Eureka Springs Christmas Events

Preparations are nearing completion for what promises to be the most colorful and event-filled holiday season in the history of this Ozark getaway town. Visitors will be treated to new, longer shopping hours this year, and a massive display of lights and decorations encompassing the entire historic downtown of Eureka Springs!

Longer retail store hours are scheduled for the last two weeks in November and the first two weeks in December. Most merchants will remain open Friday and Saturday nights until 7 p.m.; many stores will stay open even later.

For shopping breaks, Eureka Springs has a wide variety of choices this year. Visitors will be treated to holiday lights nearly everywhere they turn, and a number of seasonal music shows and concerts are planned. Other events include the Fall Art Show, 42nd Annual Silver Tea, 26th Annual Tour of Homes, 6th Annual Christmas Ball and Silent Auction, 2nd Annual Sweet Treats Cookie Tour of BnB’s, Santa in the Park and the Annual Eureka Springs Evening Christmas Parade.

It all begins Nov. 9 when the New Great Passion Play turns on its extraordinary lighting display. Each evening at 5 p.m., through Dec. 31, more than 100-lighted figures are illuminated on the mile-long drive-through the grounds. Admission is free.!

The Passion Play’s Christmas Music Show, at 5 p.m. on weekends from Nov. 21 to Dec. 20, will feature The Texans and B.J. and Elizabeth. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages six to eighteen.

On Nov. 10, the Pine Mountain Theater inserts A Season of Celebration into its music and comedy shows. Segments include Let Us Give Thanks and A Joyous Christmas. Performances are nightly, except Sunday, through Dec. 13.

The Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down has holiday fun scheduled as well. P. Nutt, Ponytail, Granny, Girl and the gang will perform their Christmas show nightly from Nov. 16 through Dec. 14. The holiday schedule begins to heat up during the week of Thanksgiving. Spurred by a city-wide Christmas decorating contest, homes, lodgings and stores will be in their holiday finest starting Monday, Nov. 24. To top it all off, nearly every building in historic downtown will be majestically framed in new holiday lights. !

The week culminates with an appearance by Santa in Basin Spring Park Nov. 28 at 5 p.m., and with the Eureka Springs Fall Art Show. The creations of local artists will grace the walls of the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center Nov. 28 and 29. Holiday gifts will be given away to attendees every 15 minutes.!

The 42nd Annual Silver Tea is Dec. 4 in the Crystal Dining Room of the 1886 Crescent Hotel. The churchwomen of St. James Episcopal Church invite everyone to attend this benefit for the Salvation Army.!

Visitors will be treated to the Annual Eureka Springs Christmas Parade the evening of Dec. 5. Thousands of lights give a magical presence to the floats, walkers and bands in this enchanting nighttime parade through historic downtown.!

During the 26th Annual Eureka Springs Christmas Tour of Homes, Dec. 6, visitors will experience the elegance of a bygone era. Holiday spice in the form of choir music, carolers, band music, and refreshments is added to this self-guided tour of Victorian homes.!

That evening the 6th Annual Christmas Ball and Silent Auction takes place at the 1905 Basin Park Hotel Ballroom. Victorian dress is fun, but optional, at this fund-raiser for the Eureka Springs Historical Museum. Music will be provided by the J M Combo. Two holiday concerts in the city auditorium highlight the following weekend. Local musicians celebrate the spirit of the season in the Eureka Home for the Holidays Concert Dec. 12. The next evening, the 60-plus voice Ozarks Chorale performs its annual Christmas Concert, featuring everything from Handel's Messiah to Brubeck's Take Five, and from Bach and Brahms to the Beatles.!

The “icing” is put on the Eureka Springs holiday cake Dec. 13 when the 2nd Annual Sweet Treats Cookie Tour serves up holiday goodies. The Alliance of Better Bed and Breakfasts presents this self-guided tour of 12 B&B's. The lodgings will serve cookies, candies and other treats, each complete with recipe. The event also provides great holiday decorating ideas and a chance to win a $300 gift certificate.!

“So spring to your ‘sleigh’ -- put the key in the ignition. Let Eureka Springs show you our holiday tradition. We know you’ll exclaim, as our city you near, Eureka—I’ve found it--the holidays are here!

Information courtesy of Eureka Springs Chamber