As the Christmas season truly kicks off, learn about the fun activities taking place throughout our 17 I-70 cities. From holiday musicals to stunning Christmas light displays, we’ve got a little bit of holiday cheer for everyone, from kids to kids at heart.

Goodland

Celebrate the season in Goodland, KS!

On Saturday, December 13th enjoy visits with Santa at Freedom Hall at 6:00 PM MT
Then on Saturday and Sunday, December 20th & 21st: Christmas at the Ranch: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MT (Live nativity, Drive-thru Lights, Refreshments, Petting Zoo at 6525 Rd. 16)

*Don’t forget to take advantage of downtown shopping, delightful local restaurants, and various holiday open houses throughout the entire month!

Colby

This year Santa is coming to Colby Kansas yet agan! Bring your family to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, snap a few festive photos, and enjoy a sweet holiday cookie while you’re here! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in town on December 6, 7 and December 13-24, so don’t miss out! https://www.instagram.com/p/DRPe_A5EeHN/

Oakley

This year be sure to bring the whole family to Oakley Christmas Village! Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy wagon rides when Santa is visiting, and a beautiful lights display which is available to see every night wether or not the Oakley Christmas Village is open. Oakley Christmas Village’s opening weekend is December. 1st and goes every Saturday through December 20th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. https://www.visitoakleyks.com/annual-events

WaKeeney

Stop by the Christmas City of the High Plains this holiday season for a sleigh-full of magical fun! On November 29th marks their 75th annual Celebration Christmas Tree lighting kicking off the christmas time fun. On the same day shop at the Christmas Bazaar from 9am to 4pm. Just missed the Christmas Tree Lighting? Don’t worry! Wakeeney’s festive holdiay decorations and lights will stay lit up until new years!

https://www.travelks.com/event/75th-celebration-christmas-tree-lighting/39304/

Hays

Russell County

December in Russell County always brings a special kind of magic, and this year our communities will be glowing brighter than ever. Weihnachtsfest on December 6th will fill downtown Russell with carriage rides, the Elf Shop, photos with Santa, a Weihn Walk, and plenty of holiday hours and deals to enjoy. Over in Luray, the annual Madrigal Feast at the stone church offers a four-course meal and an enchanting performance by the FHSU Choir. And with the City of Russell launching its new Community Light Contest, neighbors are coming together to decorate, celebrate, and share the joy of the season. We hope you’ll slow down, shop local, and discover why Russell County is such a special place to be for the holidays! There’s plenty to see and do this season — explore all the holiday happenings here: https://www.russellcountyks.org/events-1

Salina

As the cold weather and Christmas spirt fills the air, consider visiting Salina Kansas for their sleigh-full of holiday festivities! From How The Grinch Stole Christmas! A Musical, to Mistletoe Melodies at Tony’s Pizza Events Center, there’s a little bit of holiday entertainment for everyone, big and small. Be sure to check out Visit Salina’s Facebook page to learn about these events and more! https://www.facebook.com/VisitSalina/

Abilene

2025 Cowtown Christmas – Celebrate the holidays in one of America’s Best Historic Small Towns, Abilene, on December 5-7, 2025!

Step back in time with the 48th Annual Heritage Homes Association’s Homes for the Holidays Tour, an Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Historical Society, and a Cowboy Christmas at Old Abilene Town.

Explore the historic Seelye Mansion, adorned with over 60 dazzling Christmas trees, and take a festive ride on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad’s Cowtown Santa Express. Catch a live holiday performance of Holiday Inn at Great Plains Theatre, and cruise through town to marvel at Griswold-style decorations during the Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown.

Plus, don’t forget to shop small and support Abilene’s local businesses all season long!

See a list of activities at www.AbileneKansas.org/Christmas.

Junction City

Geary County is Holiday Celebration Central throughout December. Milford Nature Center is hosting the ISLE OF LIGHTS, a driving tour of lights around Prairie View Campground December 5th & 6th from 5-8pm. Or consider a night at the theater with the holiday classic White Christmas at the C.L. Hoover Opera House December 4th-7th. Tickets can be purchased at jcoperahouse.org ahead of time. Bring your adult friends and enjoy Junction City Main Street’s Wine & Wassail Walk on December 6th and enjoy great company, tasty beverages, and take care of some holiday shopping; buy tickets online ahead of time at junctioncitymainstreet.org. December 6th is Hometown Christmas, with live performances, Main Street Market vendors, lights and decor around Heritage Park, Horse-drawn carriage rides, and of course Santa will be available. On December 13th Santa will be at Cloud County Community College from 11am-2pm; December 14th you can find him at JC’s BBQ & Grill from 4-7pm; and on December 17th between 2:45-5pm he and Mrs. Claus are Dashing between many businesses on Junction City Main Street; find their itinerary at junctioncitymainstreet.org.

