If you had to pick just one place in the Sunflower State to celebrate the holiday season in, you have several great options. There are tons of things to do in winter in Kansas, but if you’re looking for just one place, the singularly undisputed Christmas capital of Kansas? It doesn’t get much better than a visit to WaKeeney. This little city in Trego County has a population of under 2,000, but it’s famous throughout the region as the Christmas City of the High Plains, and it comes by that nickname quite honestly thanks to its plethora of decorations and spectacularly lavish celebrations. One major aspect of those Christmas events in WaKeeney, KS is the town’s Christmas Bazaar and tree lighting ceremony, annually scheduled for the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year’s event will take place Saturday, November 25, 2023, and it’s one Christmas festival in Kansas that you won’t want to miss.

Wamego is a charming place to be at any time of year, but in the wintertime, it transforms into a magical winter wonderland straight off of a greeting card.
Duncan Rawlinson/Flickr
This place has been going all-out for Christmas since 1950, and it's quite magical to see the downtown area all lit up each year.
WaKeeney, KS
The season gets kicked off the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Get WaKeeney/Facebook

Related Stories

A Christmas Lights Maze Is Coming To Kansas City, Kansas And It Looks As Magical As It Sounds

A Christmas Lights Maze Is Coming To Kansas City, Kansas And It Looks As Magical As It Sounds

 Bundle Up And Experience The Sedgwick County Zoo This Season Like Never Before On Winter Wednesdays

Bundle Up And Experience The Sedgwick County Zoo This Season Like Never Before On Winter Wednesdays

 Coffeyville, Kansas is the Perfect Midwest Winter Travel Destination

Coffeyville, Kansas is the Perfect Midwest Winter Travel Destination
The annual Christmas Bazaar at the Trego County Fairgrounds is a great place to pick up gifts, and the fun doesn't stop when the vendors leave.
Get WaKeeney/Facebook
At 4:00 p.m., the downtown activities begin. You'll definitely want to catch the 35-foot tree being lit, but you can also enjoy horse and wagon rides, a virtual reality trip on Santa's sleigh, and even a community soup supper.
Get WaKeeney/Facebook
The evening ends with the arrival of Santa himself passing out treats to the little ones.
Get WaKeeney/Facebook

This is one of our favorite places to celebrate Christmas in Kansas, and this year’s event is going to be bigger and better than ever. You can learn more and check out the full schedule of events at the WaKeeney, KS website.

If you’re looking to travel to the area, this amazing church Vrbo in WaKeneey is one of the coolest places to stay in the entire state. There’s so much to do in winter in Kansas, and you won’t want to miss out on this fun opportunity.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Kansas

Featured Addresses
Trego County Fairgrounds, 13th & Russell Ave, N 13th St, WaKeeney, KS 67672, USA