2015 holiday calendar full of festive events in Wichita area

Buckle up, because the holiday train is already pulling into the station.

Festive events – from pre-Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day – include beloved traditions (two versions of “The Nutcracker,” candlelight concerts, Illuminations at Botanica) as well as switch-ups (a hayrack ride until the new train arrives in the spring at O.J. Watson Park, a Friday evening for Gingerbread Village) and new novelties (an interactive viewing of “Elf” for adults at the Wichita Art Museum).

Among the changes you’ll notice in November and December: The Lights on St. Paul are now known as Arc’s Lights. Cowtown’s Victorian Christmas will be a “Dickens of a Christmas” to celebrate the museum’s 40th anniversary. The Wichita Choral Society, after 69 years of performing Handel’s “Messiah,” will do a John Rutter-themed Christmas concert this year, while the Wichita Symphony will pick up the “Messiah” reins with Mozart’s orchestration of the work for full orchestra and chorus.

Among the new holiday events, venues and times: Midian Shrine will have a FEZtival of Trees. Performances of “A Christmas Story” will include a Wichita premiere of a musical version by the Music Theatre for Young People. The Turkey Trot will be run at a business park north of K-96 on Rock Road rather than at Cowtown on Thanksgiving Day. And Supper with Santa at Botanica will add a fourth night – a Sunday – this year.

Oh, and lots more is going on. Here are some of the seasonal events planned for the Wichita area. Find more listed at events.kansas.com now and as the season unfolds, or list your event there to be considered for future calendars.

EVENTS

Feztival of Trees, winter wonderland including display of trees created by members of Midian Shrine, plus a boutique, entertainment, light refreshments and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 12-13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14, noon-4 p.m. Nov. 15, Midian Shrine Center, 130 N. Topeka; $5, free for children 10 and under; trees will be raffled to benefit Midian Shrine Center.

Gingerbread Village, decorate a gingerbread house and explore Exploration Place, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 15, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd.; $9.50 ages 12-64, $8 seniors, $6 ages 3-11, $5 for Assistance League and Exploration Place members, ages 2 and under free, includes admission to Exploration Place; www.exploration.org, 316-660-0600.

Santa’s arrival and tree lighting at Towne East Square, entertainment, face painting, arts and crafts, story read by Santa, tree lighting, 6-8 p.m. Nov. 13, lower-level Sears wing, 7700 E. Kellogg; free; photos with Santa taken for a fee starting around 7 p.m.; see www.simon.com/mall/towne-east-square for a list of Santa’s appearances through Dec. 24; 316-686-3341.

Santa’s arrival at Towne West Square, parade including the Peabody/Burns High School marching band through the mall starting in the center court, 9:30 a.m. Nov. 14, photos with Santa for a fee starting at 10 a.m., 4600 W. Kellogg; see www.simon.com/mall/towne-west-square for a list of Santa’s appearances through Dec. 24; 316-945-1236.

Holiday makeup workshop, 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Nov. 14, Eric Fisher Academy, 6727 W. Kellogg; free; call 316-440-5555, ext. 1, to register.

Deck the Halls, silent auction of designer items including holiday decor to benefit Heart of America Men’s Chorus, plus appetizers, desserts, beer and wine, 7-10 p.m. Nov. 14, St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas; $25.

Wreath Festival, Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum decorated for Christmas, gifts, baked goods, wreaths for sale, music, exhibits including vintage Santa collection, hand-crafted miniature Christmas trees, old Innes store Santa, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 19-20, lunch served 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 204 S. Main; included in museum admission, or free admission to first floor of museum including gift shop; lunch $15, which includes museum admission; wichitahistory.org, 316-265-9314.

Share Our Food, eight American Indian dishes served along with recipes and a talk by a local expert on American Indian food traditions, 6 p.m. Nov. 19, Mid-America All-Indian Center, 650 N. Seneca; $25 in advance at the center or by calling 316-350-3345 or e-mailing cbachicha@wichita.gov, $30 at the door if tickets still available; includes admission to museum; www.theindiancenter.org.

