'Tis the Season in Downtown
Experience holiday magic in the downtown district this year. Gaze upon the 20-foot tall tree in Old Town Square and visit the surrounding local shops to find unique gifts for everyone on your list. Visit Santa's House at Naftzger Park before attending one of many exciting seasonal events. Scroll below to find holiday adventures!
Santa has arrived at Naftzger Park!
Downtown Wichita partnered with Hutton and Star Lumber to build Santa Claus a house for his headquarters right here in Wichita! Local artist Heather Byers transformed the structure into a cozy, winter-themed home that makes the perfect backdrop for holiday photos.
Let your imagination come to life as you explore this colorful pop-up at Naftzger Park during the holiday season. Share your photos with Santa's House on social media using #DowntownWichita! Mark your calendars to check it out during Winter Wonderland/Mayor's Tree Lighting on Dec. 11.
Featured Festivities
Free Movie: Elf
Naftzger Park • Dec. 18
Get into the holiday spirit by watching a free screening of Elf at Naftzger Park on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Pack your lawn chairs and blankets and bring the entire family to enjoy! Learn more.
Make merry memories with the entire family!
Victorian Christmas at Cowtown (Dec. 3)
Breakfast with Santa at Cowtown (Dec. 4)
Victorian Christmas at Cowtown (Dec. 4)
Holiday Family Pet Photos at Naftzger Park (Dec. 4)
Holiday Family Pet Photos at Naftzger Park (Dec. 5)
Ceramic Gingerbread House Class at CityArts (Dec. 5)
Ceramic Gingerbread House Class at CityArts (Dec. 6)
Holiday Bingo at Exploration Place (Dec. 9)
Victorian Christmas at Cowtown (Dec. 10)
Santa Night at Wichita Thunder Hockey (Dec. 10)
Winter Wonderland at Naftzger Park (Dec. 11)
Victorian Christmas at Cowtown (Dec. 11)
Ceramic Gingerbread House Class at CityArts (Dec. 12)
Ceramic Gingerbread House Class at CityArts (Dec. 13)
Santa’s Pancake Party at Exploration Place (Dec. 18)
Fused Glass Snowflakes Class at CityArts (Dec. 19)
Cookie Decorating Party at Exploration Place (Dec. 23)
Winter Art Mania at WAM (Dec. 26)
Illuminations at Botanica Gardens (Through Jan. 1)
Downtown offers everything from classic performances to interactive theater.
Zach Williams “I Don’t Want Christmas to End” (Dec. 9)
Ballet Wichita’s “The Nutcracker"(Dec. 10)
Ballet Wichita’s “The Nutcracker"(Dec. 11)
Ballet Wichita’s “The Nutcracker" (Dec. 12)
A Drag Queen Christmas (Dec. 16)
Metropolitan Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 18)
Cool Yule: A Swinging’ Christmas (Through Dec. 19)
Hallmork Channel Christmas at Mosley St. Melodrama (Through Dec. 19)
Grab a bite to eat or a tasty treat and settle in for a heart-warming classic holiday film.
Orpheum Winter Film Series: Edward Scissorhands (Dec. 4)
Holiday Film Unclassic: Elf at WAM (Dec. 9)
Orpheum Winter Film Series: Home Alone (Dec. 11)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at Dome Theatre (Dec. 16)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at Dome Theatre (Dec. 17)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at Dome Theatre (Dec. 18)
Shop local this holiday season and find unique gifts for everyone on your list.
Holiday Season at the Old Town Farm and Art Market (Dec. 4)
HoliDAZE Art Crawl Market (Dec. 5)
Wichita Art Museum Holiday Open House (Dec. 5)
Holiday Season at the Old Town Farm and Art Market (Dec. 11)
Holiday Season at the Old Town Farm and Art Market (Dec. 18)
Holiday Sales at Museum of World Treasures (Through Dec. 24)
Holiday Banners
Discover the new holiday banners along Douglas Avenue from the Arkansas River to Topeka Street! Each banner was created by a fourth-grade student from USD 259. The inspiration/theme for their artwork is "Hometown Holidays." Over 100 students participated and 23 designs were selected to be featured downtown. Watch the video and browse the gallery below to view the 23 winners! View all participant artwork.
