Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies In & Around Wichita

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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Wichita 2023

There is nothing like a traditional Christmas tree lighting to kick off the holiday season. Find out where to go below!

Merry & Bright Union Station Lighting Event 2023

November 16 at 5:30pm
702 E. Douglas Ave.

2nd Annual holiday lighting event at the historic Union Station in downtown Wichita! Join us for this FREE, family-friendly event hosted by Occidental Management to benefit the Wichita Children’s Home.
Festivities will include:
* Toy drive (Please bring a new, unwrapped toy; drop boxes will be on site)
* Lighting of the Douglas bridge train
* Photos with Santa
* Carriage rides
* Interactive kids’ station
* Hot cocoa and cookies
* Live holiday music and performances
 

City of Derby Tree Lighting 2023

November 16 at 8pm
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 cookies, cocoa with toppings provided by Lange Real Estate and kettle corn by Blacksheep
  • 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.

Questions? Call Public Works at 788-0301 or email ShanaSponsored by the City of Derby. 

Experience Botanica’s First Annual Tree Lighting!

On Friday, November 17th, 2023, Botanica will be hosting their first annual tree lighting event. Sponsored by Lexus of Wichita and Scheels, the event lasts from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. T

he tree will be lit at 7:00 p.m. During the event, each guest will receive 4 activity tickets. Redeem tickets for carousel rides, popcorn, hot cocoa, Clydesdale carriage rides, cookie decorating, a printed picture with Santa and more!

This magical event will also feature special holiday entertainment by Discord Illusions and Injoy Fountain Academy. This special preview evening provides an enjoyable and less-crowded experience. Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance, so get them before they’re gone!

RESERVE YOUR TREE LIGHTING TICKETS NOW

 

Bradley Fair in Wichita 

November 18 at 5pm

Join us for our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities on Saturday, November 18.

We’ll be hosting festive events all evening as we lead up to the lighting of the famous Bradley Fair Tree at 6 PM. Meet us on the Plaza from 5 – 7 PM for Christmas Tree Lighting 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. $3/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 The Grinch
  • Live entertainment on the Plaza by the Studio Singers starting at 5 PM
  • 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
  • Pet a goat, try some goat cocoa, and enter to win a specialty cheese collection from Everyday by Elderslie
  • Glow stick fun

Friends University Ceremony of Lights

November 19 at 6pm

Join us on Nov. 19, 2023 at 6 p.m. as Friends University illuminates the historic Davis clock tower! This time-honored tradition, now in its 25th 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!

Maize Whoville & Christmas Tree Lighting 2023

 December 3 at 4pm
Special Edition Christmas Market
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
* Christmas Tree Lighting at 5:45 p.m.
* Selfies with Santa & The Grouch 6:00 -7:00 p.m

Lights on the River Holiday Celebration 2023

December 3 at 4pm

A holiday event celebrating you and the beautiful Arkansas River. Purchase and release a floating light on the river near the Wichita Boathouse.

Food trucks, free wagon rides, s’mores, visit with Santa, and music. the finale will be a beautiful light display and release of the floating lights. Proceeds from the floating lights go to Ark River water quality improvements.

Winter Wonderland in Naftzger Park 2023

December 9 at 5pm

Holiday cheer will be in the air at Winter Wonderland! Visit Naftzger Park and take in the lights and decorations while listening to music and entertainment at the Evergy Pavilion. This event is free to the public. Wichita Park & Recreation is looking forward to spreading some holiday cheer with you!
  • Roast s’more by one of the fire pits
  • Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and take your photo
  • Watch out for the Grinch, he’ll be lurking about the park
  • Drink hot cocoa and listen to holiday music
  • Stop by our festive photo booth for a selfie
  • Write and send a letter to the North Pole

Hometown Christmas in Andover Central Park

December 14 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. 

 

More Things To Do In & Around Wichita This Holiday Season


Erin Bartel
Erin is a marketing consultant in Wichita KS. She spends her days helping local businesses and non-profits navigate the ever-changing waters of digital marketing and homeschooling her kids. She and her daughter also own Sassy Squid Ink, an imprint designing notebooks, journals, and sketchbooks. Married to her college sweetheart and the mother of 2, Erin's hobbies include bribing herself to exercise, traveling with (and without) her family, and trying to remember where she hid the chocolate.