Looking for holiday-related things to do in Wichita? Check out this list

Whether you need a little holiday spirit or a lot, several events are happening in the coming weeks in the Wichita area to help you become merry. The events range from extravagant light displays to live theater productions — including ones locally written — and from holiday concerts to long-running traditions. There are also opportunities to get creative with art and sweet treats.

Light it up

If you’re excited to see things lit up for the holidays, check out Wichita’s premier light display at Botanica, attend some lighting ceremonies or head to a Towanda farm for its woodland light display. At the latter, you get the bonus of seeing reindeer.

Illuminations at Botanica, 701 Amidon, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 18 through Jan. 1, closed Nov. 24-25 and Dec. 24-25. With its traditional display of two million lights, more than 800 lighted trees and thousands of luminarias spread over Botanica’s 17-acre gardens, Illuminations has always been a spectacular event — and this year, there’s even more. Botanica is promising “over-the-top displays” at its Children’s Garden Meadow and Koch Carousel Gardens. Visitors can also ride the Khicha Family Carousel and see Santa. Plus kids can drop off letters to Santa in an oversized mailbox. Tickets for designated admission times must be purchased in advance online. Cost is $13, $9 for children ages 12 and under and members, free for children 2 and younger. Carousel tickets are sold on-site. More info: 316-264-0448 or botanica.org/illuminations

The tree lighting ceremony at Bradley Fair at 21st and Rock Road happens Nov. 21, the opening Sunday for the shopping district’s weekly Holiday Stroll. The event starts at 5 p.m. with the tree being lit at 6 p.m. Other activities include photos with Santa, a live performance of sing-along holiday songs, hot cocoa and more. Horse-drawn carriages rides will be offered until 10 p.m. The Holiday Stroll event will continue every Sunday through Dec. 19 from 1 to 7 p.m. with live entertainment, carriage rides and photos with Santa until 3 p.m. Free. More info: bradleyfair.com/event/holiday-stroll

Watch the lighting of Friends University’s Davis clock tower either in-person or online at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21. The Ceremony of Lights will include music and the reading of the Christmas/nativity story. Those attending in person get some extra treats: cookies, hot cocoa and photos with Santa. Free. More info: friends.edu/ceremony-of-lights. Watch the livestream through the website link or the Friends University Facebook page.

Fulton Farms: A Country Christmas, 5079 SW Fulton Road, Towanda, opens Nov. 26, and continues Thursdays through Sundays until Dec. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. Walk along clearly marked paths to enjoy 800,000 lights strung in the farm’s woods. Other activities include a live nativity vignette with music at 7:45 p.m., a children’s hay maze, and visits with Santa and the farm’s reindeer. (If you can’t make the journey to the farm, the reindeer will make an appearance at Wichita Art Museum’s open house Dec. 5.) Admission: $10 ages 12 and up, $7 ages 4-11, free ages 3 and under. More info: 316-775-1894 or fultonvalleyfarms.com

The city of Derby’s tree lighting ceremony happens 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 30, at Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave. While Derby mayor Randy White will be there, Santa won’t, according to event information. There will be free kettle corn and cookies and holiday music. More info: derbyweb.com

The city of Wichita will light its tree during its Winter Wonderland event at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 in Naftzger Park, 601 E. Douglas. Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to join Mayor Brandon Whipple, and other activities — such as roasting s’mores by fire pits, writing and sending letters to the North Pole and a photo booth — are planned, according to city officials. Free.

Area holiday classics

Several of the following events are becoming holiday traditions in the Wichita area, like taking a ride on Wichita’s variation of the Polar Express, checking out beautifully decorated holiday trees (with opportunities to take them home with you), going for a horse-drawn carriage ride and celebrating Christmas in Victorian style.

The 38th Annual Wreath Festival at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main, 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 18 through 20. The festival features an exhibit of Victorian Christmas decorations plus visitors can shop for wreaths, holiday decor, baked goods and gift items in the second-floor DeVore Auditorium. Free admission but due to capacity limits, visitors are asked to call 316-265-9314 or wschm@wichitahistory.org in advance to ensure admission. More info: wichitahistory.org

Holiday Moonlight Tour at the Allen House, 255 N. Roosevelt, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 18, and Dec. 2, 9, and 16. Wichita’s only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home will be decorated with pre-1920 vintage décor. Tickets, available for purchase online, are $25. More info: 316-687-1027 or flwrightwichita.org

