Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Wichita 2024
There is nothing like a traditional Christmas tree lighting to kick off the holiday season. Find out where to go below!
Bradley Fair Tree Lighting on November 24th from 4-8pm
Bradley Fair will be hosting festive events all evening as they lead up to the lighting of the famous Bradley Fair Tree at 6 PM. Meet us on the Plaza for festivities including:
- 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- 8 PM. $5/person ages 5+. Children under 5 ride free. A percentage 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 holiday Mickey and Minnie Mouse
- 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 from Trader Joe’s
- Grab a tasty treat from Bakesale Treat Parlor
- Hot cocoa from Newport Grill
Merry & Bright Union Station Lighting Event
November 21 at 5:30pm
702 E. Douglas Ave.
3rd 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 (Please bring a new, unwrapped toy; drop boxes will be on site)
* Lighting of the Historic Union Station building
* Lighting of the Douglas bridge train
* Photos with Santa
* Carriage rides
* Interactive kids’ station
* Hot cocoa and cookies
* Live performance by Ballet Wichita
* Live performances by Evermore ICT and the Northwest High School Choir
* Fireworks
* The Wichita Police Department Mounted Unit
City of Derby Tree Lighting
November 21 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:
- Hot cocoa with toppings
- Free cookies
- Free 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 Venue for families who live in the Derby Public School District.
Mulvane Tree Lighting
November 21 at 6:45pm
FREE Family Friendly Event — Come & see the Community Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, November 21st. We’ll sing a couple of Christmas Carols together after lighting the tree.
Grand Tree Lighting at Botanica
November 26 at 6pm
The Grand Tree is programmed with festive images and set to holiday music and is one of the largest branched tree displays in the Midwest region. Get ready to step into a world of wonder with all-new immersive light displays, including a breathtaking walk-through butterfly house and a shimmering gilded holiday wonderland in the Shakespeare Garden, and many fan favorites including the funky tree and Santa’s village complete with holiday train. In 2023, Illuminations placed 4th in USA Today’s 10 Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights, making it an event you won’t want to miss!
- Holiday musical magic on the Dr. David and Mickey Brown Grand Lawn by the talented Studio Singers children’s choir.
- Special appearances from Santa himself and Wichita’s beloved magician Christian Manahl.
- Free Carousel rides, hot cocoa, popcorn, and so much more festive fun!
RESERVE YOUR TREE LIGHTING TICKETS NOW
Haysville Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
December 7 at 5:30pm
Chili feed, photos with Santa, music & more!
Maize Whoville & Christmas Tree Lighting
December 8 at 5-7pm
The 1st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at the Maize Clair Donnelly Amphitheater.
Friends University Ceremony of Lights
November 24 at 6pm
Join us on Nov. 24, 2024 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!
Christmas on Main Street in Goddard
November 30 4-7pm
Bring the family for the parade, photos with Santa, LIVE DJ, carriage rides, crafts and cookie decorating, Christmas Tree Lighting, vendors, vote for a winner in the Festival of Trees contest, see decorated businesses on Main Street, watch the Nutcracker LIVE performance, enjoy a fireworks show and MORE!
Winter Wonderland in Naftzger Park
December 13 at 6pm
Step into the enchantment of the holiday season at Wichita Park & Recreation’s Winter Wonderland! Join us at Naftzger Park on Friday, December 13, from 6-8pm, for an unforgettable evening filled with magic and cheer.
Feel the warmth of the season as you roast s’mores by crackling fire pits, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and watch out for the playful Grinch, who might just stir up some festive mischief! Sip on rich hot cocoa as timeless holiday melodies fill the air, wrapping you in the cozy spirit of the season.
Capture the magic at one of the festive photo stations, where you and your loved ones can create picture-perfect memories beneath twinkling lights. And don’t miss the chance to send your wishes straight to the North Pole! Write a letter to Santa, and he’ll send a reply back before Christmas.
Indulge in the sweetness of the season with candy canes and cookies that add an extra sprinkle of joy to your night. Then, gather around at 6pm sharp, as two children from our Miracle League of Wichita flip the switch to light the holiday tree, illuminating the park in dazzling festive brilliance.
Winter Wonderland is a free event that welcomes all to embrace the holiday magic. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Hometown Christmas in Andover Central Park
December 12 at 5:30pm
On Thursday, December 14, 2023, 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.
