Celebrate the Season in an Official Hallmark Christmas Town
Travel Eureka Springs | Holiday Travel Feature | November 28 – December 20, 2026
There is something about Christmas in Eureka Springs that feels as though you have stepped into a holiday movie. And now, Hallmark has taken notice. Eureka Springs has been recognized as an Official Hallmark Christmas Town, one of 25 communities selected nationally in 2026. The recognition comes as no surprise. Beginning Thanksgiving weekend and continuing throughout December, visitors can enjoy Christmas parades, Santa visits, candlelight services, historic home tours, markets, festive train rides, and the annual lighting of the Crescent Hotel’s Christmas Tree Forest.
Four Weekends of Christmas Magic
November 28–December 1: The Christmas Season Officially Begins
On Saturday, November 28, begin with the Shop Small Saturday Celebration at Basin Spring Park from 9–10 a.m. Meet merchants, enjoy family activities, and discover gifts from independent shops. Return in the evening for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony , featuring Fiddling Santa and his elves before the community countdown.
High above town, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa welcomes the season with its Holiday Hangout, a rooftop pop-up with seasonal drinks, warm food, and treats, listed from 4–8 p.m. nightly beginning November 28. The Great Passion Play drive-through Christmas lights offer another glowing holiday outing on scheduled evenings from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.
December 1: The Crescent Hotel’s Official Christmas Tree Forest Lighting Ceremony
On Tuesday, December 1, at 6 p.m., the Crescent Hotel officially illuminates its annual Christmas Tree Forest in the Fountain Garden. Trees decorated by local organizations each support a charitable cause. Stroll among the decorations, enjoy the festive setting, and vote for your favorites through donations. Over the years, the forest has raised more than $60,000 for local charities. The trees remain on display through January 1. Christmas Tree Forest Lighting Ceremony.
December 3–6: Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Thursday, December 3, brings the 59th Annual Silver Tea at the Crescent Hotel’s Crystal Dining Room from 1:30–3:30 p.m. On Friday, the Meet the Makers Arts & Crafts Fair runs at Main Stage from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., followed by the Eureka Springs Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. The 2026 parade theme is Christmas Songs. Afterward, enjoy a free holiday movie at the Historic Auditorium.
Saturday, December 5, the 45th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes beginning at 1 p.m. Advance tickets through the Eureka Springs Preservation Society are recommended. Santa visits Basin Spring Park from 3–5 p.m.
A New Holiday Celebration: The Merry & Bright Basin Ball
On December 5 from 7–10 p.m., the Merry & Bright Basin Ball brings a gatsby-inspired Christmas party to the 1905 Basin Park Hotel. With a swing-band atmosphere, festive gathering spaces, and old-fashioned glamour, this limited-attendance event is a memorable holiday night out. On Sunday, December 6, enjoy a Christmas service at Thorncrown Chapel at 11 a.m., then a final Meet the Makers Market visit from 2–5 p.m.
December 11–13: A Frosty Christmas Weekend
Friday, December 11, invites visitors downtown for the Hot Cocoa & Cookie Crawl from 5–7 p.m. Later, the Historic Auditorium hosts Home for the Holidays , a local musical showcase with admission of two cans of food for the food bank.
Saturday begins with the Crescent Hotel’s Green Eggs & Grinch Breakfast from 9 a.m.–noon, followed by Santa’s Mountain Village from noon–5 p.m., with holiday cafés, Toy Village, reindeer rides, and family activities. Santa is at Basin Spring Park from noon–3 p.m., and Christmas at the Inns opens participating decorated lodging properties from 1–5 p.m.
After sunset, Living Windows turns downtown storefronts into miniature theatrical stages filled with costumed performers, artificial snow, and Christmas scenes. Enjoy How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Auditorium at 7:15 p.m. On Sunday, December 13, the Ozark Chorale Holiday Concert begins at 7 p.m.
December 18–20: Jingle Bell Rock Your Way Through Christmas
December 18 and 19 bring Thorncrown Chapel Candlelight Services from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Friday evening, Mr. Cabbage Head & The Screaming Radishes perform at the Historic Auditorium from 6–7:30 p.m. Admission is a donation of non-perishable food.
On Saturday, December 19, the Crescent hosts the Elf on the Shelf Christmas Breakfast Bash from 9 a.m.–noon and Santa’s Mountain Village from noon–5 p.m. Santa visits Basin Spring Park from noon–3 p.m. Gather for Christmas caroling at 5:30 p.m., followed by the illuminated Jinglin Jeep Parade at 6 p.m. A free screening of Red One begins at 7:15 p.m. The weekend closes with a Thorncrown Christmas service Sunday at 11 a.m.
Christmas Experiences Throughout the Season
The Eureka Express Christmas Train
Ride the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway on December 5, 12, or 19. Storytime excursions depart at 3 and 4 p.m.; the 5 p.m. train offers illuminated holiday views. Santa photos, hot cocoa, and movies at the depot add to the experience. Tickets are listed at $15 per person; children two and under are free. Event details .
The Holly Route and Christmas Lights Tram Tour
The Holly Route offers a hop-on, hop-off trolley through decorated Eureka Springs, Thursdays through Saturdays, December 3–19, from 5–8 p.m. The Christmas Lights Tram Tour is a continuous guided ride featuring lights, historic landmarks, springs, and local history. Eureka Springs Transit. Find an independent holiday lights map at ChristmasInEureka.com.
The Great Passion Play Christmas Lights
Drive through a hillside of festive lights at this donation-supported attraction, offered on scheduled evenings from Thanksgiving into the New Year. Christmas lights details.
Explore Eureka Springs Year-Round Attractions
The town’s attractions do not disappear when summer ends. Many experiences are available through ReserveEureka.com , the local ticket and attraction reservation platform.
