Make the most of the festive season in Topeka with our planner guide. Discover all the best holiday events. From longtime Topeka inhabitants to curious tourists, our guide offers something for every festive soul.
One standout event this holiday season is The Kansas City Nutcracker, a timeless ballet that beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas through enchanting dance and stunning visuals. Another highlight features The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More, where classic rock meets holiday cheer in a captivating musical experience. And the Christmas City of the High Plains is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a whimsical blend of lights, attractions, and holiday spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Topeka
- The Kansas City Nutcracker (Kansas City)
- The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More (Kansas City)
- Christmas City of the High Plains (WaKeeney)
- Annual Parade of Lights (Goodland)
- Festival of Lights & Lighted Christmas Parade (Yates Center)
- Lindsborg Heritage Christmas (Lindsborg)
- Christmas Open House & Holiday Market (Jetmore)
- Miracle on Kansas Ave
- Festival of Trees
- Zoolights
See these and even more events listed below!
Topeka Holiday Light Displays
Christmas City of the High Plains
What to Expect:
Iconic 35-foot Christmas tree with over 3,000 lights.
Description:
A 35-foot Christmas tree made of real greenery with over 3,000 lights, topped with four ivory stars, is the centerpiece of WaKeeney's downtown display. The tree is surrounded by a four-block square draped in greenery, handcrafted wreaths, bells, and bows. The display includes a Craft Fair, Santa's Downtown Workshop, Horse and Wagon rides, the Nex-tech Train, live reindeer, and Santa at the North Pole.
Where: WaKeeney | More Info: Christmas City of the High Plains
Annual Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular downtown light display.
Description:
The Annual Parade of Lights in Goodland, Kansas, is a festive event where the downtown area is illuminated with beautiful lights, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. The parade features various floats, marching bands, and community groups, all contributing to the festive spirit of the holiday season.
Where: Goodland | More Info: Annual Parade of Lights
Festival of Lights & Lighted Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Synchronized light displays and festive parade.
Description:
The Festival of Lights & Lighted Christmas Parade is a festive event featuring beautifully lit displays and a lighted parade around the historic Yates Center, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
Where: Yates Center | More Info: Festival of Lights & Lighted Christmas Parade
Zoolights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center presents Zoo Lights, a holiday event featuring twinkling lights, dazzling displays, and festive activities, including Santa Claus. Guests can enjoy delicious treats and drinks while strolling through the zoo.
Where: Topeka | More Info: Zoolights
Miracle on Kansas Ave
What to Expect:
Large-scale holiday parade with diverse floats and performances.
Description:
The Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade features over 200 holiday-themed floats, a High School Band Competition, and the official arrival of Santa Claus. The event includes an official Tree Lighting ceremony at Evergy Plaza and live streaming by WIBW.
Where: Topeka | More Info: Miracle on Kansas Ave
Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Decorated floats with hundreds of lights.
Description:
Watch decorated floats adorned with hundreds of lights travel down Winfield's Main Street, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Where: Winfield | More Info: Christmas Parade
Fulton Valley Farms Country Christmas
What to Expect:
Synchronized light display with live reindeer and Santa.
Description:
Fulton Valley Farms' Country Christmas features over 1,200,000 synchronized lights, a live nativity vignette, and activities like meeting Santa and his reindeer. The event offers various family-friendly activities, including a decorated boot scootin' barn and a children's hay maze.
Where: Towanda | More Info: Fulton Valley Farms Country Christmas
Topeka Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Open House & Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Local craft vendors and newly unveiled yurts.
Description:
The Christmas Open House & Holiday Market at Horsethief Reservoir in Jetmore, Kansas, offers a delightful holiday experience. Shop for unique gifts from local craft vendors and explore the newly unveiled yurts. This event is a great opportunity to find special holiday items and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Where: Jetmore | More Info: Christmas Open House & Holiday Market
Topeka Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Lindsborg Heritage Christmas
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with historical and cultural elements.
Description:
Lindsborg Heritage Christmas features community music performances, visits with Santa, cookie decoration, arts and crafts, dramatic performances, bake sale refreshments, and guided tours of the 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mills.
Where: Lindsborg | More Info: Lindsborg Heritage Christmas
New Year's Eve Celebration
What to Expect:
Tropical-themed New Year's Eve party with DJ and island-themed buffet.
Description:
Celebrate New Year's Eve in a tropical setting with dancing, drinks, snacks, a photo booth, and a champagne toast. Enjoy an island-themed buffet dinner and let the DJ ring in the new year.
Where: Topeka | More Info: New Year's Eve Celebration
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Live holiday movie celebration with silent auction and holiday treats.
Description:
The Festival of Trees at Fairlawn Plaza features beautifully decorated Christmas trees, a silent auction, live holiday movie celebration, hors d'oeuvres, and drinks. It is made possible by wonderful volunteers who help spread the holiday spirit.
Where: Topeka | More Info: Festival of Trees
The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More
What to Expect:
All-new version of TSO's Christmas trilogy with pyrotechnics and lasers.
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "The Lost Christmas Eve" tour features an all-new version of the final chapter of TSO's Christmas trilogy, packed with pyrotechnics, lasers, and storytelling. The show includes fan-favorites and a high-energy second set.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More
The Kansas City Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Kansas City Nutcracker is a timeless ballet production featuring stunning choreography, memorable music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and lavish sets and costumes. This adaptation of the beloved Christmas story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, has received critical acclaim and has become a favorite holiday tradition.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: The Kansas City Nutcracker
Christmas at the Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum
What to Expect:
Community music performances in a historic pavilion.
Description:
Christmas at the Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum features community music performances in the 1904 World's Fair Swedish Pavilion, celebrating the holiday season with traditional music and festive atmosphere.
Where: Lindsborg | More Info: Christmas at the Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum
Topeka Other Holiday Activities
Noon Year's Eve
What to Expect:
Family-friendly countdown with local food and activities.
Description:
Join the family-friendly Noon Year's Eve Pajama Party at Lenexa Public Market, featuring pop-up restaurants, board games, giveaways, and a time capsule activity.
Where: Topeka | More Info: Noon Year's Eve
Country Christmas Dinner
What to Expect:
Private tables for families to enjoy a holiday meal together.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with a special Christmas dinner at Fulton Valley Farms, featuring a festive meal and beautiful decorations.
Where: Towanda | More Info: Country Christmas Dinner
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Lawrence (24 miles)
- Gardner (44 miles)
- Leavenworth (44 miles)