All Aboard the Eureka Express this Holiday Season
The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway is bringing back its Eureka Express experience for three special Saturdays this December. Climb aboard a vintage excursion car decked out for the holidays, settle in by the wood stove, and listen to Santa share Christmas stories while you sip hot cocoa.
THE DEETS
📅 Saturday, December 6, 13, & 20, 2025 | 1:00–4:00 PM
📍 Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway, Eureka Springs
🎟️ Free admission (donations accepted at the door)
🔗 More info
What Happens on the Rails
The Eureka Express runs as a storytime experience rather than a scenic train ride. You’ll board the excursion car and find a seat surrounded by twinkling lights and holiday decorations. A real conductor greets passengers, and Santa takes center stage to share Christmas stories throughout the three-hour window. Hot cocoa is served, and there’s a surprise element that organizers are keeping under wraps until you arrive.
The wood stove adds warmth and atmosphere, especially on chillier December afternoons. Since admission is free, this event works well for families who want to add something festive to their weekend without committing to ticket prices. Donations are welcome at the door if you’d like to support the railway’s programming.
Why Eureka Springs Does Christmas Right
Eureka Springs leans into the holidays hard, and the town’s Victorian architecture and hillside setting give it serious seasonal atmosphere. The Eureka Express fits right into that seasonal vibe by offering an activity that feels distinct from the typical light displays and shopping events that dominate December calendars.
If you’re planning to make a day of it, downtown Eureka Springs is walkable and packed with local shops, galleries, and cafes. Grab lunch before your train time or wander the streets afterward to browse holiday markets and decorations. The railway experience itself is short enough that you’ll have plenty of time to explore the rest of what the town has to offer.
Mark your calendar for one of the three Saturdays, show up ready to relax, and let someone else handle the holiday entertainment for a few hours.
