The holiday season is just around the corner. It is a great time of year to visit Eureka Springs. The streets are dressed to the nines in their best holiday décor and there are plenty of fun activities around town to get you into the holiday spirit. Christmas in Eureka Springs is fun for all ages with parades, shopping, tree lighting, concerts and a visit from jolly old Saint Nick.
Kicking things off in December is the Christmas Parade of Lights on December 4th. Starting a 6:00 pm, the streets will light up with this colorful and spirited parade filled with lit floats, walkers and bands. This year’s theme is Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.
While you’re downtown, start checking off items on your shopping list and stop in one of the many unique stores in the Historic District. Many of the stores have shopping games where you can find hidden elves around town or see the stores living windows. These themed window displays are each unique and worth seeing during your evening of shopping.
Celebrating 33 years, the Eureka Springs Preservation Society presents the Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes. This event is held each year on the first Saturday in December. Starting on December 5th from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the Victorian homes of Eureka Springs will be decorated with holiday décor. Visitors will be greeted by carolers and Christmas music and holiday refreshments. This year on the self-guided tours, participants can visit 7 homes. Advance tickets are $16.00 and children 12 and under are admitted for free. Day of tickets are $20.00.
It wouldn’t be the holiday season without classic holiday music. On December 5th at The Auditorium, John Two Hawks will perform his holiday concert. He will be joined this year by Johanna Kurkeld. The show will run from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The Annual Ozarks Chorale Christmas Concert is another favorite to check out during the season. This concert will take place on December 12th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Also at The Auditorium will be the Home for the Holidays Concert on December 19th.
Decorated by local charities, you must stop by the Eureka Christmas Forest at the Crescent Hotel. More than 2 dozen trees will be decorated with tree lighting on the 5th at 6:00 pm. Admission is free to this event and visitors can vote on their favorite tree. The Eureka Christmas Forest will open from December 1st through the 31st.
When you need a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season, come and stay with us here at Arsenic and Old Lace. Our cozy bed and breakfast is tucked away from the Historic District so it’s nice and quiet, perfect for relaxing. Each of our 5 guest rooms comes equipped with a seasonal fireplace for those chilly winter evenings. We start each morning off with a complimentary breakfast including homemade breads, fresh fruit and plenty of coffee and tea to get your day going. For more information about booking one of our rooms, please call us at 479-253-5454. We look forward to spending time with you soon.
Photo courtesy of John Morgan