The 2026 Eureka Springs Christmas Festival brings the magic of the holidays to the winding streets of this historic Victorian town. From sparkling lights and festive trolley rides to local shopping, Santa visits, and holiday traditions, Eureka Springs is a special place to celebrate the season with family and friends.
Don’t miss these Eureka Springs Christmas events!
Shop Small Saturday Celebration
Saturday, November 28, 9–10 a.m.
Start the holiday season at Basin Spring Park during the Shop Small Saturday Celebration. Browse local vendors, enjoy family-friendly games, and look for gifts for the kids. The first 100 attendees will receive goodie bags. Then spend the day exploring downtown shops and galleries for distinctive gifts and holiday finds.
See the 2026 Eureka Springs Christmas Festival details.
Basin Spring Park Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 28, 5:30–6 p.m.
Gather at Basin Spring Park for the annual Christmas tree lighting. Fiddling Santa and his elves will join the community for this festive kickoff to the season.
Find more Christmas events in Eureka Springs.
Ride the Holly Route
December 3–19; Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 5–8 p.m.
See Eureka Springs sparkle from the Holly Route, a hop-on, hop-off trolley ride through the holiday lights, with opportunities to stop for photos. Rides depart from the Trolley Depot & Transit Office every half hour. Tickets are listed at $4 cash or $6 online.
Plan your visit to the Eureka Springs Christmas Festival.
Shop the Holiday Markets
December 4–6
Find one-of-a-kind gifts and meet local makers at holiday markets around downtown. The Meet the Maker’s Market is listed at Main Stage on December 4, with additional markets on December 5 and 6. A second Holiday Maker’s Market is listed at 35 N. Main St. on December 5.
Check the festival page for market details.
Christmas at the Inns and Living Windows
Saturday, December 12
Explore decorated lodging properties during Christmas at the Inns, listed from 1–5 p.m. Later, head downtown for Living Windows, when storefront windows become festive holiday displays. The source does not list a time for Living Windows.
Get the latest 2026 festival information.
Hot Cocoa & Cookie Crawl
Friday, December 11, 5–7 p.m.
Stroll through downtown and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa from participating businesses during this sweet holiday tradition. It’s a fun way to take in the festive atmosphere while browsing local shops.
Discover more seasonal events.
Santa, Music, and Holiday Cheer
Santa is scheduled to greet visitors at Basin Spring Park on December 18 from noon to 5 p.m. That evening, the Jinglin’ Jeep Parade is listed to begin at 6 p.m., with festively decorated Jeeps rolling through downtown.
Other seasonal highlights include Home for the Holidays at the Historic Auditorium on December 11, with admission of two cans of food for the local food bank, and the Ozarks Chorale Holiday Concert on December 13 at 7 p.m.
See the full Eureka Springs Christmas Festival guide.
Make Eureka Springs part of your holiday tradition
Whether you come for the lights, the local markets, a visit with Santa, or a favorite holiday performance, Eureka Springs offers plenty of ways to make merry memories. Check the 2026 Eureka Springs Christmas Festival page for event details and updates as you plan your holiday visit.
Event times, locations, admission, and schedules can change. Confirm details on the festival page before heading out.