Eureka Springs Celebrates Christmas with Holiday Events

The Christmas season in Eureka Springs will offer locals and visitors alike a wide array of festive opportunities, including the following:

Eureka Springs Christmas Parade
The Eureka Springs Christmas Parade, sponsored and organized by the Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Friday, Dec, 5 starting at 6 p.m.
The theme for this year's traditional Holiday of Lights Parade is "The Music and Magic of Santa's Workshop."

A parade "play-by-play" will be broadcast on local radio station KTHS 107.1 by Chamber President and CEO Jeff Feldman and on-air personality Linda Boyer. For details, e-mail debbie@eurekaspringschamber.com or call 253-8737 or (800) 6EUREKA.

Peace on Earth concert
The 6th annual John Two-Hawks Peace on Earth Christmas Concert will take place at the Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit Heifer International. For details, go to www.johntwohawks.com or call (888) 790-9091 or 253-5826.

Museum ball & auction
Usher in the holiday season at the Basin Park Hotel Barefoot Ballroom on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the annual Eureka Springs Historical Museum fundraiser ball and silent auction.
A diverse selection of heavy hors d'oeuvres, desserts and wine are included in the ticket price of $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Music will be provided by the JM Combo.

This year's silent auction will offer an array of more than 100 items, including art works and gift certificates for area restaurants, services and lodging facilities.

Proceeds from the event will provide funding to support the needs and operations of the Museum, a 501c(3) non-profit corporation. For details, e-mail eshm999@sbcglobal.net or call 253-9417.

Passion play lights
The New Great Passion Play will continue its Christmas lights display each evening at 5 p.m. through Dec. 31. More than 100 lighted figures will be illuminated on the mile-long drive through the grounds.

Pine Mountain Theater
On Nov. 10, the Pine Mountain Theater began inserting A Season of Celebration into its music and comedy shows. The special performances are nightly, except Sunday, and will continue through Dec. 13.

Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down
The Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down Christmas show will perform nightly through Dec. 14.

Home for the Holidays Concert
Local musicians will perform at the Auditorium in the spirit of the season for a free night of holiday entertainment on Friday, Dec. 12. This year's musicians will include The Ariels and Friends, Catherine Reed, Santa Jones and his Reindeer, Jimmy Wells, Bill Ott and the Fabulous Hogscalders. For details, call 253-2586.

'Old-Fashioned Christmas' at AUD
The Ozarks Chorale will present its annual "Old-Fashioned Christmas" concert at the Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each for adults and free for persons 18 and younger. For details, go to www.theozarkschorale.org, or call 253- 7744.

Information courtesy of Lovely County Citizen

Eureka Springs Holiday Events Offer Shows, Parade

Eureka Springs Holiday Events

A Season of Celebration
Monday, November 10th, 2008 - Saturday, December 13th, 2008
You are invited to join the cast and crew of the Pine Mountain Theatre for A SEASON OF CELEBRATION. Special holiday shows nightly except Sunday from November 10 thru December 13. (No shows November 20, 26, 27) The lobby gift shop opens at 10:00 am. Kids are admitted free of charge. Free popcorn!

Hoe-Down Holiday Show
Sunday, November 16th, 2008 - Sunday, December 14th, 2008
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.

Lighting Display
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 - Wednesday, December 31st, 2008
The New Great Passion Play has turned 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 Texans
Friday, November 28th, 2008 - Saturday, November 29th, 2008
The Passion Play’s Christmas Music Show begins Nov. 21. Weekends, at 5 p.m., Nov. 21 to Dec. 20, the show features The Texans and B.J. and Elizabeth. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages six to eighteen.

Fall Art Show
Saturday, November 29th, 2008 - Sunday, November 30th, 2008
Arts Eureka presents the Eureka Springs Fall Art Show on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov 29-30, 2008. A full house of artists, many local and regional artists and some new ones as well, will cover the walls of the convention center with their work.The art show will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center. Arts Eureka's goal is to make this show fun, fun, fun for artists and attendees, with free gift giveaways every 15 minutes and plenty of new and exciting twists to an already fabulous show.

Eureka Springs Christmas Parade
Friday, December 5th, 2008
Eureka Springs Annual Christmas Parade. This evening parade features floats, walkers, bands, and thousands of lights as it makes its way through downtown Eureka Springs.

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

December Events for Eureka Springs

A Season of Celebration

Monday, November 5th, 2007 - Saturday, December 8th, 2007

“A Season of Celebration” Holiday Shows at Pine Mountain Jamboree, nightly except Sunday.

