December Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks

Jill M. Rohrbach and Kimberly J. Williams, travel writers
Arkansas Tourism

Note to the Print and Broadcast Media: In order to better serve your needs and to keep you from getting extremely long documents from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, we have decided to break down our Travelin’ Arkansas release into regions organized by date. This way you will be able to look only at the areas you are interested in covering. The territories covered in Travelin' Arkansas adhere to the six geographical regions found in the Arkansas Tour Guide. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: communications@arkansas.com or 501-682-7606.

------------------------------------------------------------

The Victorian town of Eureka Springs celebrates the holiday season with numerous events and twinkling decorations. Some of the events offered this year include the 43rd annual Silver Tea at the Crescent Hotel on Dec. 2. The annual Christmas Parade is Dec. 3 along Spring Street with the annual Christmas Tour of Homes on Dec. 4. The event includes guided tours of homes as well as choir music, caroling, refreshments and Victorian merriment.

Also on Dec. 4 is the annual Christmas Ball at the 1905 Basin Park Hotel. Proceeds from the ball benefit the Eureka Springs Historical Museum. The Sweet Treats Holiday Tour, which is a bed and breakfast holiday cookie and candy tour, takes place on Dec. 11. For details on these and additional events such as Santa’s Brunch or the Ozarks Chorale annual Christmas Concert in this unique tourist town, visit www.eurekasprings.org or phone 479-253-7333 or 1-866-566-9387.

------------------------------------------------------------

Join an interpretive guide from Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area in Rogers for an Eagle Watch Cruise on Dec. 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 23, 26 and 30. The tour is along the Van Winkle arm of Beaver Lake, one of the last undeveloped areas. Pre-registration and payment is required. Buy your tickets at the visitor center front desk or call 479-789-5000. Tours depart from Rocky Branch Recreation Area. Dress for the weather. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/hobbsstateparkconservationarea/ for more information about the park.

------------------------------------------------------------

Local birding experts Joe Neal and Lynn Sciumbato present the program “Holidays Are for the Birds!” on Dec. 4 at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale. At 11 a.m., Neal discusses "Winter Birds in Northwest Arkansas." At 1 p.m. Sciumbato’s presentation includes live animals from Morningstar Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Admission is free. Visit www.springdalear.gov/shiloh or call 479-750-8165 for details.

------------------------------------------------------------

Join the staff of the Randolph County Museum in Pocahontas for an “Old Time Christmas” on Dec. 4. The evening features dinner, a bake sale, a silent auction, a gingerbread house contest and tours of the museum. For details contact the museum at 870-892-4056.

------------------------------------------------------------

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Prairie Grove commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Prairie Grove with reenactments on Dec. 4-5.

Battle demonstrations begin at 1 p.m. each day and feature charges and counterattacks by Union and Confederate infantry and cavalry on the actual battlefield near the historic Borden House. During the weekend there are many activities including tours through the Union, Confederate, and civilian camps, various military drills, cooking, spinning, and lace making demonstrations along with other living history programs. “Sutlers Row” features a number of vendors selling 19th century reproduction, books, and souvenirs.

The original Battle of Prairie Grove, fought on Dec. 7, 1862, had about 22,000 soldiers fighting most of the day, with about 2,700 killed, wounded, or missing. Every even-numbered year, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park hosts a battle reenactment.

Admission is free but parking is $5 per vehicle. For more information, phone 479-846-2990 or visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/prairiegrovebattlefield.

------------------------------------------------------------

Celebrate the holiday season when Jacksonport State Park in Newport hosts a Christmas Open House Dec. 5. Listen to live music provided by local choirs, bands and musical groups. Tour the historic courthouse and enjoy a variety of Christmas treats. The event is free but donations are being collected for the local food pantry. Call 870-523-2143 to learn more.

------------------------------------------------------------

Enjoy the holiday season with a touch of Victorian elegance when Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan hosts the annual Holiday Ball on Dec. 11. The 52nd Regimental String Band provides music and dance instruction throughout the evening. For more information, log on to www.ArkansasStateParks.com or contact Powhatan Historic State Park at 870-878-6765.

------------------------------------------------------------

The Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville offers the annual Old Fashioned Family Christmas Party on Dec. 11. The party gives kids and adults the opportunity to experience the traditions of Christmases past and learn the history of holiday customs. The event also has games, crafts and demonstrations. To find out more information, log on to www.OIRM.org or phone 870-793-2121.

------------------------------------------------------------

The Imperial Dinner Theatre in Pocahontas presents the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 16-21. The story adored by young and old alike features the music of Tchaikovsky, beautiful costumes and original choreography. Admission is $27 and includes the price of dinner and the show. For more information on dates, times or reservations, log on to www.ImperialDinnerTheatre.com or phone 870-892-0030.

------------------------------------------------------------

Just in time for the holidays, the 26th annual Candy Cane Lane lights up Pocahontas from Dec. 17-24. The town’s Maple Street becomes Candy Cane Lane as neighborhood houses and lawns are decorated for the holiday season. To learn more visit www.SeeRandolphCounty.com or contact the Randolph County Tourism Association at 870-892-0254.

------------------------------------------------------------

For the holidays, Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View offers an extended season in its craft village. From Nov. 3-Dec. 10 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, you can enjoy relaxed shopping and hands-on craft demonstrations with park artisans. This is a family-oriented experience where you can also learn about the history and relevance of Ozark crafts. Visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com or call 870-269-3851 for details.