Christmas is just weeks away (eek!) and there’s a lot going on in Kansas to celebrate the holidays. The time for themed fun usually ends when the year does, so you have a limited amount of time to get all your celebrating in. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so don’t be afraid to go crazy with your road trips and sparkling lights. ‘Tis the season, right? These Christmas towns are the perfect destinations if you’re looking for a special day trip that fits the theme of the month!

1. WaKeeney
WaKeeney, KS 67672, USA
WaKeeney Kansas Travel & Tourism
One of the most enchanting Christmas towns in Kansas, the entire town of Wakeeney celebrates the holidays with a dazzling light display and tons of activities. All month long, however, you're welcome to come to visit the lights at this scenic downtown display. Learn more about WaKeeney and its status as THE Christmas town of the plains here!
2. Russell
Russell, KS 67665, USA
Kansas Christmas Wonderland/Facebook
Russell is also a festive Christmas town that's full of holiday cheer, bringing all sorts of decorations into the Christmas Wonderland. Every weekend until Christmas, they're open for shopping, Santa Claus photos, and even live entertainment! Come see! Read more about Russell's Christmas celebration here!
3. Garden City
Garden City, KS 67846, USA
Hometown Christmas Music/Facebook
Garden City likes to express its holiday joy with Hometown Christmas, a celebration of Christmas songs that are sang by Kansans. Visit the official Garden City website for all the details about this year's celebrations.
4. Atchison
Atchison, KS, USA
Visit Atchison Kansas/Facebook
Atchison holds a North Pole village every year, where kids can make memories to last a lifetime. They also have a parade of lights that's sure to dazzle even the pickiest grinch. An evening spent here will make your Kansas Christmas one to remember, that's for sure. Click here to learn more on the official Visit Atchison website.
5. Sharon Springs
Sharon Springs, KS 67758, USA
Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Sharon Springs is a small town with a lot of heart, especially when it comes to the holidays. Their decorations are merry and bright, just like Christmas. Check the Wallace County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for more information.
6. Council Grove
Council Grove, KS 66846, USA
Council Grove/Morris County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism/Facebook
Council Grove is a historic town, so it makes sense that they go all-out for Christmas. These glittering lights are only a fraction of what the town shows every year! The Council Grove website has an event calendar with all the holiday goings-on posted.

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7. Pittsburg
Pittsburg, KS 66762, USA
Downtown Pittsburg, Kansas/Facebook
Pittsburg is another smaller town that you'll find full of holiday spirit, inside and out. Their parade every year is really worth a visit if you have time for the trip. The Pittsburg, Kansas special events calendar has all the information you'll need to plan your holiday fun!
8. Newton
Newton, KS, USA
Newton Convention & Visitors Bureau/Facebook
Newton's Christmas spirit is well-expressed with handmade holiday lights and lots of local food. Click here for more information.
9. Manhattan
Manhattan, KS, USA
Manhattan Festival of Lights at Blue Earth Plaza/Facebook
Manhattan isn't a small town, but this city goes big for Christmas. The festival of lights each year starts off the real season, with ice sculpting, hot chocolate, and carriage rides. Learn about the and holiday events here.
10. Lindsborg
Lindsborg, KS 67456, USA
Visit Lindsborg/Facebook
One of the most unique Christmas towns in Kansas, Lindsborg is full of Christmas cheer, and their parade features Swedish signs such as goats and Father Christmas. This is a truly unique holiday experience that you - or your family - won't soon forget! Visit the official Visit Lindsborg website for this year's holiday fun.
11. Wichita
Wichita, KS, USA
Visit Wichita/Facebook
Who says a city can't be full of Christmas spirit? All over the city are huge displays of light and wonderful holiday attractions. There's just more to love! See Visit Wichita for more information.
12. Dodge City
Dodge City, KS 67801, USA
Main Street Dodge City/Facebook
Kansas's very own slice of history and the West decks the halls like the best of us. Main Street is the prettiest, with plenty of care put into each and every wreath. Check out Visit Dodge City for more info.
13. Wamego
Wamego, KS 66547, USA
Wamego Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Wamego is known as our center of Oz, but during the winter, it becomes a gorgeous field of lights. Enjoy! The annual Season of Lights is sure to please.

One more stop on your Christmas in Kansas tour should be this small-town store that sells holiday cheer all year round.

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More to Explore

Best Christmas Towns in Kansas

Tori Jane | November 27, 2021

What’s the best place to spend Christmas in Kansas? 

Kansas is a state that sure does love its Christmas celebrations, and no matter where you go, you’re likely to find some truly memorable (and supremely magical) holiday delights. Communities and towns love to go all-out, decking way more than just the halls for the ultimate Christmas celebration. We recommend a night or two in WaKeeney, which is literally called the “Christmas City of the High Plains”. It’s home to the largest Christmas lights display and Christmas tree between Kansas City and Denver, and it all begins the Saturday following Thanksgiving. The entire town transforms into something of a wonderland, and decorations, lights, fun activities, and more are simply the perfect way to spend your holidays. To learn more about WaKeeney and its holiday splendor, check this article out! You might just fall in love with it in the same way we did!  

What are some fun things to do at Christmas in Kansas? 

It’s tough to know where to begin – that's how much fun Kansas is during Christmastime. If you end up in WaKeeney, make sure you attend the annual tree-lighting ceremony and do some shopping in the decked-out local shops. In Fort Scott, you can attend a delightful tour of the Fort Scott National Historic Site by candlelight; over 1,000 lanterns illuminate the chilly night air for an experience you’ll never forget. If you’re a fan of that candlelight tour, you’ll also love the Brown Mansion Candlelight Tour in Coffeyville. Chase County also loves doing Christmas in Kansas right, so make sure to check it out and take a look at the town’s events calendar for all the details on everything you can do. In Hutchinson, you can attend the Hyde Park Luminaria. Seriously, your options are only as limited as the distance you want to travel – Christmas in Kansas is truly a special time of year.

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