Trail of Lights

Monday, November 19th, 2007 - Monday, December 31st, 2007

Both Eureka Springs and Berryville will be participating in the Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism's 2007 "Trail of Lights."Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Free Christmas Lights Extravaganza at The Great Passion Play

Tuesday, November 20th, 2007 - Monday, December 31st, 2007

Each night starting Nov. 9th thru Dec. 31th , at dusk until 9:00pm, Sunday thru Thursday and Friday and Saturday until 11:00pm, we will feature a drive thru Christmas light extravaganza (bigger and better than before). There is no charge for this event; however, donations will be accepted. Also, our magnificent gift shop will be open from 10:00am until 4:00pm Monday thru Thursday, and 10:00am until 8:00pm Friday and Saturday.

Christmas Celebration at the Great Passion Play

Friday, November 30th, 2007 - Saturday, December 1st, 2007

The Great Passion Play is proud to announce our 2007 Christmas Music Celebration event. Starting Nov. 9th & 10th (Friday & Saturday) and running each Friday & Saturday thru Dec. 15th for a total of 12 nights.Headlining the program will be two Christmas music show performances each night featuring the “Texans” beginning at 5:30pm and 7:00pm.Tickets will be $10.00 for adults, Children 6-18 will be $5.00 or $30.00 for a family pass. Also, this ticket will include admission to The Sacred Arts Center which will be open from 4:00pm until 7:30pm daily during performances.In addition, each night starting Nov. 9th thru Dec. 31th , at dusk until 9:00pm, Sunday thru Thursday and Friday and Saturday until 11:00pm, we will feature a drive thru Christmas light extravaganza (bigger and better than before). There is no charge for this event; however, donations will be accepted.Also, our magnificent gift shop will be open from 10:00am until 4:00pm Monday thru Thursday, and 10:00am until 8:00pm Friday and Saturday.

Candlelight Tour of Homes

Saturday, December 1st, 2007

The 25th Annual Tour of Homes will take place Saturday, December 1 from 2pm-7pm. Take a stroll through history as you tour through some of the most illustrious homes along Spring Street. Many of these homes have been lovingly brought back to their original stately manor while others have been thoroughly updated with fantastic modern amenities. The attention to detail in each of the locations makes this tour truly special for both the history buff, those that love the Victorian architecture, and those interested in seeing architectural works of art.There are over 14 locations participating in this year’s Holiday Tour of Homes and special attention to decorating for the holidays is happening within them. Several of the locations have been completely renovated just in time to participate in the tour this year.“We are delighted to have so many home owners participating in this years Tour of Homes,” shares Dee Bright, president of the Eureka Springs Preservation Society. “We have been thrilled with the level of enthusiasm and excitement. It is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!”The Tour includes choir music, children caroling, refreshments, docent tours of each location, jazz bands and Victorian merriment throughout Spring Street. This is a lovely location to begin your holidays. Come for the first time and make it a holiday tradition.Tickets will be available November 1, 2007 at the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce and at the Eureka Springs Historical Museum. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the tour. Children under 12 are free. For more information please contact 800-638-7352.

Christmas Ball

Saturday, December 1st, 2007

Eureka Springs Historical Museum's annual fundraiser. The Christmas Ball will be held from 7pm-11pm at the 1905 Basin Park Hotel Ballroom. Dance to the sounds of the Jack Mitchell Quintet. Complimentary Wine & Hors d'oeuvres, Silent Auction and Cash Bar. Call Ginni Miller at 479-253-9417 or email at eshm999@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Ozarks Chorale Winter Concert

Saturday, December 8th, 2007

From its early beginnings of fewer than 30 voices, this year the 60-plus voice Ozarks Chorale begins its work in September. The musical library of the Chorale ranges from Classical works such as Handel's "Messiah" with accompanying orchestra to Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" with Jazz ensemble accompaniment. Romantic works such as Brahms "Liebeslieder Waltzes" to gospel, pop, folk, musical theater and movie songs are Chorale favorites. The Chorale boasts the ability to sing anything from Bach to Beatles!Come join the Chorale to experience the beautiful music that is planned for the 2007-2008 season: Nov 17, 2007 "Sounds of the Season" Concert Holiday Island ClubhouseDec 8, 2007 "Old Fashioned Christmas" Concert Eureka Springs City AuditoriumApr 20, 2008 Spring Concert Eureka Springs City Auditorium

2nd Saturday Gallery Stroll

Saturday, December 8th, 2007

The tradition continues in Eureka Springs! The City's art galleries are joining forces to stage a monthly "Celebration of the Art of Eureka." From April to December, on the second Saturday of each month, galleries on Spring Street and all around the town will open their doors from 6-9:00 pm. A colorful banner hanging outside each one will identify galleries participating in this fabulous fun event. Inside, you will find all artist-made goods, ranging from gold and silver jewelry to paintings, glass, ceramic, wood and much more. Representing more than 2000 artists, these Eureka Springs art and fine craft galleries offer an unsurpassed collection of wares, propelling Eureka Springs to the top 5 small cities in the country for art. Celebrate the Art of Eureka, take a stroll through the town on the second Saturday of the month and enjoy seeing an eclectic collection of art! For more information, call 479-253-7679. See you on Second Saturdays in Eureka Springs!

