December Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks
By Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism
First posted on 11-10-2011
Join the staff of the Randolph County Museum in Pocahontas for an “Old Time Christmas” on Dec. 1. Held in conjunction with the town’s annual Christmas parade, the evening is a fundraiser for the museum. Chili, soup and baked goods are available for purchase. There is also live music and a silent auction. For details contact the museum at 870-892-4056.
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The 11th annual Block Street Holiday Art Sale takes place Dec. 2-4 at Mike Shirkey’s Goodfolk House, located at 229 N. Block St. in Fayetteville. The lineup for this season’s celebration of the arts includes some of Northwest Arkansas’s most respected visual artists, who run the gamut from paintings, ceramics, jewelry, paper goods, photography, textile arts and other unique handmade works. The sale is held in the Goodfolk House, which is also home to Shirkey’s music series. Call 479-442-6541 for more information.
On Dec. 3 in Fayetteville is the Holiday Market at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. you can shop professional, juried fine arts and crafts along with baked goods, gifts, evergreen decorations, honey, jam, and local produce at this beautiful open air setting. Model trains are set up indoors. Admission is free, and the gardens are located at 4703 N. Crossover Road. Visit http://www.fayettevillefarmersmarket.org or call 479-236-2910 for details.
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The John Two-Hawks Holiday Concert is Dec. 3 at The Auditorium in Eureka Springs. The show begins at 7 p.m. Grammy nominated recording artist John Two-Hawks shares the spirit of the season at this annual concert. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Visit http://www.johntwohawks.com or call 479-253-5826 for details.
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Don’t miss Santa Claus on the Children’s Christmas Train on Dec. 3. Santa rides the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad from Springdale to Rogers and Fayetteville. Santa’s workshop is set up at The Depot on Dickson Street in Fayetteville, where you can also enjoy music and entertainment. Similar offerings are in Rogers and Springdale. Call 479-725-4017 for more information.
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Eureka Springs’ 29th annual Christmas Tour of Homes is Dec. 3 in the city’s historic area. The attention to detail in each home makes this tour truly special for the history buff and those who love seeing architectural works of art. Admission is $20 for adults. Children 12 and younger can take the tour at no charge. Visit http://www.eurekaspringspreservationsociety.org or call 479-253-9585 for details.
The city’s 9th annual Christmas Ball is Dec. 9 at the 1905 Basin Park Hotel Ballroom. The event includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres and sweets. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Eureka Springs Historical Museum. Visit http://www.eurekaspringshistoricalmuseum.org or call 479-253-9417 for details.
The 5th annual Sweet Treats Cookie Tour in Eureka Springs is Dec. 10. The event is a self-guided tour of 12 bed and breakfast inns, serving yummy treats with recipes for your collection. It is sponsored by the Alliance of Better Bed & Breakfasts. Call 888-567-2422 for more information.
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Enjoy an Eagle Watch Cruise on Dec. 3, 4,7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 21, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 in Rogers. An interpretive guide from Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area in Rogers leads the tour of the Van Winkle arm of Beaver Lake, one of the last undeveloped areas of the lake. The cruise departs from Rocky Branch Marina. Pre-registration and payment are required. The cost is $10 for adults, and $5 for children ages 6-12. Buy your tickets at the park visitor center or by calling 479-789-5000. Dress for the weather. Lifejackets are provided and must be worn at all times.
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Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park’s annual Christmas Open House is Dec. 3-4 in Prairie Grove. Christmas will be in the air as in the days of the Civil War. While food is cooking in the Latta House kitchen, members of the local Wool and Wheel Handspinners Guild and the Dogwood Lace groups demonstrate spinning, weaving, and lace making. There are also guided tours through the historic Latta and Morrow houses. Admission is free. Visit http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/prairiegrovebattlefield or call 479-846-2990 for more information.
