Every twinkling light, wreath and candy-cane tree that transforms Eureka Springs into a winter wonderland begins long before the first chill of December. Months ahead of time, a coalition of city departments, organizations and volunteers gather to coordinate one of the region’s most charming holiday celebrations — Christmas in Eureka Springs.
At the head of the table sits Mayor Butch Berry, whose City Hall office hosts the summer planning meetings. Around him are representatives from the city’s Public Works and Parks departments, the Advertising and Promotion Commission (CAPC), the Chamber of Commerce, Heart of Eureka, Transit office and the Basin Park Hotel events team. Together, this group ensures that every garland strand and event aligns to create a seamless holiday experience for residents and visitors alike.
A CITYWIDE COLLABORATION Sam Dudley and the Parks Department along with Public Works, led by Simon Wiley and Sean Mellon, manage the city’s massive inventory of decorations — from 25foot Christmas trees to giant bows and light tunnels. This year, they’re installing a new power drop at the “Welcome to Eureka Springs” sign and refreshing lights at Music Park and Basin Spring Park. Meanwhile, Dudley is on the hunt for the perfect Santa hat for Humpty and Michael Akins facilitates the new purchases.
CAPC’s role goes far beyond promotion. Mike Maloney, Danyelle Harris, Katelyn Jerrell and Jana Kaylor are coordinating with Public Works and Parks to assess and repair the city’s light inventory while also investing in new technology.
THE SPIRIT OF PARTNERSHIP
The Chamber of Commerce, led by Devin Henderson, connects businesses and event hosts to amplify the holiday calendar. Through ChristmasInEureka. com — now being rebuilt as part of the VisitEurekaSprings. com network — the Chamber is streamlining how locals and guests find information about parades, light tours, concerts and the ever-popular home decorating contest. The chamber will also fill the void on Tour of Homes weekend with a Tour of Inns.
Heart of Eureka’s Laci Moffitt coordinates downtown merchant participation in events for every weekend, while ensuring shop windows sparkle grandly for the “Living Windows” display on Saturday, Dec. 13. Meanwhile, Basin Park Hotel’s Jack Moyer, Mary Howze and the hotel team continue to anchor the season with the Free2BeNYE Bash with a Splash and the holiday wow at the Crescent Hotel.
GETTING THE WORD OUT
Behind the scenes, the Christmas marketing team is working in step with the Chamber, Heart of Eureka, BPH events and local media to ensure the magic of Christmas in Eureka Springs reaches every corner of Arkansas and beyond. A refreshed ChristmasInEureka. com landing page now showcases the season’s signature attractions, while coordinated social media campaigns, weekly story releases and press outreach keep the community engaged from November through New Year’s Eve. The marketing calendar includes targeted releases promoting how to participate, spotlighting the Christmas Committee’s teamwork, and unveiling new festivities each week. Local outlets like the Times-Echo, Independent, and Democrat-Gazette will carry the message, supported by statewide listings on VisitEurekaSprings. com, Arkansas.com, TravelEurekasSprings. com and NorthwestArkansas.org. Gina Rambo is coordinating ad placements for Heart of Eureka events.
NEW HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2025
Among the new experiences this year is The Eureka Express — Storytime with Santa at the historic train station. Thanks to the generosity of the Dortch brothers, families will be invited aboard the Excursion Car for hot cocoa, Ignite Dance Nutcracker characters and live readings from Santa himself, using books donated by Imagination Library. The event — a collaboration between the CAPC, volunteers like Bruce Geek and local schools — showcases the community’s spirit of giving.
And, for those looking to see the city’s lights from a new angle, the Transit Department is introducing the Holly Route, a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour through the “Heart of Christmas.”
The magic of Christmas in Eureka Springs is the result of dedication, collaboration, and a shared love for bringing holiday joy to one of America’s most beautiful small towns.
