Spread the festive joy in Wichita! Our guide highlights all the events and activities that make this season special. From Wichita enthusiasts to casual tourists, our guide is your ticket to unforgettable holiday experiences.
In the heart of the holiday spirit is the enchanting "Magic of Lights," where vibrant displays illuminate the night sky, creating a whimsical atmosphere for families to enjoy. You can also experience "Enchant Christmas," featuring a remarkable holiday marketplace and stunning light displays that bring the season to life. And the "Illuminations 2023 at Botanica Wichita" is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing spectacular gardens transformed into a wonderland of lights. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Wichita
- Enchant Christmas (Kansas City)
- Magic of Lights
- Illuminations 2023 at Botanica Wichita
- Christmas City of the High Plains (WaKeeney)
- Arctic Adventure at Exploration Place
- Luminary Walk (Overland Park)
- Annual Parade of Lights (Goodland)
- Watson's Christmas Express at O.J. Watson Park
- Downtown Christmas Parade (Liberal)
- Family ArtVenture: Holiday Open House at Wichita Art Museum
See these and even more events listed below!
Wichita Holiday Light Displays
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling drive-through holiday lights display with iconic characters.
Description:
Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over a mile of spectacular light displays, including larger-than-life Holiday Barbie, Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs. The event offers a unique and dazzling experience with various holiday scenes and characters.
Where: Wichita | More Info: Magic of Lights
Illuminations 2023 at Botanica Wichita
What to Expect:
Spectacular light displays with festive music and interactive attractions.
Description:
Botanica Wichita's Illuminations features over two million lights in 30 themed gardens, including a 62-foot Christmas tree, Candyland walk, and lit storybook gingerbread house. Enjoy choreographed light shows, rides, and visits with Santa.
Where: Wichita | More Info: Illuminations 2023 at Botanica Wichita
Lights on the River at Wichita Boathouse
What to Expect:
Floating lights on the Arkansas River with horse-drawn wagon rides and Santa visits.
Description:
Lights on the River at Wichita Boathouse is a family-friendly event featuring floating lights on the Arkansas River, wagon rides, and visits with Santa.
Where: Wichita | More Info: Lights on the River at Wichita Boathouse
Winter Wonderland at Naftzger Park
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with dazzling lights and live entertainment.
Description:
A community event at Naftzger Park featuring dazzling lights, whimsical decorations, live entertainment, and fun-filled activities for all ages.
Where: Wichita | More Info: Winter Wonderland at Naftzger Park
Enchant Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive light maze with hidden sculptures and seasonal activities.
Description:
Enchant Christmas is an award-winning holiday light maze experience featuring stunning, custom-designed light sculptures, unique ice skating experiences, and various festive attractions. The event is based on original holiday stories where guests discover hidden light sculptures while on a mission to save Christmas.
Where: Kansas City | More Info: Enchant Christmas
Christmas City of the High Plains
What to Expect:
Spectacular holiday light display with a 35-foot Christmas tree.
Description:
WaKeeney, Kansas, transforms into the Christmas City of the High Plains with a 35-foot Christmas tree adorned with over 3,000 lights, surrounded by a four-block downtown display featuring more than 6,800 lights. The event includes a Craft Fair, Santa’s Downtown Workshop, horse-drawn wagon rides, live reindeer, and festive activities for families.
Where: WaKeeney | More Info: Christmas City of the High Plains
Annual Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular display of lighted farm implements and emergency response vehicles.
Description:
The Annual Parade of Lights in Goodland, Kansas, features a festive procession of illuminated farm implements, emergency response vehicles, and floats, lighting up the night along Main Street.
Where: Goodland | More Info: Annual Parade of Lights
Luminary Walk
What to Expect:
A festive holiday walk with various light displays and live music.
Description:
The Luminary Walk at 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 experience and a peaceful, kid-free evening with candlelit woods and enchanting light displays.
Where: Overland Park | More Info: Luminary Walk
Festival of Lights & Lighted Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Synchronized light display along historic town square.
