Jump start the holiday season with fun, family friendly festivities this December in Eureka Springs. The streets of the Historic District are beautifully decorated this time of year and the town comes to life with Christmas lights every evening. The Eureka Springs Christmas parade kicks off the first weekend of December at sunset as it makes its joyful way through the downtown streets. This “Light the World” themed parade will consist of walkers, floats, bands and even Santa himself. Miss Arkansas will lead the parade as this year’s Grand Marshall. The parade is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and is free to attend. A party in Basin Spring Park immediately follows the parade.
Activities are plentiful for the holidays as EurekaSprings.com sponsors the Christmas Festival during December. From the Preservation Society’s Tour of Homes to brunch with Santa in the Crystal Ballroom at the Crescent Hotel, there is something for every age to enjoy. Make an evening to remember by attending the Christmas tree forest lighting at the Crescent Hotel. Beginning at 6:00pm, more than 30 trees will light up the Crescent’s gardens. These will stay lit through the beginning of January.
At the Auditorium, John Two-Hawks will perform a holiday concert. Tickets are $20.00 at the door and $15.00 in advance. Concert begins at 7:00pm.
The last weekend in November and the first three weekends in December, the Great Passion Play will put on a live interactive nativity scene each night. Visitors will feel as if they have traveled back to Bethlehem to the first Christmas. The set is lit up in beautiful twinkling lights and there are nativities represented from all over the world. Interactions with the townspeople and animals bring this unbelievable experience to life each evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
When it comes to shopping, the downtown streets of Eureka Springs are filled with stores that can help check off all the items remaining on your shopping list. There are many art galleries and specialty shops to choose from in addition to clothing, jewelry and home décor stores. During the holidays, many of the shops come to life with living windows and hidden elves in the store to be found. Shopping this time of year is a pleasure as carols can be heard through the streets and hot chocolate can be enjoyed while browsing.
For a little rest and relaxation during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, check out the accommodations at Arsenic and Old Lace bed and breakfast. This Queen Anne Victorian style mansion is beautifully set in the Ozark hills and located just two blocks from the Historic District. Five spacious guest suites are all elegantly decorated with antiques and original artwork. Innkeepers Doug and Beverly Breitling provide a gourmet breakfast each morning to get the day off to a great start. For added touches to your retreat, have a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider awaiting your arrival or book a one hour massage in the room. It doesn’t get any better than this. Check out room availability and make a reservation by clicking here.
Photo courtesy of David Carroll