Holiday Events for Kids and Families
Sure, catching a performance of "The Nutcracker" is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, but it may not be an option if you've got young children. Instead of missing the second half of a production to calm a crying baby (we've all been there!) check out these kid-friendly ways to celebrate with the whole family.
Meet Santa at the Mall
Bring your kiddos out to Towne East or West to have a picture taken with Santa and let him know what they'd like to receive this year. Times vary, but a daily schedule is available here. For a Towne West events schedule, click here.
Date: through Dec. 24
Location: Towne East and West Malls
Price: Price Varies
Pet Photos With Santa, Dec. 11
Santa photos aren't just for kids! On Dec. 11, you can even bring your pets in to meet the jolly old man! An additional fee will be required for pet photos, which will be available from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Towne West.Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Towne West Mall
Price: Price Varies
Celebrate the Season at the Zoo
The Sedgwick County Zoo makes braving the cold totally worth it this season, offering $3 admission all day on Wednesdays. Running through the end of February, it's a great way to get out of the house and have some fun!
Date: Wednesdays, through February
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Sedgwick County Zoo
Price: $3
Children’s Farms Festival: Holiday in the Barn at Sedgwick County Zoo, Dec. 17
Celebrate the season with a Holiday in the Barn at the Sedgwick County Zoo! At this special Children's Farm Festival event, you'll be able to meet Santa, play with farm toys and watch animal demonstrations. This event is included in general admission and is free with membership.
Date: Dec. 17
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Location: Sedgwick County Zoo
Price: Included in admission, free for members
Go on a Holiday Carriage Ride
It's not a true Wichita Winter if you don't go on at least one carriage ride. Offered in both Old Town Square and at Bradley Fair for free, there's no reason not to participate in this Wichita tradition. Check out the details below.
Bradley FairDate: Through Dec. 23 |
Old Town SquareDate: Saturdays through Dec. 17 |
Christmas Lights
Make the season merry and bright by attending a local Christmas light show!
Christmas lights shows are fun for all ages. Home to large shows like Botanica's Illuminations and The Arc's Lights, and an abundance of residential light shows, there are plenty of places to check out the festive lights!
Whether you'd like to walk through gardens filled with Christmas lights, drive through a display, or catch a show or two put on by dedicated citizens, you can do so right here in ICT. For details on Wichita's Christmas Light displays, click here.
Polar Express
OJ Watson Park will host a Polar Express event this month, so fans of Chris Van Allsburg's "Polar Express" Christmas children's book are in luck! The event kicks off with a reading of the popular Christmas book, followed by a craft and a ride on a miniature train! Guests can snack on milk and cookies and take a trip tp the North Pole to see Santa!
Polar Express will begin at 12:30 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18; and at 6 p.m. on Dec. 23. Registration costs $15. To register by phone, call (316) 529-9940.
Date: Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18; 23
Time: Times Vary
Location: OJ Watson Park
Price: $15
Have Supper With Santa
From Dec. 11 through the 14, Botanica invites guests to come out to the gardens and enjoy Supper with Santa! Whily you're here, listen to a few stories, eat some cookies, sing songs and create art projects! The menu varies each night. On Dec. 11, guests will be served breakfast for dinner. On Dec. 12, Molino's Mexican Cuisine will provide nachos and burritos. Dec. 13 highlights spaghetti from Carrabba's Italian restaurant and Dec. 14 will offer guests mac and cheese provided by corporate caterers.
Tickets are priced at $14 for adults and at $10 for children ages 3-12. A $2 discount per ticket will be given to members.
Date: Dec. 11-14
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Botanica
Price: $8-$14
Sing Christmas Carols with Scotty McCreery
Country star Scotty McCreery will perform a special Hits & Holiday show at the Kansas Star Arena on Dec. 16. McCreery is well-known in the country music industry and made Billboard history by going platinum with his debut album. Having received several new artist awards, Scotty McCreery quickly rose to the top of the charts. This event is for all ages. Ticket prices start at $20 and are available online.
Date: Dec. 16
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Kansas Star Arena
Price: Starting at $20
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa
Santa will arrive by stagecoach at Old Cowtown Museum to enjoy breakfast with museum visitors on Dec. 17. In addition to a hearty holiday breakfast, the event boasts Christmas crafts and personalized telegrams sent to the North Pole. Breakfast will include pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and fruit salad. Tickets are priced at $7.95 for children ages 4-15 and $12.95 for adults. Tickets must be bought in advance.
Date: Dec. 17
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Location: Old Cowtown Museum
Price: $7.95-$12.95
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