Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Wichita 2025
There is nothing like a traditional Christmas tree lighting to kick off the holiday season. Mark your calendars for these local celebrations!
Bradley Fair Tree Lighting on November 22 from 4-7pm
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Bradley Fair’s Holiday Tree Lighting! Enjoy live music from the Studio Singers, warm up with a delicious cup of hot cocoa and take a ride on the all electric Bradley Fair Express — with ticket proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities. Families will enjoy visits with surprise holiday characters and have the chance to meet Santa, as well as other photo opportunities throughout the property.
- Take a ride on the Bradley Fair Express – an electric train that will take your entire family on a journey through Bradley Fair from 4- 7 PM. $5/person ages 5+. Children under 5 ride free. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Tickets can also be purchased on-site the day-of, but note no cash will be accepted. Digital card payment only.
- Photos with Santa
- Meet and greet with surprise holiday characters
- Live entertainment on the Plaza by the Studio Singers starting at 5 PM
- An appearance from the Metropolitan Ballet
- The tree will be lit at 6 PM
- Food and beverage samples
- Hot cocoa
Merry & Bright Union Station Lighting Event
November 20 at 5:30pm
702 E. Douglas Ave.
Merry & Bright is the 4th Annual holiday lighting event at the historic Union Station in downtown Wichita! Join us for this free, family-friendly event benefitting the Wichita Children’s Home. Wichita Mayor Lily Wu will do the honor of flipping on the switch.
- Toy drive to benefit the Wichita Children’s Home
- Lighting of the Great Plains Transportation Museum train
- KWCH Channel 12 will cover the event live with co-sponsor SummitMedia (KFDI-FM 101.3)
- Pat Strathman of ESPN will Emcee
- KWCH, Summit Media, ESPN & KMUW are broadcast sponsors
- Photos with Santa
- Carriage rides with Brower Carriages
- Interactive Kids’ Station with Envision Arts Gallery
- Learning Lab Chriskindlmarket table
- Live performance by Ballet Wichita
- Live performance by Wichita Chorus Sweet Adelines, Wichita Children’s Theater & Dance, and Knocknasheega – Traditional Celtic Band
- Cocoa and cookies with Insomnia Cookies
- Fireworks with Victory Pyrotechnics
- The Wichita Police Department Mounted Unit
- Facepainting by SamJQW
- Party Rockerz Snow Sisters
City of Derby Tree Lighting
November 20 at 6pm
Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave.
This kickoff to the holiday season will have the Mayor lighting the tree as well as the following:
- Free hot cocoa with toppings, cookies and kettle corn
- Food trucks
- Holiday music as you walk around the park and enjoy the lights.
- Photos with Santa in the Pavilion
- Kid’s crafts in the Venue
- Derby Operation Holiday will be accepting non perishable food items and new toys in The Pavilion for families who live in the Derby Public School District.
Mulvane Tree Lighting
2025 Event Details TBD
Grand Tree Lighting at Botanica
2025 Event Details TBD
Haysville Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
December 6 at 5:30pm
Chili feed, photos with Santa, music & more!
Maize Whoville & Christmas Tree Lighting
December 7 at 5-7pm
Join us for the Maize Whoville Christmas Tree Lighting on December 7th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the Maize Clair Donnelly Amphitheater.
This festive evening will feature selfies with Santa and the Grouch, a Christmas tree lighting at 5:45 pm, sweet treats, and hot drinks. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, holiday shopping, and the opportunity to share their Christmas wishes—all in one magical event!
Friends University Ceremony of Lights
November 23 at 6pm
Join us on Nov. 23 at 6 p.m. as Friends University illuminates the historic Davis clock tower! This time-honored tradition, now in its 26th year, on the Friends University campus at Rose Window Plaza is a symbol of the start of the holiday season for the campus and the Wichita community. Enjoy an evening of carols and festive music from the Friends University Singing Quakers and the Friends University Band, Christmas trees, cookies and cocoa, and much more as we celebrate the Ceremony of Lights. Santa will also be making a special appearance and available for photos!
Somehwere in Winter
November 29 at 6pm
Festivities run from 5-8pm, and the Tree Lighting is a 6pm.
Christmas on Main Street in Goddard
December 6 at 5pm
Winter Wonderland in Naftzger Park
December 5 at 6pm
Celebrate the magic of the season at our annual Holiday Tree Lighting event! The evening begins at 6 PM as two children from the Miracle League of Wichita illuminate the park with the flip of a switch, bringing the dazzling holiday tree to life. From there, enjoy a night full of festive fun — cozy up by the fire pits to roast marshmallows and make s’mores, sip on rich hot cocoa while holiday music fills the air, and delight in sweet treats like cookies and candy canes. Capture the moment at our sparkling photo stations or spot the mischievous Grinch sneaking around for a playful photo op.
Make special memories with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, where you can take photos and share your wish list in person. Don’t forget to write your own letter to Santa and drop it in our magical mailbox — you might just receive a reply before Christmas! With laughter, lights, and the warmth of community, this festive celebration is the perfect way to welcome the holiday season in Wichita.
Hometown Christmas in Andover Central Park
December 11 at 4:30pm
On Thursday, December 11, 2025, bring the whole family out to enjoy the festivities as Central Park is transformed into a winter wonderland with luminaries lining the sidewalks, illuminated trees, and activities for everyone.
The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. this year, with the tree lighting to take place at 6 p.m. (once it’s dark).
A variety of activities will be available throughout 4:30 – 8 p.m. including photos with Santa, crafts for kids, live music, hay rack rides, s’mores with first responders, hot beverages and more. Activities will take place in Central Park – at the Andover Public Library, Andover City Hall, Capitol Federal Amphitheater® stage, and in the Lodge.
While you are at the park, you must also take a minute to enjoy the amazing light show coordinated to music at the Capitol Federal Amphitheater® and other areas of the park.
The Hometown Christmas event is not only fun for families but also benefits the entire community. Attendees of Hometown Christmas are encouraged to donate canned goods and cash to benefit the local Caring and Sharing 501c program and the Andover Food Bank.
More Things To Do In & Around Wichita This Holiday Season
