The holidays are in full swing in Lawrence! Discover all the festive events with our guide. Whether you're a familiar face in Lawrence or a fresh visitor, our guide unlocks the festive magic.
One highlight of the season is the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, which brings together the community to celebrate with charming floats and holiday spirit. In addition, the Winter Wonder Weekend offers a family-friendly environment filled with seasonal activities and entertainment. And the Winter Wonder Pass is something you definitely don't want to miss, providing access to various attractions that enhance your holiday experience. For more details on these and other fun events and activities, see the information below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Lawrence
- Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade
- Winter Wonder Weekend
- Winter Wonder Pass
- SLEIGH RIDE Tallgrass Chamber Choir & Orchestra Christmas Concert
- Holiday Shopping and Local Retail Events
- Santa Rescue
- Holiday Light Shows
- Markets and Craft Fairs
- Holiday Choirs (Kansas City)
- Santa's Gingerbread Station (Kansas City)
See these and even more events listed below!
Lawrence Holiday Light Displays
Santa Rescue
What to Expect:
Santa rescue by local fire department.
Description:
The Santa Rescue and Holiday Light Ceremony is a traditional Lawrence event where Santa is safely rescued from the roof of Weavers Department Store by the local fire department, followed by the lighting of downtown holiday lights.
Where: Lawrence | More Info: Santa Rescue
Holiday Light Shows
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show in a drive-through setting.
Description:
Lawrence Lights - Making Spirits Bright is a drive-through holiday light show featuring synchronized lights and lighted displays at the Youth Sports Complex. This event creates a new holiday tradition with its vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Where: Lawrence | More Info: Holiday Light Shows
Sar-Ko Aglow
What to Expect:
Thousands of colorful lights and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Sar-Ko Aglow is a prominent holiday light display in Lenexa, featuring miles of light strands and thousands of colorful bulbs. The event includes a stroll around Rose’s Pond, where visitors can admire the stunning spectacle and its reflections on the water.
Where: Lenexa | More Info: Sar-Ko Aglow
Holiday Reflections
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with VR sleigh ride and model trains.
Description:
Holiday Reflections at Union Station features a spectacular walk-thru holiday village with sky-reaching lights, decorated trees, and forest friends. The event includes access to the award-winning Model Train Gallery and a ride on the Mini Holiday Express Train. A Magical Sleigh Ride VR experience allows guests to explore Santa's secret wonderland.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Holiday Reflections
Luminary Walk
What to Expect:
Candlelit pathways with live music and gnome villages.
Description:
The Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens features illuminated garden paths, gnome and fairy villages, live music, and photos with Santa. It offers a festive family night, a peaceful kid-free evening, and a limited electric lights-only version for low-sensory needs.
Where: Overland Park | More Info: Luminary Walk
Knights of Lights
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and holiday entertainment in a Renaissance setting.
Description:
The Knights of Lights event at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival features twinkling lights, beautiful music, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and Barbie the Christmas Elf. It offers a variety of shopping, food, and entertainment options, creating a festive atmosphere.
Where: Bonner Springs | More Info: Knights of Lights
Trip the Light Fantastic
What to Expect:
Illuminated bike ride through festive holiday displays.
Description:
Embark on a 4.5-mile bike ride through hundreds of lighted, animated displays at Jackson County's Christmas in the Park. The ride begins at the Frank White, Jr., Sports Complex and continues along County Park Road. Lights and helmets are required for all cyclists, and parental discretion is advised for riders under 10 due to the dark and hilly course.
Where: Blue Springs | More Info: Trip the Light Fantastic
Lawrence Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Wonder Weekend
What to Expect:
Authentic horse-drawn carriage parade in Downtown Lawrence.
Description:
Winter Wonder Weekend in Lawrence, Kansas, features a variety of seasonally-themed events, markets, shopping, food, and entertainment throughout the city. The highlight includes the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, where horseback riders and old-fashioned horse-drawn carriages parade through Downtown Lawrence. Additional activities include unique shopping, delectable dining, and holiday light shows.
Where: Lawrence | More Info: Winter Wonder Weekend
Winter Wonder Pass
What to Expect:
Exclusive discounts and holiday-themed prizes.
Description:
The Winter Wonder Pass is a digital pass that unlocks exclusive discounts and earns points for unique holiday-themed prizes. It offers family-friendly activities, shopping at locally-owned retail locations, and the opportunity to discover new things about Lawrence while creating lasting memories.
Where: Lawrence | More Info: Winter Wonder Pass
Holiday Shopping and Local Retail Events
What to Expect:
Local artisans selling handmade goods.
Description:
The Holiday Extravaganza Crafts Fair features handmade and commercial goods like jewelry, paintings, textiles, and pottery. Local artists and entrepreneurs showcase their work in a festive atmosphere.