All Things Gingerbread, gazebo at Cambridge Market at 21st and Webb Road turned into lifesize gingerbread house, photos with Santa for $5, crafts and cookies for purchase, mailbox for letters to Santa (in partnership with city of Wichita; if return address is provided, a letter from Santa is sent); proceeds benefit Assistance League of Wichita; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 21 and Dec. 5; free admission.

Old Town Square carriage rides, noon-4 p.m. Saturdays from Nov. 21 through Dec. 19 starting in front of the Warren Theatre Old Town, 353 N. Mead; free; stores in the square will have open houses Nov. 21.

Bradley Fair Christmas Tree Lighting, 5:30-6 p.m. Nov. 21, plus Santa photos and horse-drawn carriage rides afterward, Bradley Fair Plaza, 21st and Rock Road, free; bradleyfair.com, 316-630-9990.

Holiday Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, originating at the fountain at Bradley Fair Plaza, 6-10 p.m. Nov. 21, Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5, Dec. 11-12, Dec. 18-19, 21st and Rock Road; free; bradleyfair.com, 316-630-9990.

Winter Art Mania, free admission to the Wichita Art Museum on the two days after Thanksgiving and Christmas, with movies, art-making activities, gallery explorations and more, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 27-28, Dec. 26-27, 1400 W. Museum Blvd.; wichitaartmuseum.org.

Christmas on the Prairie, cowboy Christmas chuckwagon supper, Prairie Rose Rangers show, horse-drawn-wagon rides, classic cowboy Christmas movies and Silver Screen Cowboy Museum; gates open at 5 p.m., supper at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 5, 11, 18 and 19, matinee gates open at noon and lunch at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper, 15231 SW Parallel St., Benton; $35, $10 ages 3-12, ages 2 and younger get in free; www.prairierosechuckwagon.com, 316-778-2121.

Winter Luminary Walk, candles and lights illuminating Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston, plus s’mores at fire pits, music, stories and refreshments, 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5, 177 W. Hickory St., Hesston; $5, $4 members, seniors and college students, $2 ages 3-15; dyckarboretum.org.

Holiday Dome Show: “Let it Snow,” family-friendly show with holiday images and scenes set to favorite Christmas songs from Frank Sinatra, the Muppets and more, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 27-Dec. 27, Exploration Place Boeing Dome Theater and Planetarium, 300 N. McLean Blvd.; $5, $4 seniors, $3 ages 3-11, free ages 2 and under; show times posted at www.exploration.org; 316-660-0600.

DIY: Tools and Toys, construct your own holiday toys using everyday tools and objects, Nov. 28-Dec. 31, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd.; included in admission; times posted at www.exploration.org; 316-660-0600.

Polar Express at Watson Park, family activity geared to children 3 and up, reading of “Polar Express” with milk and cookies, craft, hayrack ride to North Pole to see Santa and have s’mores and hot chocolate, carol singing, old train decorated for pictures, voucher for ride on new train in April, 12:30 and 2 p.m. Nov. 28 and Dec. 5; 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19; 12:30 and 2 p.m. Dec. 20; $15; register online at wichita.gov, clicking on Park and Recreation, or by calling the park at 316-529-9940.

Bucky Fowler’s Family Country Christmas, Prairie Rose chuckwagon supper, show, horse-drawn-wagon rides, classic cowboy Christmas movies and Silver Screen Cowboy Museum; doors open at 5 p.m., supper at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 28, 15231 SW Parallel St., Benton. $35, $10 ages 3 to 12, ages 2 and younger get in free; www.prairierosechuckwagon.com, 316-778-2121.

Mayor’s Tree Lighting, A Night With Santa sponsored by the city of Wichita, lighting of downtown Christmas tree, games, fireworks, a live reindeer, take your own photo with Santa, or have a professional photo taken for a fee; starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 on Kennedy Plaza, continues 6:30-8:30 p.m. inside Century II Exhibition and Convention halls; free.

Wichita Nativity Exhibit presented by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, music, nativity scenes, children’s activities, 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3-4, 1 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5, 7834 W. 29th St. North; free.

