The One Thing to Do in Arkansas Before the End of the Year

When December arrives, it's almost like a race to the end of the year, between all the gatherings with family and friends, holiday parties, and other festivities. It can be quite an action-packed month, but if there's one thing you should do before the end of the year in Arkansas, it's to spend time at the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs, where Christmas magic is in the air all season long!

'Tis the season for festivities, twinkling lights, and making memories, and there's perhaps no better place to do that than at the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs. Each year, the hotel decks its halls and adorns its grounds, offering a selection of exciting seasonal activities for guests to enjoy throughout the season.

Christmastime at the Crescent Hotel has been a holiday tradition at the hotel since 1886. It begins with a tree lighting ceremony the day after Thanksgiving, and the festivities and lights run through the end of December. Throughout the holiday celebration, guests can partake in numerous activities.

A favorite is Brashears Christmas Tree Forest on the Crescent's East Lawn. Here, guests can stroll through a festive display of decorated Christmas trees, each of which is designated to a specific charity. Money is also raised for each organization, and you can choose an amount to donate when voting for your favorite tree. Beyond the Christmas Tree Forest, the hotel's grounds are decorated with lights, setting the scene to take the perfect family holiday photos.

Open daily from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. is the Holiday Hangout, where you and your family can indulge in food and holiday-themed drinks. If you have little ones ages five and under, take them to Ozzy's Skate Pond, where they can try ice skating for free (a limited number of ice skates are available).

Another kid-friendly activity is the Green Eggs & Grinch Breakfast Feast, taking place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025. A buffet spread featuring green eggs and ham will be available, and the Grinch will be making an appearance! The next morning, Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., families can reserve a table at Santa's Breakfast Feast in the Crystal Dining Room. A variety of sweet and savory breakfast items will be available, along with the chance to meet the jolly old elf himself! Reservations must be made in advance for both breakfast events.

In addition to the festivities listed above, Santa's Mountain Village will be set up for families, and tickets will be available for performances of "A Christmas Carol" presented by The Eureka Springs Theatre Company.

Will you visit the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa to experience its Christmastime festivities before the end of the year? To learn more about the lights and date-specific events related to Christmastime at the Crescent, visit the hotel's website. You can also book a few nights at the Crescent during the holiday season and enjoy a memorable holiday season getaway.

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