Where: Lawrence | More Info: Holiday Shopping and Local Retail Events
Markets and Craft Fairs
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans' handmade goods.
Description:
Markets and Craft Fairs in Lawrence, Kansas, feature handmade and commercial goods like jewelry, paintings, textiles, pottery, and home decor. Local artists and entrepreneurs showcase their work in a variety of settings, including South Park and the Sports Pavilion.
Where: Lawrence | More Info: Markets and Craft Fairs
Lawrence Holiday Shows and Entertainment
SLEIGH RIDE Tallgrass Chamber Choir & Orchestra Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Professional ensemble performing a diverse repertoire of Christmas classics.
Description:
The Tallgrass Chamber Choir and Orchestra present a festive holiday concert featuring a diverse repertoire of Christmas classics, including "Deck the Halls," "Sleigh Ride," and "White Christmas." The event promises a rich musical experience with a professional ensemble known for its wide variety of performances.
Where: Lawrence | More Info: SLEIGH RIDE Tallgrass Chamber Choir & Orchestra Christmas Concert
Holiday Choirs
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday choir performances by local schools and communities.
Description:
Nearly 100 area school, church, and community choirs perform at Crown Center, filling the halls with beautiful music from November 27 through December 17.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Holiday Choirs
Royal Victorian Christmas Tours
What to Expect:
Immersive Victorian-era holiday experience with opulent decorations.
Description:
Explore the historic Vaile Mansion during the Royal Victorian Christmas Tours, where you can immerse yourself in the opulent decorations and traditions of the Victorian era.
Where: Independence | More Info: Royal Victorian Christmas Tours
26th Annual Christmas in the Sky
What to Expect:
Holiday stage show and synchronized fireworks display.
Description:
The 26th Annual Christmas in the Sky is a free holiday event featuring a spectacular stage show, 100 talented singers and dancers, the arrival of Santa, and an amazing fireworks display choreographed to holiday music. The event takes place at Longview Lake Beach, offering a variety of food trucks and a drive-thru experience through Jackson County's Christmas in the Park.
Where: Lee's Summit | More Info: 26th Annual Christmas in the Sky
Lawrence Other Holiday Activities
Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Authentic horse-drawn carriages and festive decorations.
Description:
The Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade features authentic horse-drawn carriages and wagons adorned in garland and bells, parading down Massachusetts Street. This event is a cherished tradition that celebrates American heritage and holiday spirit with dozens of beautiful horses and festive decorations.
Where: Lawrence | More Info: Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade
Santa's Gingerbread Station
What to Expect:
Meet Santa Claus in a festive holiday setting.
Description:
Visit Santa Claus at Santa's Gingerbread Station, where you can meet him, share your wish list, and take photos with a professional photographer.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Santa's Gingerbread Station
Twilight Gala at the Mansion
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with historical mansion decorations.
Description:
Adorned with splendid holiday decorations, this event offers a captivating journey through time, allowing guests to wander through the halls and learn about the fascinating history of the mansion. Enjoy festive entertainment and delightful holiday treats.
Where: Independence | More Info: Twilight Gala at the Mansion
Christmas Open House
What to Expect:
Historic setting with holiday activities and Santa meet-and-greet.
Description:
The Mahaffie Christmas Open House is a holiday event featuring festive activities, decorations, and a chance to meet Santa. Enjoy holiday treats and explore the historic setting.
Where: Olathe | More Info: Christmas Open House
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-driven tree lighting ceremony.
Description:
The Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting is a festive event where the community comes together to illuminate the Mayor's Christmas Tree, marking the official start of the holiday season with a sense of unity and celebration.
Where: Olathe | More Info: Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting
Candlelight Tour
What to Expect:
Guided candlelight tour with historical interpreters.
Description:
Travel back in time to the early 19th century and celebrate the holidays at Fort Osage. Authentically attired interpreters lead guests through a unique evening event inspired by the winters at Fort Osage. Guests will listen to the issues of the day presented by those who once called Fort Osage home. The Education Center offers a warm place to participate in holiday-themed activities and enjoy seasonal beverages.
Where: Sibley | More Info: Candlelight Tour
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Gardner (20 miles)
- Olathe (23 miles)
- Topeka (24 miles)
- Lenexa (27 miles)
- Shawnee (28 miles)
- Leavenworth (29 miles)
- Overland Park (30 miles)
- Prairie Village (32 miles)
- Leawood (33 miles)
- Kansas City (34 miles)
- Kansas City (36 miles)
- Grandview (38 miles)
- Belton (39 miles)
- Gladstone (40 miles)
- Raytown (42 miles)
- Raymore (44 miles)
- Independence (45 miles)