7th annual Feztival of Trees at the Midian Shrine Temple, 130 N. Topeka St., Nov. 19 to 23, 26 to 28. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays; and 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. If your idea of a stress-free Christmas is to have an already-decorated tree and presents to go under it, check out this event. All it takes is having the winning ticket when the 20 to 30 showcased trees and all the swag underneath them are raffled off at the event’s conclusion. Other activities include selfies with Santa, a café and sweets shop plus vendors. Admission is $5; raffle tickets are $1 each. More info: facebook.com/Midian-Shrine-Feztival-of-Trees-2192105097503528

It’s not Santa’s sleigh, but you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride at Bradley Fair’s weekly Holiday Stroll event happening Sundays, Nov. 21 through Dec. 19. Holiday Stroll kicks off with a Nov. 21 evening tree lighting but after that, the Sunday schedule is 1 to 7 p.m. for carriage rides and live entertainment with some Santa photo times too. Free. More info: bradleyfair.com/event/holiday-stroll

Winter Art Mania at the Wichita Art Museum, 1400 Museum Blvd, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 26 and 27. This year’s Art Mania has more than just artmaking activities. There will be live jazz by Bill Harshberger and Friends, dancers from the Wichita Children’s Theatre & Dance Center, gallery visits and more. Another day of Winter Art Mania — primarily focused on making arts and other “gnome-tastic” things, according to officials — happens from 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 26. Free. More info: 316-268-4931 or wichitaartmuseum.org

Watson’s Christmas Express at O.J. Watson Park, 3022 S. McLean, Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 26 to Dec. 18, and Sunday, Dec. 19. A holiday favorite for young and old, this event is Wichita’s re-creation of the award-winning children’s book “The Polar Express.” You can even wear your pajamas like the characters do in the book. Enjoy a reading of the book and climb aboard Watson Park’s miniature train to go visit Santa at his simulated North Pole station. Online pre-registration required through the Evolve Guide page at wichita.gov/ParkandRec; look for the Register for Classes link. Tickets are $16 per person.

Holly Jolly Jurassic Holiday at Field Station: Dinosaurs, 2999 N. Rock Road, Derby, 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 26 to Dec. 23 and 1 to 9 p.m. Dec. 26 to Dec. 31. This prehistoric theme park gets some modern-day spirit with 10 acres of lights and holiday-themed activities including a kid-sized luge, a Santa-saurus Rex and snowman cornhole. Cost: $10 ages 2 and older, free for those younger than 2 and members. Purchase at the door or online. More info: kansasdinos.com/holiday

Victorian Christmas at Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 Museum Blvd., 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 3 and 4, 10 and 11. Wichita’s living history museum takes you back to a vintage-style Christmas. Various activities take place in the historical buildings, including a re-enactment of the “Night Before Christmas” tale in the schoolhouse and more. Admission is $9 adults, $8 seniors (ages 62+), $7 ages 12-17, $6 ages 5-11, free for kids 4 and under and members. More info: 316-219-1871 or facebook.com/events/955888118515154

Holiday Open House at WAM, 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. This annual event sponsored by the Friends of the Wichita Art Museum features a visit by a reindeer and appearances by Santa, the Glitter Elf, Kelcy’s Dance Studio and Andover High School singers. Free. More info: 316-268-4931 or wichitaartmuseum.org

Christmas in the Park, the Venue at Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison, Derby, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 11. Have breakfast with Santa, enjoy Christmas stories and crafts, hunt for candy canes, visit with animals from Tanganyika animal visits and take carriage rides. Free with some paid activities. More info: www.derbyweb.com

Holidays take center stage

When it comes to live theatrical performances, you’ll have plenty to choose from, including locally written shows, the familiar “Nutcracker” ballet and holiday comedies. There’s even a bit of naughty on the list: a national touring drag queen show.

“The Hallmork Channel Christmas Melodrama” at Mosley Street Melodrama, 234 N. Mosley, now through Thursday, Dec. 23, with some shows already sold out. Check out this new melodrama — written by local talent Molly Tully and Ryan Schafer — that parodies those ubiquitous holiday movies. A musical revue follows the show. Tickets start at $24 for show only with dinner and seat option upgrades. November shows run Friday through Sunday, with added Wednesday and Thursday shows in December. More info: 316-263-0333 or mosleystreet.com

“Away in the Basement: a Church Basement Ladies musical” at Roxy’s Downtown, 412 ½ E. Douglas, Nov. 18 through Dec. 19. Performances are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sundays; no performance Thanksgiving. Part of the Church Ladies series, this musical comedy chronicles Christmastime with the ladies who work in the basement of a Lutheran Church. Tickets are $30. More info: 316-265-4400 or roxysdowntown.com