Manhattan

As you travel I-70 during the holiday season, Manhattan, Kansas shines as a warm and welcoming stop filled with small-town charm and big-hearted cheer. The city glows with festive light displays, and the towering Christmas tree in Blue Earth Plaza—sparkling with thousands of lights—serves as the centerpiece of Manhattan’s holiday magic. Seasonal festivals bring families together with music, treats, and local traditions, while Manhattan’s friendly shops and cozy eateries make it easy to slow down and savor the season. Whether you’re strolling past the brilliant tree, exploring twinkling downtown streets, or simply taking in the peaceful Flint Hills atmosphere, Manhattan beautifully captures the true spirit of the holidays.

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Topeka

Topeka shines bright during the holidays, offering a full season of festive fun for all ages. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade, a beloved tradition featuring over 200 floats, marching bands, and Santa himself parading through Downtown Topeka starting at 6 p.m. The celebration kicks off with the annual tree lighting at Evergy Plaza, filling the heart of the city with music, lights, and community spirit. Visitors can also stroll through the enchanting Zoo Lights at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center, where dazzling light displays and holiday cheer bring the magic of the season to life. Whether you’re watching the parade, exploring local shops, or taking in the glow of the city, Topeka is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays in northeast Kansas. https://downtowntopekainc.com/experience-downtown/miracle-on-kansas-ave/

Lecompton

“Christmas Through the Ages”, Nov. 1 – Jan. 4 will be held at the Territorial Capital Museum in Lecompton. Over 250 trees decorated in Victoria,antique and themed decor are on display. A must see!

www.lecomptonkansas.com

Lawrence

From one-of-a-kind events to twinkling lights to shopping local for the whole family, Lawrence, Kansas, does the holidays right. Explore Lawrence this season with the Winter Wonder Pass, a digital pass that unlocks exclusive discounts and earns you points to exchange for unique holiday-themed prizes. It’s festive fun for the whole family!

It’s completely free! You’ll get access to exclusive discounts and prizes without spending a dime.
There are plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from and many unique, locally-owned retail locations to do your holiday shopping at. You’ll find the perfect gift in Lawrence, no matter who you’re shopping for.
By exploring different attractions and activities, you can discover new things about Lawrence and create lasting memories with your family.
The more you explore, the more points you earn. Points can be turned into sweepstakes entries or prizes.
Whether looking for free festive activities for the whole family, warming your hands with a peppermint mocha, or shopping local this holiday season, the Winter Wonder Pass has something for everyone.

https://www.explorelawrence.com/passports/winter-wonder-pass/

Bonner Springs

This year on Saturday December, 13th be sure to bring the whole family to the City of Bonner Spring’s Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lightning for a day of holiday fun! Kick off the morning at 9am through noon with a festive breakfast with Santa. Then be sure to purchase your Ortament Crawl ticket for only $10 and gather 15 christmas ortaments from all participating busniesses. At 4:30 prepare for the candy cane hunt, where your little ones can collect candy canes before the parade at 5:30! Also at 5:30 the Winter Market opens up to shoppers! Then at 5:45 the big christmas lighting happens! Then at last settle down for cookies $ cocoa with santa at 6:15 to wrap up your perfect christmas day in Bonner Springs.

https://business.bsedwchamber.org/events/details/12-13-bonner-springs-holiday-festivities-2065

Leavenworth

December brings old-fashioned holiday cheer to “the First City of Kansas.” On Saturday, Dec. 6, visitors can enjoy the Leavenworth Christmas Market, a German-style outdoor bazaar featuring a variety of arts and craft vendors, food trucks and hot mugs of glühwein to chase away winter’s chill. Meanwhile, Dec. 14, is reserved for Leavenworth’s annual Vintage Homes Tour, with seven historic structures ready for exploration, including the Victorian-era Carroll Mansion Museum.

Shawnee

This holiday season spend a night out seeing one of the Aztec theater’s various christmas concerts! On December 19th spend your night rocking around the christmas tree with Jeff Porter and Brody Buster for Brandon Miller’s 3rd Annual Christmas Jam! Then the next night, December 20th, listen to The Burning Pianos Christmas Show! Then on New Year’s Eve celebrate in Downtown Shawnee with a Way Too Famous Concert and a DJ Ray Pena afterparty to end your year on a good note.

https://aztecshawnee.com/

Kansas City Kansas

Kansas City Kansas is loaded with so much holiday fun we can’t even pick one! From winterwonderlands to knights in shining armor, Kansas City Kansas has a little bit of something for everyone. https://www.visitkansascityks.com/events/annual-events/winter-wonderland-in-kck/