Christmas cheer, horses, Santa Claus, holiday lights and family entertainment are coming together for a special fundraising event in Heber Springs.
Spark Community will host its first Jingle Bells & Horse Tails Christmas Festival on Saturday, November 21, from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. at 74 Cleburne Park Road in Heber Springs.
The Christmas celebration will benefit Spark Community’s Hippotherapy Program, the only program of its kind in Cleburne County.
Organizers are inviting families throughout Heber Springs and surrounding communities to enjoy an afternoon and evening filled with Christmas activities while supporting a program that helps children through specialized therapies incorporating the movement of horses.
Christmas Fun for the Entire Family
The Jingle Bells & Horse Tails Christmas Festival will feature a wide variety of holiday attractions and family activities. Planned attractions include:
- Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Pony rides
- Train rides through a Christmas light display
- Live nativity petting zoo
- Local vendors
- Food trucks
- Live Christmas DJ and music
- Holiday shopping
- Silent auction
- Christmas lights and decorations
The festival will transform Spark Community’s hippotherapy arena into a holiday celebration where visitors can enjoy Christmas entertainment while helping support an important community program.
Silent Auction Opens November 9
A special silent auction will be a major part of the fundraising effort. The auction opens Monday, November 9, and closes Saturday, November 21, at 4 p.m.
Organizers say the auction will feature several unique items donated by local individuals and businesses, including:
- A one-of-a-kind Santa painting donated by Ellen Hobgood
- Furniture donated by Jame and James Furniture
- Handmade quilts
- Stained glass decorations
- A guided fishing trip on Greers Ferry Lake
- Additional donated gifts and merchandise
The auction provides another opportunity for residents and businesses to support Spark Community’s Hippotherapy Program.
What Is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is a specialized therapy approach that uses the movement of horses as part of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy.
Unlike traditional horseback riding lessons, hippotherapy involves trained therapy professionals using the horse’s movement to help support specific treatment goals. The rhythmic movement of a walking horse can help therapists work on balance, coordination, posture, motor skills and other developmental needs.
According to event organizers, Spark Community provides speech, occupational and physical therapy services for children ages 3 to 6 while riding horses as part of its hippotherapy program. Spark Community operates the only hippotherapy program in Cleburne County.
The organization says the program relies on financial support to continue providing this specialized service. The November 21 Christmas festival will raise money to support the program and the children and families it serves.
A Christmas Celebration with a Purpose
With pony rides, Christmas lights, food trucks, holiday vendors, Santa Claus and a special silent auction, Jingle Bells & Horse Tails offers families an opportunity to celebrate the season and support a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the festival will benefit Spark Community’s Hippotherapy Program.
Event Information
Event: Jingle Bells & Horse Tails Christmas Festival
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Time: 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Location: Spark Community Hippotherapy Arena, 74 Cleburne Park Road, Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543
Benefiting: Spark Community Hippotherapy Program
Silent Auction: Opens Monday, November 9, 2026; closes Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 4 p.m.
Contact: Amy Strackbein, 501-362-0943, amy@sparkark.org
Website: sparkark.org/jingle-bells-horse-tails
Everyone throughout Heber Springs, Cleburne County and surrounding communities is encouraged to come enjoy the Christmas celebration while helping Spark Community continue its important work.
The festival is also on the ArkansasRadio.com community calendar.
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