Getaway to Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Christmas in Eureka Springs

While Eureka Springs is a favorite fall destination, it should not be overlooked during the most magical time of the year. In December, this quaint mountain town is festive and full of holiday traditions. The Crescent Hotel is aglow, Victorian-home owners open their doors for a Christmas tour, there are free holiday movies and brunch with the Grinch. A visit will leave you feeling nestled in holiday cheer.

Peek Inside Beautiful Homes

A longstanding tradition, The 43rd Annual Eureka Springs Preservation Society Christmas Tour of Homes is 2–6 p.m. December 2, when you can tour Victorian homes lavishly decorated for the season. Peek inside these gorgeous structures on a self-guided tour. Enjoy a night of old-fashioned grandeur and stories of home preservation.

Walk Among the Trees

Explore the Christmas Forest at the historic 1886 Crescent Hotel. On the East Lawn, meander through dozens of festive trees that are each decorated by and represent a local nonprofit. The hotel also hosts Sunday brunches with Santa and live music, and there are always dazzling decorations in the lobby and throughout the property. It’s a must stop.

Do Some Holiday Shopping

Stroll downtown, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and shop for locally made jewelry, crafts, paintings, gourmet food, kitchen gadgets and more. From 5–7 p.m., December 9 enjoy “Living Windows” where downtown shops have real humans in their windows dressed as elves, Santa, Whos of Whoville and other characters. It’s a fun night of shopping.

See the Big Guy Himself

Basin Spring Park is home to a beautiful tree, fun activities and a gathering spot. Santa Claus visits the park for the first three Saturdays in December from noon–2 p.m. and 3 p.m.–5 p.m. On December 16, there’s an Ugly Sweater contest at 12:30 p.m. so grab your most hideous pullover. Winners receive a gift basket filled with Eureka Springs swag.

Visit Eureka Springs Year-Round

by Katie Pollock Estes

Stroll and Shop

Downtown Eureka Springs

Stroll up and down the steep hillside streets of the picturesque downtown area to find plenty of snacking and shopping opportunities. Grab coffee and a crepe at Eureka Springs Coffee House or gift and souvenir shopping at Bathhouse Soapery & Caladarium.

Ride a Scenic Train

Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway
299 N. Main St., Eureka Springs, 479-253-9623
This 4-and-a-half-mile train ride takes riders on a scenic path where they can just sit back and enjoy the view of rolling hills out the window. There are dinner and lunch tickets available as well.

Dig Into Dinner

Le Stick Nouveau
65 A. Spring St., Eureka Springs
Chef Brandon Cox from longtime Branson favorite Candlestick Inn now runs Le Stick Nouveau (the new stick… clever!) in Eureka Springs. Right now they are focusing on Friday and Saturday night tasting menus.

Spend the Night

1905 Basin Spring Park Hotel
12 Spring St., Eureka Springs
You can visit Eureka Springs and come back in a day, but if you opt to spend the night, this downtown hotel has been in business for 115 years and has a colorful history that includes Prohibition-era bar busts.

Explore History

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church
30 Crescent Dr., Eureka Springs
Fans of historic architecture will want to be sure to see this sweet little church as they stroll the city. It is more than 100 years old and features beautiful stonework, pretty windows and a hillside statuary.