“Elf” interactive screening, audience participation viewing of the movie “Elf” with activity pack for ages 21 and older, sponsored by the WAM Contemporaries, 7 p.m. Dec. 3, Wichita Art Museum; $20, $15 museum members; wichitaartmuseum.org/events.

“Dickens of a Christmas,” scenes from “A Christmas Carol” re-created throughout Old Cowtown Museum, along with Santa, carolers, kids crafts and activities, and refreshments and gifts for sale, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19, 1865 W. Museum Blvd.; included in admission; 316-350-3323, www.oldcowtown.org. Optional Christmas Dinner on Saturday nights, 6 p.m. Dec. 5, 12, 19, includes admission to “Dickens of a Christmas,” $26.95 non-members 16 and older, $14.95 non-members ages 4-15, $19.95 members 16 and older, $11.95 members ages 4-15; reservations required at Cowtown, wichitatix.com or 316-350-3323.

Five Places of Christmas Nativity Collections, view a variety of Christmas nativities, plus baked goods and homemade candy for sale, 10 a.m. Dec. 5, Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College, 400 S. Main in North Newton.

Santa arrives at Alefs Harley-Davidson on a trike, take your own photos with him, 1 p.m. Dec. 5, 5427 Chuzy Drive; 316-440-5700.

Caring Santa, photos with Santa for special-needs kids for a fee at Towne West Square before the mall opens with lights dimmed and no music, 9:30-11 a.m. Dec. 6, 4600 W. Kellogg; www.simon.com/mall/towne-west-square, 316-686-3341.

Holiday Open House, holiday refreshments, live music, visit with Santa Claus, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 6, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd.; free, including museum admission; wichitaartmuseum.org.

Visit from the Grinch, including reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8, Watermark Books, 4701 E. Douglas; free; www.watermarkbooks.com, 316-682-1181.

Red Stocking Breakfast, including pictures with Santa, to benefit Kansas Children’s Service League, 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Dec. 10, Carlos O’Kelly’s, 7703 E. Douglas; $12-$15, ages 10 and under free; www.kcsl.org.

A Patsy Cline Christmas, Christmas chuckwagon supper, Kim Coslett and the Patsy Cline Tribute Band show, horse-drawn-wagon rides, classic cowboy Christmas movies and Silver Screen Cowboy Museum; doors open at 5 p.m., supper at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17, Prairie Rose Chuckwagon Supper, 15231 SW Parallel St., Benton; $35, $10 ages 3 to 12, ages 2 and younger get in free; www.prairierosechuckwagon.com, 316-778-2121.

“Sounding Sculpture,” one-time playing of Harry Bertoia sound sculpture (lasts only seconds), 1 p.m. Dec. 11, Wichita Art Museum; free; wichitaartmuseum.org.

Drive-Through Christmas presented by Countryside Christian Church, drive through light displays and narrated scenes from the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 11-12, Dec. 18-19, 1919 S. Rock Road; donations and canned food accepted to benefit Youth Horizons and the 184th Family Support Organization; 316-686-7206.

A Night in Bethlehem, outdoor event that re-creates the streets of Bethlehem, with shops, displays and re-enactments, 6 p.m. Dec. 11-12, First Christian Church, 1600 State St., Augusta; admission is $1 or a non-perishable food item; 316-775-6317.

Season’s Treatings, zoo animals receiving holiday treats, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 12, check scz.org for scheduled times, Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd.; included in zoo admission or membership; 316-660-9453.

Santa at the Barn, visit with Santa, play with farm toys, animal demonstrations including animals found in a manger, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 12, Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd.; included in zoo admission or membership; 316-660-9453; scz.org.

Living Nativity, 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, plus display of Advent symbols by Paula Plott Amos, children’s and family activities, toys made by the Sunflower Woodworkers Guild for the needy, a coffee bar, demonstrations by organist David Cason, East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E. Douglas; free. (Takes place during the College Hill Holiday Lights Trolley Tour; see listing under “Lighting Events” for details.)