Description:
The Festival of Lights & Lighted Christmas Parade in Yates Center features Santa & Grinch photos, activities by local organizations, and a festive lighted parade through the historic town square.
Where: Yates Center | More Info: Festival of Lights & Lighted Christmas Parade
Wichita Holiday Markets and Shopping
Kansas Global Holiday Market at Riverfront Stadium
What to Expect:
Global cultural performances and diverse food offerings.
Description:
The Kansas Global Holiday Market at Riverfront Stadium is a three-day celebration of holiday traditions from around the world. It features performances, activities, and vendors offering food, beverages, and unique gifts. Inspired by European Christmas markets, this event showcases global cultures with twinkling lights, regional foods, and shopping opportunities.
Where: Wichita | More Info: Kansas Global Holiday Market at Riverfront Stadium
Wichita Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Family ArtVenture: Holiday Open House at Wichita Art Museum
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with Family ArtVenture at the Wichita Art Museum, featuring holiday performances, storytelling, and the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy free admission to view the featured exhibitions, including Barbara Earl Thomas's "Illuminated Body" and William H. Johnson's "Fighters: Freedom."
Where: Wichita | More Info: Family ArtVenture: Holiday Open House at Wichita Art Museum
"The Hip Hop Nutcracker" at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
What to Expect:
Unique blend of hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky's music.
Description:
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle that re-mixes and re-imagines the classic tale with hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky's timeless music. Directed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this event features a powerhouse cast of all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow. The show transforms E.T.A. Hoffmann's beloved story from traditional 19th Century Germany to contemporary New York City with innovative digital graffiti and visuals.
Where: Wichita | More Info: "The Hip Hop Nutcracker" at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
"A Cabaret Christmas" at Roxy’s Downtown
What to Expect:
Musical and sketch comedy holiday show with local talent.
Description:
Roxy's Downtown presents "A Cabaret Christmas," a musical and sketch comedy holiday special featuring local talent and a la carte menu options.
Where: Wichita | More Info: "A Cabaret Christmas" at Roxy’s Downtown
Tran-Siberian Orchestra at INTRUST Bank Arena
What to Expect:
Rock-metal-orchestral performance with light shows and bursts of flame.
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings its annual holiday tour to INTRUST Bank Arena with a spectacular show featuring a rock-metal-orchestral performance, light shows, and bursts of flame. The event balances new elements with old favorites, offering quirky charm and a musical journey like no other.
Where: Wichita | More Info: Tran-Siberian Orchestra at INTRUST Bank Arena
Downtown Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Live entertainment and Santa Claus highlight the event.
Description:
The Downtown Christmas Parade in Liberal, Kansas, features live entertainment, prizes, and Santa Claus, culminating in a festive Christmas parade through downtown.
Where: Liberal | More Info: Downtown Christmas Parade
Wichita Other Holiday Activities
Arctic Adventure at Exploration Place
What to Expect:
Interactive exhibits and immersive adventure playground.
Description:
Arctic Adventure at Exploration Place is an immersive experience that transforms the landscape surrounding Exploration Place into an epic adventure playground. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and enjoy a variety of activities designed to inspire curiosity and creativity.
Where: Wichita | More Info: Arctic Adventure at Exploration Place
Watson's Christmas Express at O.J. Watson Park
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and festive treats.
Description:
Watson's Christmas Express at O.J. Watson Park offers a holiday experience with activities like reading Chris Van Allsburg's The Polar Express, creating crafts, and visiting Santa. Guests can enjoy train rides, s'mores, and unlimited hot chocolate.
Where: Wichita | More Info: Watson's Christmas Express at O.J. Watson Park
Jingle Bell Run at Botanica Wichita
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed run supporting arthritis research.
Description:
The Jingle Bell Run at Botanica Wichita is a holiday event where participants can choose from a 5K timed run, a 5K untimed walk, or a virtual Jingler. It's a fun way to raise awareness and funds for arthritis research while wearing favorite holiday costumes and spreading good cheer.
Where: Wichita | More Info: Jingle Bell Run at Botanica Wichita
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Derby (11 miles)
- Hutchinson (41 miles)