History, Mystery, and Unforgettable Tours
Take the Crescent Hotel Ghost Tour. Try the Basin Park Hotel Paranormal Investigation
Walking-tour choices include Hidden Eureka, Peculiar Things and Downtown Springs, and Haunted Eureka Springs Tours .
Wildlife, Museums, and Indoor Adventures
Visit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge to learn about big-cat rescue and conservation. Other options include the Eureka Springs Historical Museum, indoor golf at On Par Simulation Lounge, Intrigue Theater (https://www.reserveeureka.com/attractions/) on selected dates, escape rooms, and the historic grounds and museums at The Great Passion Play . Browse Eureka Springs attractions and tickets.
Enjoy the Outdoors, Even in December
Walk the trails at Lake Leatherwood City Park, visit Black Bass Lake, explore the historic downtown springs, or drive toward Beaver Lake for winter Ozark scenery. Hiking and mountain biking trails offer adventures when weather permits. Visit Hike House for inspiration, or consult the year-round Eureka Springs activities guide .
Where to Stay for a Christmas Getaway
Your accommodations can be part of the holiday experience, from grand Victorian hotels to cozy cabins and historic inns.
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa
A mountaintop Christmas retreat with the Christmas Tree Forest, Santa’s Mountain Village, restaurants, spa experiences, and ghost tours. Ideal for families and couples who want holiday spirit just outside their room. Book direct for resort credit .
1905 Basin Park Hotel
Stay steps from the parade, Living Windows, downtown shopping, restaurants, and Basin Spring Park. The Balcony Restaurant, Jack Rabbett’s Whisky Bar, and Spa1905 complete a walkable getaway. Book direct to save on parking.
Loblolly Pines Adventure Camp
Enjoy the excitement of Christmas downtown and the peace of the Ozark woods afterward. Modern cabins, outdoor gathering spaces, hiking trails, and select private hot tubs suit couples and small groups. Book direct for low rate.
Crescent Cottages at Crescent Park
Spacious two-bedroom cottages with kitchens, living rooms, wooded surroundings, and access to Crescent Hotel amenities offer a comfortable home base for families and friends. Explore Crescent Cottages (https://www.traveleurekasprings.com/places-to-stay/crescent-cottages-at-crescent-park/).
The Mary Margaret
For a Victorian Christmas escape with a little Irish charm, The Mary Margaret offers a beautifully preserved historic inn built in 1896, a short walk from downtown. Choose the intimate Mary Margaret Guest Suite for two or the Fox Den carriage house for up to four. Outdoor gathering spaces, a firepit, and convenient parking complete the retreat. Explore and book directly .
More Cozy Places to Call Home
Other options include Heartstone Inn & Cottages, 5 Ojo Inn, Arsenic and Old Lace Bed & Breakfast, New Orleans Hotel, Flatiron Flats, Beaver Lake Cottages, Silver Ridge Resort, and Oak Crest Cottages and Treehouses. Explore the complete Eureka Springs lodging guide and lodging specials.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Dining During the Christmas Season
Eureka Springs is known for independent restaurants, cozy dining rooms, and welcoming hospitality. Many favorites operate year-round, though December hours should be confirmed directly.
Downtown Dining and Casual Favorites
The Balcony Restaurant at Basin Park Hotel offers a convenient downtown meal overlooking Spring Street.
Skybar Gourmet Pizza at the Crescent pairs pizza and sandwiches with mountain views.
Also consider Local Flavor Café , The Spring on Main , Ermilio’s , and Sparky’s Roadhouse Café
See all Eureka Springs Restaurants HERE.
A Sweet Christmas Stop: Colossal Bakery & Shakery
Christmas in Eureka Springs should always include something sweet. Beside Basin Spring Park at 8½ Spring Street, Colossal “Christmas” Bakery & Shakery is a delicious stop between holiday shopping, parades, and Santa visits. Enjoy cookies, pastries, brownies, cakes, pies, breakfast biscuit sandwiches, coffee, and handcrafted milkshakes. For holiday gatherings or special treats to take home, the bakery also offers custom cakes and baked goods. Order baked goods (https://colossalbakes.com/). .
Make Time for Christmas Shopping and Relaxation
Historic downtown is filled with independent boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops. Wander Spring Street and Main Street to discover handcrafted jewelry, artwork, decorations, and gifts. After shopping, unwind at New Moon Spa at the Crescent or Spa1905.
Plan Your Perfect Eureka Springs Christmas Getaway
Families can build a weekend around Santa’s Mountain Village, the Christmas Express, holiday lights, and the Christmas Parade. Couples can enjoy a historic hotel or secluded cabin, a spa experience, a candlelight service, and a special dinner. Friends can combine holiday shopping, the Merry & Bright Basin Ball, live entertainment, ghost tours, and local restaurants. Or simply choose a quiet cabin, a scenic hike, a hot tub, and a beautiful town dressed for Christmas.
Christmas events calendar | Places to stay | Attractions and tickets | Restaurants | Deals and packages
This Christmas, Make Eureka Springs Part of Your Tradition
Christmas in Eureka Springs is not about one parade, one weekend, or one spectacular display of lights. It is about the glow of Victorian storefronts after dark, the excitement of children waiting to see Santa, Christmas music echoing through downtown, and the warmth of a historic hotel after a crisp evening in the Ozarks. As one of Hallmark’s nationally recognized Christmas towns, Eureka Springs has another reason to celebrate the spirit that has made this village special for generations.
Bring the family. Invite your friends. Plan a romantic weekend. Or simply escape for a few days and rediscover the joy of the season. The lights are coming on. The celebrations are beginning. And Christmas is waiting for you in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Start planning at TravelEurekaSprings.com .