Supper With Santa, dinner, cookies, craft, story read by Santa, includes Illuminations in the gardens, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13-16, Botanica, 701 N. Amidon; $14 ($12 member), $10 ($8 member) for ages 3 to 12; 316-264-0448, ext. 117, www.botanica.org.

Pet photos with Santa for a fee, 8-9 p.m. Dec. 13 (mall open until 8 p.m.), Towne West Square, 4600 W. Kellogg; www.simon.com/mall/towne-west-square, 316-686-3341.

Breakfast With Santa, 9-11 a.m. Dec. 19, Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 W. Museum Blvd.; $12.95, $7.95 ages 3-15; reservations required at wichitatix.com or 316-350-3323; www.oldcowtown.org.

LIGHTING EVENTS

The Arc’s Lights, formerly Lights on St. Paul, drive-through light display with more than 1 million lights starting at Douglas Avenue and St. Paul Street, 5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 26-Dec. 28 (to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30 p.m. Christmas Eve); donations accepted; Santa photos available 5:45-9 p.m. Fridays-Sundays (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) and Dec. 21-23 for a donation; www.arc-sedgwickcounty.org, 316-943-1191.

Illuminations, light displays throughout the gardens of Botanica, music, nightly Santa appearances, hot drinks and snacks for sale; 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 27-Dec. 31, Botanica, 701 N. Amidon; $8, $7 members, $6 ages 3-12, under 3 get in free; advance tickets at Botanica or QuikTrip stores; 316-264-0448, botanica.org.

College Hill Holiday Lights Trolley Tour, 5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 13, setting out from East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E. Douglas; $7 (free for children under 3); buy tickets for specific tour times Dec. 7-11 at Traditions, 3220 E. Douglas; if tickets remain, they will be sold at the church during the event; 316-685-9775.

CONCERTS

Carillon Thanksgiving Concert, noon-1 p.m. Nov. 25, outside the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main; free.

Christmas Express Concert, local musicians performing a variety of Christmas music to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children, 7 p.m. Nov. 28, Orpheum Theater, 200 N. Broadway; $20; www.selectaseat.com, 855-755-7328, Intrust Bank Arena Box Office and Select-A-Seat outlets; www.wichitaorpheum.com.

“A Rutter Christmas” presented by the Wichita Choral Society accompanied by the chamber orchestra, featuring the “Gloria” written by John Rutter along with Rutter-arranged carols and other traditional carols, 2 p.m. Nov. 29, First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway; $10; 316-524-0995.

Candlelight Concert by Wichita State’s four choirs plus strings, brass, woodwinds, organ and percussion, 4 p.m. Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Wiedemann Hall, WSU; $7 adults, $6 seniors, faculty, staff, military, $3 students, www.wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice; 316-978-3233.

Michael McDonald: “This Christmas: An Evening of Holiday & Hits Tour,” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29, Orpheum Theatre; $65 to $75; www.selectaseat.com, 855-755-7328; www.wichitaorpheum.com.

Christmas Benefit Concert for Youth Horizons, Earnest Alexander and the jazz musicians of Friends University led by Craig Curry and Lisa Hittle, including refreshments; 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Abode, 1330 E. Douglas; $25; tickets at Youth Horizons office at 1601 E. Douglas and online at youthhorizons.net/concert; 316-262-8293.

Christmas Candlelight Concert presented by the Friends University Singing Quakers, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-5, 2 p.m. Dec. 6, Sebits Auditorium, 2100 W. University; $16, $13 seniors/students; friends.edu/finearts, 316-295-5677.

Handel’s “Messiah,” presented by the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and chorus, orchestration by Mozart for full orchestra and chorus, 8 p.m. Dec. 5 and 3 p.m. Dec. 6, Century II Concert Hall; $19 to $57; wichitasymphony.org, 316-267-7658.

Dennis Family Christmas Concert, 32nd annual concert, 6 p.m. Dec. 6, Tabernacle Bible Church, 1817 N. Volutsia; free; donations accepted for local charities; 316-734-1495.

Instrumental Christmas Concert, student-led worship and the Christmas story told through Scripture and music, 7 p.m. Dec. 8, Trinity Academy, 12345 E. 21st St.; free; www.trinityacademy.org.