“Cool Yule: A Swingin’ Christmas” by the Forum Theatre, Wilke Center in First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway, Nov. 26 through Dec. 19. Performances are 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. This is an original Forum production featuring some reimagined holiday tunes. Tickets range from $18 to $25, depending on show dates. More info: 316-618-0444 or forumtheatre.org/project/cool-yule

“A Tuna Christmas” at Kechi Playhouse, 100 E. Kechi Road, Kechi, Dec. 1 to Dec. 19. Performances are 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays with 2:30 Sunday matinees. In this rather zany comedy, local actors Lyle Valentine, Viviano Legoretta and Andrew Johnson will portray 22 citizens of the third-smallest town in Texas. Various Yuletide activities are in full swing, including the hot competition in the annual lawn-display contest and the town’s production of “A Christmas Carol” that’s jeopardized by unpaid electric bills. This is the Kechi Playhouse’s first holiday special. Tickets are $22 and include a holiday treat. Call for reservations, 316-744-2151.

“Toyland” by Wichita Children’s Theatre & Dance Center at the Crown Uptown Theatre, 3207 E. Douglas, 10 a.m. and noon Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 2 through 4. This is a participatory 45-minute show for ages 2 and older. Tickets are $9 for show only and sold through WCT&DC. The noon show has an upgrade option of pizza. More info: 316-262-2282 or wctdc.org/shows-events

“The Christmas Spirit” by Wichita Community Theatre, 258 N. Fountain, Dec. 2 through Dec. 12. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. This show puts the Christmas spirit in the classic “Death Takes a Holiday.” Character Julia Dowling’s unexpected visitor (Death) gives her one more day to enjoy Christmas. He’s invited to celebrate as the house fills with bickering relatives, friends, a local priest and elements of farce, drama and romance. Tickets are $11 Thursdays; otherwise $15 for adults and $13 for students, military and those older than 60. More info: 316-686-1282 or wichitact.org/shows/current-season

“Inverno: The Great Holiday Circus” at the Crown Uptown, 3207 E. Douglas, 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, Dec. 3 through 19. In another script by Wichitan Ryan Schafer with original music composed by Andrew Bowers, this cirque-inspired story follows a ringleader and his troupe of circus performers, including aerial silk performers, dancers, strongmen and fire breathers. Show tickets range from $20 to $30 with discounts available; dinner and show tickets are $15 more. More information: 316-612-7696 or crownuptown.com

“Short and Suite Nutcracker” by Midwest Dance Mechanix at the Wichita Center for the Performing Arts, 9112 E. Central. Showtimes are 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3; 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4; and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. Santa visits start 45 minutes before the show. This 75-minute show features choreography by Wichita’s legendary ballet instructor Stan Rogers and MDM director Jana Owen. Tickets are $25 for ages 17 and older, $15 for youth, and can be purchased online. More info: 316-377-5299 or dancemechanix.biz/nutcracker

“The Nutcracker” by Metropolitan Ballet, Century II, 225 W. Douglas, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, and 2 p.m. Dec. 19. The characters of Clara, the Nutcracker, Herr Drosselmeyer, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King and others are back in this quintessential holiday ballet. Tickets start at $15 and are available through Wichita Tix, 316-303-8100 or wichitatix.com.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by the Wichita Children’s Theatre & Dance Center at the Mary Jane Teall Theatre in Century II, 225 W. Douglas. Showtimes are 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15; 10 a.m., 1 and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16; and 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17. This 60-minute production features a family of children who learn the meaning of Christmas. For ages 5 and up. Tickets are $9 and available through Wichita Tix, 316-303-8100 or wichitatix.com.

A Drag Queen Christmas national touring show at the Orpheum, 200 N. Broadway, 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. Expect some naughty takes on holiday classics in this show. Tickets start at $41.75. More info: 316-263-0084 or wichitaorpheum.com

Holiday notes

If the familiar sounds of holiday favorite songs get you in the Christmas spirit, put a concert on your calendar or hire a group of carolers to appear on your front lawn.