Home for the Holidays Concert

Friday, December 14th, 2007

Eureka Springs Home for the Holidays Concert at the City Auditorium.

John Two-Hawks Concert

Saturday, December 15th, 2007

Holiday concert with Native American flute player, John Two-Hawks at the Eureka Springs City Auditorium.For tickets and other information, please call 866-444-0940 or 479-253-5826 or visit the website at http://www.johntwohawks.com/

November Events in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Christmas Celebration at the Great Passion Play

Friday, November 9th, 2007 - Saturday, November 10th, 2007

The Great Passion Play is proud to announce our 2007 Christmas Music Celebration event. Starting Nov. 9th & 10th (Friday & Saturday) and running each Friday & Saturday thru Dec.15th for a total of 12 nights. Headlining the program will be two Christmas music show performances each night featuring the “Texans” beginning at 5:30pm and 7:00pm.Tickets will be $10.00 for adults, Children 6-18 will be $5.00 or $30.00 for a family pass. Also, this ticket will include admission to The Sacred Arts Center which will be open from 4:00pm until 7:30pm daily during performances.In addition, each night starting Nov. 9th thru Dec. 31th , at dusk until 9:00pm, Sunday thru Thursday and Friday and Saturday until 11:00pm, we will feature a drive thru Christmas light extravaganza (bigger and better than before). There is no charge for this event; however, donations will be accepted.Also, our magnificent gift shop will be open from 10:00am until 4:00pm Monday thru Thursday, and 10:00am until 8:00pm Friday and Saturday. For advanced ticket purchases or for additional information call The Great Passion Play at 1-800-882-7529

A Season of Celebration

Monday, November 5th, 2007 - Saturday, December 8th, 2007

“A Season of Celebration” Holiday Shows at Pine Mountain Jamboree, nightly except Sunday.

Fall Antique Show & Sale

Friday, November 16th, 2007 - Sunday, November 18th, 2007

55 antique dealers from 14 different states bring their wares November 17 and 18 for the 19th Annual Eureka Springs Fall Antique Show and Sale.A special Wine & Cheese Preview will be held on Friday, November 16, 5:30-7 p.m. The popular yearly event will be held at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center. This is one of the kickoff events for the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Attendees will pay $10 for this first chance at the antiques brought by dealers from around the country. This fee covers all days. Regular show hours on Saturday are 10 am to 6 pm and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday. Admission price for this event is $ 2.50, good for both days. This well-attended show not only draws dealers from many states, it also brings customers from as many as 23 different states. “By now, most antique lovers around this part of the country know that the third weekend in November and the third weekend in March are devoted to antiques here in Eureka Springs,” according to Jane Baker. She and her husband, Dave, are show managers. “This is our 19th fall show and it looks to be better than ever,” she added. For more information on the festival, contact Dave or Jane Baker at 479-253-7551 or bakerdj@cox.net.

Sounds of the Season

Saturday, November 17th, 2007

From its early beginnings of fewer than 30 voices, this year the 60-plus voice Ozarks Chorale begins its work in September. The musical library of the Chorale ranges from Classical works such as Handel's "Messiah" with accompanying orchestra to Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" with Jazz ensemble accompaniment. Romantic works such as Brahms "Liebeslieder Waltzes" to gospel, pop, folk, musical theater and movie songs are Chorale favorites. The Chorale boasts the ability to sing anything from Bach to Beatles!Come join the Chorale to experience the beautiful music that is planned for the 2007-2008 season:
Nov 17, 2007 "Sounds of the Season" Concert Holiday Island Clubhouse
Dec 8, 2007 "Old Fashioned Christmas" Concert Eureka Springs City Auditorium
Apr 20, 2008 Spring Concert Eureka Springs City Auditorium

Trail of Lights

Monday, November 19th, 2007 - Monday, December 31st, 2007

Both Eureka Springs and Berryville will be participating in the Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism's 2007 "Trail of Lights."Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Thanksgiving in Eureka Springs

Thursday, November 22nd, 2007

Many of Eureka's finest restaurants will be offering first class buffet or full service on Thanksgiving Day. Traditional to eclectic, these special meals are sure to please every pallet. Restaurants will be added as they become available. Reservations will be strongly encouraged. Please call the restaurant of choice regarding seating times and additional information.
-The Gazebo (located in Best Western Eureka Inn)
-The Grand Taverne (located in the Grand Central Hotel)
-The Crystal Dining Room (located in the Crescent Hotel)
-Forest Hill Restaurant (next door to Holiday Inn Express on Van Buren St.)
-Myrtie Mae's (located in Best Western Inn of the Ozarks)
-Rogue's Manor (on Spring Street)

Christmas Parade

Friday, November 30th, 2007

This evening parade features floats, walkers,bands and thousands of lights as it makes it way through downtown Eureka Springs. For more information call 800-6EUREKA.