Spirit of the Season Free Family Holiday Concert by the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Century II Convention Hall; free with ticket available at www.wichitasymphony.org; 316-267-5259.

An Irish Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Orpheum Theatre; $34.50 and $49.50; www.selectaseat.com, 855-755-7328; www.wichitaorpheum.com.

“The Nativity Symphony” by Country Acres Baptist Church Choir, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13, 8810 W. 10th St.; free; 316-722-1239.

“Sounding Joy” concert by Wichita Chamber Chorale, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 3 p.m. Dec. 13, Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N. Clifton; $20, $15 seniors, $5 college students, high school students and younger free; 316-712-2678, www.wichitachorale.com.

“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” concert by the Heart of America’s Men Chorus, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 13, De Mattias Hall at Newman University, 3100 McCormick St.; $15, $5 students.

Salina Symphony Christmas Festival, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 4 p.m. Dec. 13, Stiefel Theatre in Salina; $25 and $35, www.ticketmaster.com.

Christmas Choral Concert, 3 p.m. Dec. 13,Trinity Academy, 12345 E. 21st St.; free; www.trinityacademy.org.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party, 8 p.m. Dec. 15, Orpheum Theatre; $35 and $40; www.selectaseat.com, 855-755-7328; www.wichitaorpheum.com.

Wynonna & The Big Noise Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Kansas Star Arena, Mulvane; $29-$59, www.ticketmaster.com.

Home Free for the Holidays, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Stiefel Theatre in Salina; $28-$125, www.ticketmaster.com.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” 4 and 8 p.m. Dec. 22, Intrust Bank Arena, 500 E. Waterman; $36 to $66 for 4 p.m. show, $46 to $76 for 8 p.m. show, www.selectaseat.com; intrustbankarena.com.

Brett Valliant Advent Concert, Christmas carols played on a 5,000-pipe organ, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22, First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway; donations accepted for the maintenance of the organ; 316-267-6244.

Live nativity and choral cantata, re-enactment of the nativity story with live animals to the choral music “Light Out of the Darkness,” 7 p.m. Dec. 24, Hillside Christian Church, 8330 E. Douglas; free; 316-683-6577.

Logan Mize, 9 p.m. Dec. 31, Cotillion; $25, $30, www.thecotillion.com.

Grand Master Flash, 9 p.m. Dec. 31, Barleycorn’s, 608 E. Douglas; ages 21 and over; $35-$75, www.ticketfly.com.

STAGE

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” by Opera Kansas, 4 p.m. Nov. 29, Mary Jane Teall Theater at Century II, $25, $15 ages 16 and younger; wichitatix.com.

Air Capital Chorus Christmas Radio Hour, old-time-style radio comedy featuring local celebrities and singing groups that will be recorded and played back on radio station KNSS 1330 AM at 8 a.m. Christmas morning, 7 p.m. Dec. 15, Scottish Rite, 332 E. First St.; admission is a non-perishable food item or monetary donation for the Kansas Food Bank; 316-776-2121.

DANCE

Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker,” 7 p.m. Dec. 2, Stiefel Theatre in Salina; $28-$102, www.ticketmaster.com.

“The Nutcracker” by the Friends University Ballet Department with guest artists from the New York City Ballet and Denver Ballet, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-12 and Dec. 18-19, 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and Dec. 19, Sebits Auditorium, 2100 W. University; $20, $15 seniors/students, friends.edu/ballet, 316-295-5677.

“The Nutcracker” by Ballet Wichita with guest artists from Dance Theatre of Harlem, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 2 p.m. Dec. 13, Century II Concert Hall; $19.80 to $49.50, www.wichitatix.com.

THEATER

“I Got Botox for Christmas” by Tom Frye, plus Christmas musical comedy revue, Thursday-Saturday Nov. 13-Nov. 21, then seven days Nov. 27-Dec. 30, Mosley Street Melodrama; dinner 6:15 p.m., show 7:50 p.m. Monday-Saturday; dinner 5:15 p.m., show 6:50 p.m. Sundays; Saturday matinees lunch 12:15 p.m., show 1:50 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 234 N. Mosley; $30; www.mosleystreet.com, 316-263-0222.

