Holiday Traditions and Festive Delights
Experience the magic of Christmastime at The Crescent Hotel, a cherished winter holiday tradition since 1886. This enchanting season is filled with joyous gatherings and opportunities to create timeless memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as the hotel transforms into a festive wonderland, providing the perfect backdrop for capturing those special family moments.
Holiday Events at the Crescent Hotel
All of December
Head to the back porch and see trees adorned with holiday cheer and charity in their heart. Tree Lighting Ceremony 11/28/25 at 6PM.
Donate digitally for your favorite charity!
Sunday, December 7th
Make a lifetime memory when you join us for our 4th Annual Teddy Bear Tea. Guests are invited to savor a child-friendly tea menu and hot cocoa. Designed for young guests and their families. We encourage guests to bring their favorite teddy bear or doll to share tea with. Each paid adult admission includes one child admission. Reserve Your Spot!
The Top of the Crest Holiday Hangout! Bring your family for a festive, jolly atmosphere with food and holiday-themed drinks! Located on the 4th floor. Opens 11/28/25
Open daily 4pm-8pm
Walk through scenes from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” set throughout the surroundings of the historic Crescent Hotel. Watch as local artists play out key moments in Dickens’ beloved tale of redemption and Christmas magic. This event is family friendly, and an immersive and unique way to experience the essence of Christmas.
Offered: Fri/Sat
12/12-12/13, 12/19-12/20 @ 6PM, 7PM & 8PM.
Just for the littles! Kids under 5 can skate for free on Ozzy’s Ice Pond. Skates are available, but sizes are limited. First come, first served. Parents are asked to fill out a waiver.
Saturday, December 13th
Prepare for an Extra Special Holiday Breakfast! Join us from 9AM-11AM for a surprise guest appearance by none other than The Grinch himself. Delight the kids with whimsical green eggs and ham, while parents savor our delectable buffet spread. Reservations available by calling 877-643-4972.
Sunday, December 14th
Capture the moment with Santa’s Breakfast in the Crystal Dining Room, 9AM-11AM. Indulge in a delectable spread of both sweet and savory breakfast favorites. Reservations available by calling 877-342-9766.
Meet in the lobby to join our hotel baker for a fun and interactive decorating tradition! Choose from different design options to create either holiday-themed gingerbread cookies or help complete the lobby gingerbread house. Everyone takes a gingerbread snack back to their room.
Sleigh Rides offered—Friday & Saturday 5-7PM, Beginning December 6th. The Crescent puts a unique twist on a sleigh ride through the woods. Join us at the front of the hotel for a first-come, first-served 20-minute ride through the lights of Glenwood Hollow.
Stories with Mrs. Claus by the Fireplace—Sundays at 7PM. Families are invited to snuggle by the lobby fireplace to hear one of our favorite Christmas stories read by Mrs. Claus. Begins in Dec. Guests can sign up through the Resort Pass.
The only location in Arkansas to skate on a truly frozen pond is at the Crescent Hotel & Spa.
Weather-dependent, the rink is expected to open in the last week of December or the first week in January.
Christmastime at the Crescent Hotel is filled with many daily activities in addition to these special events.
Cookies and milk in the evenings, s’mores around the campfire, yoga or fitness, history & haunted room tours, craft beer & wine tastings, watercolor class, hot pool, spa after hours, and more.
Thousands of lights come alive around the grounds of the Crescent Hotel. Lighted pathways take you through the gardens to the Christmas Tree Forest (backside of hotel) with fun memorable family photo backdrops. Explore the Trail! Follow the Crescent Trail (front of hotel) down into the valley of Glennwood Hollow.