The City of Eureka Springs, the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce, and the City Advertising and Promotion Commission are pleased to announce the official kickoff of one of America’s great Christmas festivals — a month-long celebration that transforms our Victorian village with lights, music, parades, and beloved traditions.
Kickoff to Christmas Weekend
Friday and Sat urday, Nov. 28-29 Eureka Springs launches the season Thanksgiving weekend with lights across downtown, historic hotels, and Victorian neighborhoods. On Friday, November 28, the town glows to life, marking the start of a festive month.
The Holiday Lights Digital Map at Christm asInEureka.com guides visitors through the town’s dazzling light displays.
Opening of Christmas with the RoSses The weekend begins with the Opening of Christmas with the Rosses, a simple but meaningful downtown gathering honoring the Ross family’s long tradition of holiday hospitality. Many locals consider this the true first moment of Christmas in Eureka Springs.
Lighting at the Crescent & Holiday Feat ures The Crescent Hotel Christmas Tree Lighting takes place at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 28. Afterward, the hotel opens its Holiday Hangout, a rooftop pop-up serving festive drinks and treats nightly from 4–8 p.m.
Across the valley, the Great Passion Play Light Display begins Thanksgiving night and continues through New Year’s, offering a drive-through experience filled with holiday scenes and family favorites.
Friday night continues with The Wizards of Winter at 7:30 p.m. at The Auditorium. The symphonic rock show features musicians from Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Broadway. Tickets available at theaud. thundertix.com.
Shop Small Sat urday & Town Tree Lighting Shop Small Saturday takes place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Basin Spring Park with swag bags, games, giveaways, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
That evening, the Eureka Springs Tree Lighting returns to Basin Spring Park at 5 p.m., featuring Fiddling Santa and holiday characters.
At 6 p.m., The Nutcracker Ballet by Ignite Dance takes the stage at The Auditorium.
All Aboard the Eureka Express — A Magical Christmas Storytime!
Dec. 6, 13 and 20 New this year, the Eureka Express offers a cozy holiday storytime aboard the decorated Excursion Car at the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway. A wood stove warms the car as Santa reads stories and shares cocoa.
The event runs December 6, 13, and 20 from 1–4 p.m. Admission is free; donations support local organizations.
A Dickens Christmas
Annual Silver Tea Thursday, Dec. 4
The Annual Silver Tea returns to the Crescent Hotel on Thursday, December 4 at 1:30 p.m. Hosted by St. James Episcopal Church Women, the elegant gathering features tea, pastries, and holiday entertainment, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
Christmas Open House at La Grange Lavender Co.
Sat urday, Dec. 6 On Saturday, December 6 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., La Grange Lavender Co. hosts its Christmas Open House with holiday décor, lavender items, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, mimosas, and seasonal gifts at their countryside farm.
Parade, Films & Festivities
The Christmas Parade of Lights begins Friday, December 5 at 6 p.m., themed “Scrooge!” Floats, musicians, performers, and Dickens characters fill the downtown streets.
After the parade, The Auditorium hosts a free screening of The Muppets Christmas Carol at 7:30 p.m.
The Meet the Makers Craft Show runs Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Main Stage, featuring local artisans and handmade gifts.
Christmas at the Inns, Santa in the Park & “Scrooge” On Saturday, December 6, Christmas at the Inns welcomes visitors from 1–5 p.m. for self-guided tours of historic inns, complete with cocoa, cider, and cookies. (Tickets at EurekaSpringsChamber. com.)
Santa in the Park brings family fun to Basin Spring Park from noon to 5 p.m.
That evening, The Auditorium screens the classic film “Scrooge.”
Sunday Finale
The weekend wraps Sunday, December 7 with a 2 p.m. performance by the Arkansas Highlands Brass Band, followed by the Teddy Bear Tea at the Crescent Hotel at 3 p.m., a favorite family tradition.
Getting Around
To help visitors enjoy the lights and activities without worrying about parking, Eureka Springs Transit operates the Holly Route — a hop-on, hop-off trolley running Thursday through Saturday evenings, Dec. 4–20. The route makes it easy to explore decorated neighborhoods, attractions, and downtown displays.