Cowboy Christmas – the Diamond W Wranglers dinner show, 7:30 p.m. (dinner at 5:30) Nov. 13-14, 3 p.m. (lunch at 1) Nov. 15, Crown Uptown Theatre, 3207 E. Douglas; $40, ages 15 and under $28, show only $28; 316-612-7696, crownuptown.com.

“The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical,” Wednesdays-Sundays Nov. 20-Dec. 26, 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat. (6:45 p.m. dinner by Stroud’s), 7 p.m. Sun. (dinner 5:45 p.m.), Roxy’s Downtown, 412½ E. Douglas; $25 for show, $15 for dinner; 316-265-4400, www.roxysdowntown.com.

Prairie Pines Mystery Theatre: “The Mystery of Mistletoe Manor,” doors open at 6 p.m. for cider and browsing in the Old Barn Christmas Shop, dinner served starting at 6:45 p.m. and throughout show, Nov. 20, 21 and 28, Dec. 3-6, Dec. 9-13, Dec. 16-23, 4055 N. Tyler Road; $29.95-$33.95; 316-303-2037, prairiepinesplayhouse.com.

“A Christmas Story” presented by Wichita Community Theatre, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday Nov. 27-Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, and 2 p.m. Dec. 13, 258 N. Fountain; $14, $12 seniors/military/students; 316-686-1282, wichitact.org.

“Nuncrackers” Christmas comedy, 7 p.m. (dinner 5-7 p.m.) Nov. 28, Dec. 5, Dec. 12, Dec. 17-19; matinees 2 p.m. (buffet open 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) Nov. 29, Dec. 3, Dec. 6, Dec. 10, Dec. 13, Dec. 20, Crown Uptown Theatre, 3207 E. Douglas; $35-$50 for dinner and show, $20-$35 show only; 316-612-7696, crownuptown.com.

“The Runaway Snowman” presented by Wichita Children’s Theatre & Dance Center, 10 a.m. Dec. 3-4; noon (pizza at 11:30 a.m.) Dec. 2-5, Dec. 19; 6:30 p.m. (pizza at 6) Dec. 4 and Dec. 18, 201 S. Lulu; $6 for show only, $7.50 for show and pizza at noon and 6:30 p.m. shows (group discounts available); 316-262-2282, www.wctdc.com.

“SantaLand Diaries,” 11 p.m. Dec. 4; 8 p.m. Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22, Roxy’s Downtown, 412½ E. Douglas; $20; 316-265-4400, www.roxysdowntown.com.

“A Christmas Carol” presented by Forum Theatre Company, Dec. 10-19, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday plus 2 p.m. Saturday; $23 Thursday and Saturday matinees, $25 Friday and Saturday nights; dinner Dec. 10 and Fridays and Saturdays at 6:45 p.m. for $15; Scottish Rite Center, 332 E. First St.; www.forumwichita.com, 316-618-0444.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” presented by Wichita Children’s Theatre & Dance Center, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 1 and 3 p.m. Dec. 12, 2 p.m. Dec. 13, Wichita Center for the Arts, 9112 E. Central; $6; school performances also available at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 8-11, call 316-262-2282; www.wctdc.com.

“A Christmas Story: The Musical” presented by the Music Theatre for Young People, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-12, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Mary Jane Teall Theater at Century II; $12 in advance, $15 at door; $10 students and groups, 316-219-4849, wichitatix.com; www.mtypks.org, 316-262-6897.

SHOPPING

Turkey Dinner and Craft Show, 2-8 p.m. Nov. 12, dinner served at 5 and 6:30 p.m., Haysville United Methodist Church, 601 E. Grand Ave. in Haysville; free admission; dinner $10, $5 for children.

Fall Bazaar and Chicken Noodle Lunch, handmade crafts, Christmas decor, specialty gifts from local artisans and vendors, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 14, homemade chicken noodle lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Valley Center First United Methodist Church, 560 N. Park Ave. in Valley Center; free admission; lunch $7.50, $3 ages 3-10, free for ages under 3.

