a Life TreeLighting Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in the St. Bernards Tower Lobby. The event will include a tree lighting, refreshments and an appearance by Santa at 6 p.m. Community members are invited to sponsor a tree ornament or donate to the Cancer Support Fund, which benefits patients who are receiving long-term cancer therapy by offering housing assistance, meals, gas cards and bus fares. Info: (870) 207-7300 or visit stbernards.info/events.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
The 78th Annual Christmas Parade will take place in Downtown Jonesboro from 7-9 p.m. This year’s theme is “Sweet Treats on Main Street – A Candy Christmas.” Families, friends and visitors of all ages are invited to gather for an evening filled with sweet sights, cheerful music and the timeless joy of the season. Info: visit jonesborochristmasparade.com.
Winter Wonderland, located at 215 W. Monroe Ave., opens for the 2025 holiday season following the Jonesboro Christmas Parade. This free exhibit includes animated displays, festive lights, a Trail of Trees and more. Normal hours will be Wednesday through Friday from 4-9 p.m., Saturday from 1-9 p.m. and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. Info: (870) 933-4604 or visit Jonesboro Winter Wonderland on Facebook.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
The Annual Downtown Jonesboro Joy Fest will be held from 3 to 11 p.m. in Downtown Jonesboro. The family-friendly event includes a Christmas tree lighting, live performances, vendors, activities and more. Info: (901) 590-8757 or visit downtownjonesboro.com.
The A-State Alumni Association will host Pancakes and PJs at the Cooper Alumni Center from 8-10 a.m. Families are invited to visit Santa, Howl and Scarlet and enjoy a breakfast buffet and a holiday craft. There will be two time slots for the event (8-9 a.m. and 9-10 p.m.). Tickets are $20 per adult, $15 per child (ages 3-12), with children ages 2 and under admitted for free. Info: (870) 972-2586 or visit astatealumni.org.
The NEAT Crafter’s Guild will present the Little Merry Market at Story Rentals, located at 801 S. Gee St. in Jonesboro, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The holiday shopping event will showcase 15+ vendors from across Northeast Arkansas, including painters, crafters, bakers and more. Donations will be taken by the Arkansas Pet Savers. Info: visit storyrentalsnea.com.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
The Tarkington Christmas Spectacular 2025 will be held at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Jonesboro. Celebrating their seventh consecutive year, performing on 15 different instruments, and showcasing more than 50 different costumes, this family-friendly show celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Admission is free. Info: (870) 897-2386 or visit “The Tarkingtons” Facebook Page.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9
The 2025 Santa Shuffle Fun Run, hosted by St. Bernards Health & Wellness, will take place at Joe Mack Campbell Park at 6:30 p.m. Participants are invited to walk or run through the region’s biggest Christmas display. Register through Race Roster for the Fun Run ($13) and a T-shirt ($25 while supplies last) or pay at the event. All proceeds benefit medical exercise rehabilitation. Info: (870) 207-7701 or email prpickens@sbrmc.org.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
St. Bernards Healthcare will host “Moments of Remembrance” at 11:30 a.m. at St. Bernards Auditorium, located at 505 E. Washington Ave. in Jonesboro. The community is invited to celebrate and honor loved ones this holiday season by lighting a candle or placing an ornament on the memorial Christmas tree. Info: (870) 207-7300 or visit stbernards.info/events.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
The Delta Symphony Orchestra will present “Enchanted by the Sounds of Christmas” at 3 p.m. at Riceland Hall in Fowler Center. The performance will include holiday classics, featuring Marika Kyriakos and Trent Broussard. Info: (870) 761-8254 or visit deltasymphonyorchestra.org.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19
Annie Camp Junior High School’s EAST students will host an “EAST Feast” in the school cafeteria at 1814 W. Nettleton Avenue from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Community members are invited to enjoy a free meal. All leftovers will be donated to The Salvation Army. Info: email anniecamp-jhs@eastschools.org.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 – MONDAY, DECEMBER 22
The Foundation of Arts will present “Elf Jr.” at The Forum Theatre in DowntownJonesboro. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on December 19, 20 and 22, and 2 p.m. on Dec. 21. Additionally, families can Brunch with Buddy the Elf from 10-11:30 a.m. at Lemonade House Grill on Dec. 20. Tickets are available online or at The Forum Box Office. For more information, call (870) 935-2726 or visit foajonesboro.org.
Libraries Make Learning FUN!
Whether online or in person, public libraries are a great resource for parents with young children. To find out more about local offerings from area libraries, contact one of the libraries listed in our resource guide or follow them on social media.
Library Resource Guide
CRAIGHEAD
COUNTY
Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library
Phone: (870) 935-5133
Website: libraryinjonesboro.org
Caraway Public Library - Caraway
Phone: (870) 482-3394
Website: libraryinjonesboro.org
Kohn Memorial Library - Monette
Phone: (870) 486-2515
Website: libraryinjonesboro.org
McAdams Public Library - Lake City
Phone: (870) 237-4407
Website: libraryinjonesboro.org
LAWRENCE
COUNTY
Lawrence County Library - Walnut Ridge
Phone: (870) 886-3222
Website: lawrencecountylibrary.com
Bobbie Jean Memorial Library - Imboden
Phone: (870) 869-2093
Website: imbodenlibrary.wordpress.com
Driftwood Public Library - Lynn
Phone: (870) 528-3506
GREENE COUNTY
Greene County Public Library - Paragould
Phone: (870) 236-8711
Website: mylibrarynow.org/greene
POINSETT COUNTY
Poinsett County Library
Phone: (870) 578-4465
Website: libraryinjonesboro.org
Goldsby Library - Lepanto
Phone: (870) 475-6144
Website: libraryinjonesboro.org
Marked Tree Public Library - Marked Tree
Phone: (870) 358-3190
Website: libraryinjonesboro.org
West Poinsett Memorial Library - Weiner
Phone: (870) 684-2235
Website: libraryinjonesboro.org
MISSISSIPPI
COUNTY
Blytheville Public Library
Phone: (870) 762-2431
Website: mclibrary.net
Manila Public Library
Phone: (870) 561-3525
Website: mclibrary.net
Osceola Public Library
Phone: (870) 563-2721
Website: mclibrary.net
Wilson Public Library
Phone: (870) 655-8414
Website: mclibrary.net
Keiser Public Library
Phone: (870) 526-2073
Website: mclibrary.net
Leachville Public Library
Phone: (870) 539-6485
Website: mclibrary.net
