Looking for something Christmassy to do in Wichita? The ice rink is now open for skating
Believe it or not, Christmas Day is less than two weeks away. Those who need help jump-starting their holiday spirit have several events to choose from this weekend in Wichita. Among them: an invitation to go ice skating, several holiday concerts and performances of “The Nutcracker.”
Ice rink is open
Daily at Chicken N Pickle, 1240 N. Greenwich
The outdoor ice rink is open for the season at Chicken N Pickle, the entertainment and pickleball venue in northeast Wichita. The “ice pond” is open daily from 11 a.m. to close Mondays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to close Saturdays and Sundays. Skate passes are $11, and skate rentals are $4. Children 3 and under skate free. The rink, which is available for parties, will be open through mid-February. For more information, visit chickennpickle.com/ice-skating-wichita/
Winter Wonderland party
6-8 p.m. Friday, Naftzger Park, 601 E. Douglas
Naftzger Park will be the site Friday of a Wichita Park and Recreation holiday party called Winter Wonderland. The event, which lasts from 6-8 p.m., will feature lights, decorations, live music and dancers at the Evergy Pavilion, s’mores roasting, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus — and maybe even from The Grinch. The event also will offer a photo booth, candy canes and cookies. A tree lighting will happen at 6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.wichita.gov/winterwonderland
Ballet Wichita’s 50th ‘Nutcracker’
7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Century II Concert Hall, 225 W. Douglas
“Nutcracker” season continues in Wichita this weekend, and this time the classic ballet will be performed by Ballet Wichita at Century II’s Concert Hall. This year marks the company’s 50th annual presentation of the ballet. Shows are at 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The performances will feature a live orchestra, guest dancers and local ballet students. Tickets are $27-$59 at selectaseat.com or by phone at 316-755-7328.
Holiday flea market
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Century II Expo Hall, 225 W. Douglas
Organizers of the monthly Wichita Flea Market are hoping to attract holiday shoppers this weekend. This time, the market will be set up in Century II’s Expo Hall and will feature more than 300 vendors selling things like antiques, crafts, collectibles, reclaimed items, comics, artwork, jewelry and toys. The market will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. To 4 p.m. on Sunday. It will include a scavenger hunt where visitors will hunt for 20 large candy canes hidden among the booths. Santa and The Grinch will visit on Saturday, and Santa and Princess Anna from “Frozen” will be there on Sunday. Admission is $4 for a one-day pass, $5 for a two-day pass. Children 12 and under get in free.
2 Christmas concerts
Friday and Saturday, Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway
Wichita’s Orpheum Theatre will be home to two different Christmas concerts this year. On Friday, singer Michael W. Smith will bring his “Every Christmas” tour to the historic theater’s stage. The show, which will include popular Christmas classics, starts at 7 p.m., and tickets are $74.50-$85.50. Then, on Saturday, singer and playwright Lisa Rock and her six-piece backing band will pay tribute to The Carpenters with “Close to You: A Carpenters Christmas.” The show will include music from The Carpenters’ two holiday albums — including “Merry Christmas Darling” — and from their Christmas variety shows. Tickets are $40-$45. For tickets to either show, visit www.selectaseat.com, call 316-755-SEAT or visit the Select-a-Seat box office inside Intrust Bank Arena.
Unleash the Beast
7:45 p.m. Saturday, Intrust Bank Arena, 500 E. Waterman
Professional Bull Riders will return to Wichita on Friday and Saturday nights for an event called “Unleash The Beast.” Staged at Intrust Bank Arena, the show will feature the country’s top bull riders and bucking “bovine athletes.” Also, during Saturday’s show, PBR will present Captain Luke Wiebe and Lieutenant Tyler Brenneman of the Sedgwick County Fire Department its Be Cowboy Award, which is given to those who “have truly exemplified the cowboy way, embodying the values of toughness, courage, respect, determination, and patriotism throughout their daily lives.” Wiebe and Brenneman were among the first responders who assisted with the recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene. The shows start at 7:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets are $30-$95 at www.selectaseat.com, by calling 316-755-7328 or in person at the Select-a-Seat box office inside Intrust Bank Arena.