Christmas in November Craft Fair, craft fair and food, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 14, Mulvane United Methodist Church, 107 S. Central in Mulvane; free admission.

Down Syndrome Society of Wichita Holiday Shopping Event, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14, Extension Education Center, 7001 W. 21st St.; free admission.

Clearwater Craft Fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14, Clearwater Middle School, 140 S. 4th St. in Clearwater.

United Methodist Women’s Holiday Shop, local vendors, baked goods, fill a container with a variety of homemade cookies, 9 a.m. Nov. 14, 19551 SW Butler Road in Rose Hill, homemade lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; free admission.

Wichita Alternative Gift Market, charitable gifts, fair-trade products, craft items and more sponsored by dozens of organizations, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 14, East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E. Douglas; alternativegiftmarketwichita.wordpress.com.

Delta Market sponsored by Wichita Area Delta Delta Delta Alumnae Chapter with portion of proceeds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Victory in the Valley, noon Nov. 14, Holiday Inn East, Rock Road and Kellogg.

Kansas Grown Indoor Winter Market Day, including locally raised and made food for Thanksgiving, 8 a.m.-noon Nov. 21, Extension Education Center, 7001 W. 21st St.; free admission.

Ten Thousand Villages Holiday Fair Trade Sale, home decor, jewelry, scarves, coffee, tea and chocolate from around the world, 10 a.m. Nov. 27-Dec. 5 (except Sunday), Peace Connections, 612 N. Main St. in Newton.

Holiday Market at Catholic Care Center, food trucks and vendors, 11:30 a.m. Dec. 4, 6650 E. 45th St. North.

A Christmas Soiree, 13 vendors of vintage, antique and handmade items, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 5, Olde Towne Event Center, 126 N. Main in Hillsboro.

Winterfest Annual Bazaar and Craft Fair, 100 craft booths, silent auction, bake sale, Snowflake Cafe to benefit missions, 9 a.m. Dec. 5, Woodlawn United Methodist Church, 431 S. Woodlawn in Derby; free admission.

WALKS AND RUNS

Turkey Trot, 10-mile race and 2-mile run/walk to benefit the Kansas Food Bank, 8 and 8:20 a.m. Nov. 22, Northrock Lanes, 3232 N. Rock Road; 2-mile $30, 10-mile $45, youth $15 through Nov. 10 then adult prices; wichitaturkeytrot.com, 316-833-6050.

Say Grace Thanksgiving Day 5K Race, 9:30 a.m. Nov. 26, GraceMed Health Clinic, 1122 N. Topeka; $35, $15 ages 5 to 15, gracemed.org.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, benefit for the Arthritis Foundation, including carolers and entertainment, costume contest, 9 a.m. (1-mile) and 9:30 a.m. (4-mile) Dec. 6, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd.; $25-$35, $20 ages 10 and under, www.jbrwichita.org.

Great Santa Run, 8:40 a.m. Dec. 12 costume contest, 9 a.m. 5K, 10 a.m. Little Elves Fun Run for ages 8 and under, WaterWalk, 515 S. Wichita; $10-$40, www.wichitasantarun.com.

St. Nick 5 Klick and Little Dashers 1K, 9 and 10 a.m. Dec. 12, Sedgwick County Park; 6501 W. 21st St.; $10-$40, www.stnick5klick.com.

Resolution Run 5K, 5 p.m. Dec. 31, 4H Building in El Dorado; $40-$45; www.hangoverhalf.com.

Run in the New Year 5K, 11:45 p.m. Dec. 31, Wichita Boathouse, 515 S. Wichita; $40-$45; www.hangoverhalf.com.

Hangover Half Marathon and 5K, 9 a.m. Jan. 1 half marathon, 9:30 a.m. Jan. 1 5K, Wichita Boathouse, 515 S. Wichita; half marathon $70-$80; 5K $40-$45; www.hangoverhalf.com.

This story was originally published November 5, 2015 at 4:30 PM with the headline "2015 holiday calendar full of festive events in Wichita area."