The Ozarks' 6 Most Festive Downtowns For The Holidays
The Ozarks, a highland region spanning multiple states, are known for forested hills, winding rivers, and long-established communities. Each winter, towns across the region mark the season with downtown events and holiday displays. Batesville, Branson, Hollister, Eureka Springs, Jasper, and West Plains adjust their main streets, courthouse squares, and historic districts with coordinated lights and decorations. Traditions such as Batesville’s White River Wonderland, Branson’s holiday markets, Hollister’s Santa’s Train, and community parades in Jasper and West Plains reflect each town’s character and show how the holiday season unfolds throughout the Ozarks.
Batesville, Arkansas
Batesville sits along the White River about 80 miles northeast of Little Rock and played an early role in the settlement of the Ozark region. It is known as the Christmas Capital of Arkansas, and each holiday season, the town fills with events and light displays.
White River Wonderland is the central attraction, one of the state’s largest holiday light shows with millions of synchronized lights set to music. Traditionally held at Riverside Park, the 2025 celebration will move to the Batesville Community Center on Chaney Drive and 20th Street during park renovations. The event has been recognized as the Ozark Gateway Region’s Festival of the Year and as a finalist for Arkansas Tourism Attraction of the Year. It includes carriage rides, ice skating, photos with Santa Claus, the White River Express train, and newer additions such as Avalanche and the Reindeer Speedway.
Other seasonal events include the North Heights Church of Christ’s Polar Express program, a free gathering with treats, games, train rides, and gifts for children, along with the Kiwanis Christmas Parade that runs from 12th and Main Street to Marshall Dry Goods. For a stay near downtown activities, The Royal on Main has modern boutique suites.
Branson, Missouri
Branson sits in the heart of the Ozarks about 40 miles south of Springfield and becomes one of southwest Missouri’s most extensive holiday destinations, especially in its downtown area. On Commercial Street, 417 Vintage Market provides a three-story shopping space and its annual Christmas Market, which includes seasonal décor, vintage items, home goods, and boutique clothing. After browsing, visitors can stop at Commercial St. Coffee on the top level for holiday food and drinks. Nearby on Main Street, the Branson Scenic Railway adds to the season with its Polar Express themed rides that depart from the historic depot.
Just outside downtown, Silver Dollar City anchors the holiday period with its Old Time Christmas celebration. The 61-acre park is covered in more than six million LED lights, highlighted by an eight-story Christmas tree and themed areas such as Christmas in Midtown and Joy on Town Square. The park rounds out the season with holiday productions, seasonal treats, and a full schedule of entertainment.
Hollister, Missouri
Hollister lies just south of Branson and has a historic downtown that resembles a small old-world English village. At its center, the Downing Street Historic District includes Tudor-style buildings and stone-and-timber storefronts that take on a seasonal look under twinkling holiday lights.
The season begins with the annual Downing Street Christmas Tree Lighting, a close community event with sweet treats, carols, live entertainment, and a visit from Santa Claus. Downing Street Pour House serves American and bar-style dishes, and Kendall’s Treasures carries antiques, collectibles, and holiday gifts. Another long-running event, Santa in the Park at Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park on Esplanade Drive, includes family activities, warm drinks, and time with Santa in a relaxed setting. For overnight stays, Ye Olde English Inn provides accommodations steps from the main festivities.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is a Victorian-era town in the Ozarks of northwest Arkansas with a historic downtown marked by winding streets and well-preserved nineteenth-century buildings that take on a seasonal appearance during the holidays. Throughout December, the town hosts events such as the Meet the Makers Craft Show at the Main Stage Creative Community on Main Street, a setting for finding artisan goods and handmade items. Nearby, First Baptist Penn Memorial on Spring Street holds its annual community Christmas Festival with a parade, games, arts and crafts, and seasonal treats.
For a holiday stay, Basin Park Hotel on Spring Street serves as a central base. The hotel is part of the Holly Route, a seasonal trolley service that lets visitors view the town’s holiday lights without dealing with traffic or parking. After a day downtown, guests can spend time at the hotel’s restaurant or bar. Close by, Basin Spring Park, long associated with its historic spring, provides a backdrop for caroling, visits from Santa Claus, and a New Year’s Eve gathering.
Jasper, Arkansas
Jasper sits in Newton County deep in the Ozarks, near the upper reaches of the Buffalo National River as it begins its winding path through the region. Trails around town work well for a quiet winter walk through snow-dusted forests and along the riverbanks. A short drive from downtown, the Cliff House Inn stands above the Arkansas Grand Canyon with rooms and views that encourage longer stays.
Downtown Jasper maintains a steady rhythm that feels rooted in the area’s past. On Court Street, the town’s elk statue, Newt, is dressed for the season and has become a regular stop for photos. The historic Courthouse Square displays lights on local shops, and Ozark Cafe, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, adds seasonal décor and a Christmas tree inside. One block away, Bubba’s Buffalo River Store carries handmade crafts, vintage items, and ornaments that reflect the town’s character, making it a steady place to shop locally during the holidays.
West Plains, Missouri
West Plains sits in southern Missouri and balances its historic core with the wider landscape of the Ozarks. Its downtown, a National Historic District centered on the Howell County Courthouse Square, remains a central gathering place. During the holiday season, the area becomes especially active with coordinated lights, decorations, and community events such as the annual West Plains Christmas Tree Lighting, the Cookies, Cocoa, and Christmas Cheer concert, and the West Plains Little Mister and Miss Merry Christmas Pageant.
Local attractions also contribute to the season. The Avenue Theatre on Washington Avenue schedules special performances, and the Harlin Museum on Worcester Avenue highlights its model railroad exhibit created by the West Plains Model Railroad Club. The museum extends its hours during Christmas week, giving visitors more time to view the display and other seasonal programming.
Exploring The Ozarks’ Most Festive Downtowns This Holiday Season
From Batesville, Eureka Springs, and Jasper in Arkansas to Branson, Hollister, and West Plains in Missouri, the towns highlighted here present a range of seasonal events, historic settings, and holiday displays. Each community brings its traditions to downtown streets through light shows, markets, parades, and local performances. Visiting these towns during the holidays offers a look at how the region’s culture and history appear in a seasonal context while showing the individual character each Ozark community brings to the winter months.