Messiah Sing-Along concert with Wichita State Symphony Orchestra and student vocalists, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at Wiedemann Hall on the WSU campus. Audience members aren’t required to sing along but if you want to, scores are available to borrow. Tickets: $12 with discounts available. More info: 316-978-3233

Friends University Candlelight concerts at Central Community Church, 6100 W. Maple, at 7:30 p.m Dec. 3 and 2 p.m. Dec. 4. The Friends Singing Quakers and Concert Choir will perform traditional renditions. Several other Friends musical groups including its jazz band and its Singing Quakers Alumni Choir are on the roster as well. Tickets are $16 adults, $12 for students and those 55 and older; available at friends.edu/finearts/fine-arts-tickets. The concert will be recorded and televised by PBS Kansas for viewing at 9 p.m. Dec. 23; noon, 7 and 11 p.m. Dec. 24; and noon and 5 p.m. Christmas Day.

Newman University Christmas concert, DeMattias Fine Arts Center on campus, 3 p.m. on Dec. 5. The Newman University Chorale and Troubadours will perform holiday songs. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 for students, military with ID and Newman faculty and staff; available at the door.

Wichita Grand Opera’s Caroling Caravan from Dec. 8 to 20. For the second year, WGO is making available its singers for caroling bookings. Cost is $100 for four songs, “and we always give a little extra,” said WGO’s Andrew Hernandez. Usually about four carolers are booked per appearance. To schedule, call 316-683-3444 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. WGO singers will also make an appearance at the Dec. 12 Holiday Stroll at Bradley Fair from 5 to 7 p.m.

Two national touring holiday concerts are happening at the Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway. Popular electronic musician and violinist Lindsey Stirling’s Christmas program is 8 p.m. on Nov. 30. Tickets start at $89.50. Zach Williams, who blends southern rock, country and faith-based songs, is bringing his first-ever headlining tour to Wichita for his “Zach Williams: I Don’t Want Christmas to End” concert at the Orpheum, 7 p.m. on Dec. 9. Tickets start at $36.50. More info: 316-263-0884 or wichitaorpheum.com

Movie classics

If the movie comedies “Elf” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” put you in a jolly spirit, you’re in luck.

WAM is showing “Elf” on Dec. 9, for adults 21 and older. Expect a pretty raucous environment as this is an interactive showing. Doors open at 6 p.m. Movie at 7 p.m. Limited tickets are available and must be purchased online. Cost is $25, $15 for WAM members. More info: 316-268-4931 or wichitaartmuseum.org

Exploration Place is showing “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” in its Dome Theatre. Showtimes are 6 p.m. Dec. 16 through 19, plus 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 17. Griswold superfans can get a VIP upgrade that comes with priority seating, a complimentary movie-themed sugar cookie, a cocktail or mocktail and popcorn. Tickets go on sale for EP members Nov. 19 and Nov. 22 for general public. Cost is $25 VIP, $15 general admission, with a 15% discount for EP members; limited tickets available. More info: 316-660-0600 or exploration.org

Make seasonal art and sweet treats

For those who feel the holidays bring out creativity, schedule a class to create art or to make some sweet treats for Santa and friends.

Mark Arts, 1307 N. Rock Road, is offering two holiday-themed Make Your Mark workshops. The Dec. 2 Winter Wonderland splatter paint workshop is inspired by Jackson Pollock, while the Dec. 16 poinsettia painting workshop is inspired by Takashi Murakami. Classes meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and cost $40 each. No experience necessary. To register, visit markartsks.com. Art Together, the arts education center’s free monthly community event, will focus on fire and snowflake projects followed by a performance by the Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestra. Art Together happens at Mark Arts from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 11 and is free.

Wichita Park & Recreation is offering six hot cocoa bomb-making classes starting this month and two cookie decorating classes in December at its recreation centers.

There will be six evening sessions of two-hour hot cocoa bomb-making classes featuring holiday flavors. The classes are suitable for ages 14 and older and cost $40. Classes start at 6:30 p.m. and are scheduled for Nov. 16 at Orchard, 4808 W. Ninth St.; Nov. 17 and Dec. 14 at Edgemoor, 5815 E. Ninth St.; Dec. 1 at Linwood, 1901 S. Kansas; Dec. 8, at Evergreen, 2700 N. Woodland; and Dec. 15 at the Carl G. Brewer Community Center, 1329 E. 16th St.

A one-hour cookie decorating workshop is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. on Dec. 4 at the Evergreen center and costs $10. A 2 ½- hour specialty workshop for ages 8 to 14 is scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 11 at Linwood and costs $30.

As part of its Thursday night activities, Exploration Place is having a cookie decorating party closer to Santa’s big delivery night. Details are still being determined for the cookie decorating party scheduled for Dec. 23, according to science center officials. Doors open at 6 p.m. More info: 316-660-0600 or exploration.org

This story was originally published November 14, 2021 at 4:14 AM.