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The very popular “Caroling in the Caverns” event takes place Dec. 3-4 and 17-18 at Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View. Marvel at the beauty of astonishing formations coupled with the sounds of caroling resounding through the caverns as musicians perform your favorite old-time Christmas songs. Visit http://www.YourPlaceInTheMountains.com or call 870-269-8068 for details.
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Celebrate the holiday season when Jacksonport State Park in Newport hosts a Christmas Open House on Dec. 4. Listen to live music provided by local choirs, bands and musical groups. Tour the historic courthouse and enjoy a variety of seasonal treats. The event is free but donations are being collected for the local food pantry. Call 870-523-2143 to learn more.
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Kenny Rogers is easily considered one the music industry’s most recognizable icons. Head to Fayetteville on Dec. 7 to see Kenny Rogers Christmas and Hits at the Walton Arts Center, located on Dickson Street in the city’s entertainment district. With his distinctive raspy vocals and trademark white beard, Rogers has delivered countless memorable songs that have drawn fans from rock, pop, soul and country audiences for more than 50 years. Visit http://www.waltonartscenter.org or call 479-571-2747 for tickets or more information.
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Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View offers an Ozark Holiday Weekend on Dec. 9-11. Spend a relaxing weekend listening to carols on the courthouse square, touring the park’s craft village, and visiting with the center’s artisans in their workshops. See how handcrafted Ozark treasures are created and purchase one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts in an old-fashioned holiday atmosphere. Special rates in the Cabins at Dry Creek are available. Contact the park at 870-269-3851 for details.
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The 5th annual Holiday House and Light Tour is Dec. 10 in Calico Rock. This is a guided tour through homes decorated for the holidays. Traditionally there have been two historic homes, churches, and two modern homes. The event ends with a reception at the Artisan Cooperative. Admission is $5 per person or $20 per family. Visit http://www.calicorocket.org or call 870-297-4129 for more information.
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Learn how our pioneer ancestors enjoyed the holiday season and made special gifts as Davidsonville Historic State Park offers a Holiday Crafts Workshop on Dec. 10. Participants hear the stories of our forebearers’ holiday traditions and make their own special craft to take home. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 for more information.
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With over 50 crafters displaying a variety of handmade wares, the 26th annual Country Christmas Craft Fair on Dec. 10 near Batesville is the perfect place to finish your holiday shopping. Items for sale range from woodcrafts to quilts to ceramics to jewelry. A snack bar is also available for hungry shoppers to purchase goodies and drinks. The event is held at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Ranch. Log on to http://www.YouthRanches.com or phone 870-793-6841 for more information.
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Enjoy the season with a touch of Victorian elegance as Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan hosts the annual Holiday Ball on Dec. 10. The 52nd Regimental String Band provides music and dance instruction throughout the evening. Period clothing is encouraged but not required. For more information, log on to http://www.ArkansasStateParks.com or contact Powhatan Historic State Park at 870-878-6765.
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The Fayetteville Half Marathon takes place Dec. 10-11. It involves a half-distance marathon, 5K, one-mile fun run/walk, and the Magic Mile, a one-mile downhill race. The full schedule of events including the times and locations are listed on the website http://www.fayettevillehalf.com. Call 479-521-7766 for more information.
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Just in time for the holidays, the 27th annual Candy Cane Lane lights up Pocahontas from Dec. 12-23. The town’s Maple Street becomes Candy Cane Lane as neighborhood houses and lawns are decorated for the holiday season. To learn more visit http://www.SeeRandolphCounty.com or phone 870-892-3022.
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The December “Music in the Mountains Show” in Horseshoe Bend is the 17th. This monthly music and variety show is held the third Saturday of each month at 6 p.m. on the stage of the historic Horseshoe Bend Theatre. Admission is by donation; concessions available. Call 870-373-3303 for details.
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Maynard celebrates the holiday season with Christmas in the Park on Dec. 24. Held at Maynard Pioneer Park, the event features a variety of food and live musical entertainment. For the youngsters, Santa is on hand to hear their last-minute wish list. Call 870-647-2701 for details.