Experience the festive fun of Hot Springs with our detailed holiday guide. For those who breathe Hot Springs air daily and those just sampling it, this guide unlocks seasonal wonders.
Popular events this holiday season kick off with the Hot Springs Christkindlmarkt, a charming market filled with artisan crafts and delicious food, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Unique flavors abound at the Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook Off, where local chefs compete for the title of best chili, drawing crowds eager to taste the creativity. And you definitely don't want to miss the Hot Springs Christmas Parade, which lights up the streets with community floats, festive music, and holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Hot Springs
- Hot Springs Christmas Parade
- Hot Springs Christkindlmarkt
- Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook Off
- Spa Running Festival
- Güdrun MTB Festival
- Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
- Holiday Market on the Downtown Square (Fayetteville)
- Christmas in Eureka Springs (Eureka Springs)
- Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Holiday Express/Pajama Train (Van Buren)
See these and even more events listed below!
Hot Springs Holiday Markets and Shopping
Hot Springs Christkindlmarkt
What to Expect:
Traditional European-inspired holiday market with handmade crafts and seasonal treats.
Description:
Hot Springs Christkindlmarkt is a charming holiday market inspired by traditional European Christmas markets. It features festively lit stalls offering handmade crafts, ornaments, and unique gifts. Enjoy delicious seasonal treats like roasted nuts, gingerbread, and hot cocoa. The market offers a great shopping experience and a chance to soak in the holiday spirit with family and friends.
Where: Hot Springs | More Info: Hot Springs Christkindlmarkt
Holiday Market on the Downtown Square
What to Expect:
Unique handcrafted items and local vendors.
Description:
The Holiday Market on the Downtown Square features unique handcrafted holiday items, including artisan crafts, holiday wreaths, and baked goods. Local vendors and food trucks create a lively atmosphere, making it an excellent place to find gifts and get into the holiday spirit.
Where: Fayetteville | More Info: Holiday Market on the Downtown Square
Hot Springs Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
What to Expect:
Unique blend of documentary films and industry events in a scenic resort town.
Description:
The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is the longest-running all-documentary film festival in North America, featuring a diverse lineup of international features and shorts, gala screenings, and industry honors.
Where: Hot Springs | More Info: Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
Hot Springs Other Holiday Activities
Hot Springs Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Fundraising event for local youth scholarships.
Description:
The Hot Springs Christmas Parade is an annual holiday tradition featuring elaborate floats, high school marching bands, and festive floats, all taking place in historic Downtown Hot Springs.
Where: Hot Springs | More Info: Hot Springs Christmas Parade
Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook Off
What to Expect:
Local businesses compete for best chili while downtown lights are turned on.
Description:
The Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook Off in Downtown Hot Springs features local businesses competing to create the best chili, with the event coinciding with the lighting of downtown Christmas lights.
Where: Hot Springs | More Info: Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook Off
Spa Running Festival
What to Expect:
Scenic running routes through Hot Springs National Park.
Description:
The Spa Running Festival is an inclusive event featuring various running distances, including the Summit 2 Summit Half Marathon, Spa 10K, 5K Run/Walk, and Squirt Race for kids. It offers a scenic route through Hot Springs National Park, catering to all levels of runners and walkers.
Where: Hot Springs | More Info: Spa Running Festival
Güdrun MTB Festival
What to Expect:
3-day mountain bike festival with various activities.
Description:
The 6th annual Gudrun – Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival is a 3-day event in Hot Springs, Arkansas, featuring bike races, fun rides, bike expos, food, drinks, and music.
Where: Hot Springs | More Info: Güdrun MTB Festival
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Holiday Express/Pajama Train
What to Expect:
Complimentary hot cocoa and cookies on a scenic train ride.
Description:
The Arkansas & Missouri Railroad's Holiday Express/Pajama Train is a 45-minute excursion departing from Van Buren and Springdale. All passengers enjoy hot cocoa and cookies complementary with their tickets. This event is a holiday delight for young children and those young at heart, offering a scenic ride through the Ozark Boston Mountains.
Where: Van Buren | More Info: Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Holiday Express/Pajama Train
Christmas in Eureka Springs
What to Expect:
Historic town adorned with dazzling festive lights.
Description:
Eureka Springs transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling festive lights illuminating the historic town. Explore quaint streets lined with shops, boutiques, and galleries featuring exquisite fine art and unique crafts. Discover the perfect one-of-a-kind gift for your cherished ones in this charming Victorian Village.
Where: Eureka Springs | More Info: Christmas in Eureka Springs
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Benton (27 miles)