12 Reasons Christmas Is the Absolute Best in Kansas

It's Christmastime, and there is truly no better place to be than the Sunflower State. Why is that, you ask? Well, for starters, the state is home to several charming small towns that go all out with holiday decor, lights, and displays. Also, we have a plethora of parades, Santa sightings, holiday shopping opportunities, and much more to get you in the holiday spirit.

Ready to explore? Here are 12 reasons why Christmas is the best in Kansas—plus the magical Christmas towns worth visiting to experience the best of the season.

1. All of Our Towns

So many of our charming little towns do it up big at Christmastime. Main Streets all over the state fill storefronts, lampposts, and trees with beautiful tinsel, garland, and holiday lights. Even when we're simply going to the grocery store or running errands, we still feel swept up in the holiday spirit thanks ot all the decor. Take, for instance, the city of Pittsburg, Kansas, with its 46th Annual Holiday Parade and lights.

2. The Beautiful Homes

Part of what makes Christmas so special in Kansas is our beautiful homes. Whether it's a small, cozy bungalow or a stately colonial home, several neighborhoods create the most lovely holiday displays—perfect for walking or driving through on a chilly night. The Mission Hills neighborhood in Johnson County, Kansas, is filled with gorgeous early 1900s homes—all lit up for the holiday season.

3. The Cozy Campgrounds

There's nothing quite like camping under the stars while surrounded by fresh snowfall. There are plenty of places to experience this scenery in Kansas, including the campgrounds near Lake Shawnee in Topeka, Kansas. Sometimes, the campsite will put up fun and festive light displays, which are great for the whole family to enjoy. Other beautiful sites include Flint Oak, Cedar Bluff State Park, and Elk City State Park.

4. The Local Businesses That Light Up the Night Sky

Several local businesses participate in the festivities each year, including the Botanica Gardens in Wichita, Kansas. Botanica Illuminations is a spectacular light show display that runs from November 22 to January 3, spanning the entire 20 acres of the gorgeous property. The display even placed fifth in USA Today Readers' Choice for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in 2024.

5. The Christmas City of the High Plains

Visit Wakeeney, Kansas, aka "Christmas City," for a colorful, four-block display featuring lights, trees, and homemade decor. The downtown area even has Christmas-themed murals that are up year-round, and a metal arch sign that says "North Pole," leading visitors and locals down a street filled with holiday wonder. There's plenty to do in December leading up to Christmas Day.

6. The Christmas Stores and Craft Fairs

We might be a tad biased, but we think that Kansas is home to some of the craftiest, most creative people in the world. Case in point: our magnificent Christmas stores and craft fairs are filled with a bevy of homemade ornaments and trinkets. Some of our favorites are Kansas Christmas Wonderland in Russell and the Mistletoe & Moonlight Market in Sharon Springs.

7. Our Christmas Spirit

Kansas natives love to show their Christmas spirit in any way they can—especially through their holiday displays. One in particular, Paulie's Penguin Playground, has been around for years and just recently relocated to Overland Park. The display features hundreds of inflatable penguins in Santa hats, sandwiched between the stunning natural plants and flowers in the park.

While you might not be able to visit the Penguin Playground this year (the owner mentioned it's shut down), it just goes to show how seriously we take the holidays around here.

8. The Ugly Sweaters

Not only do we decorate our homes, yards, and businesses—we also love to decorate ourselves. Many towns have ugly Christmas sweater contests as part of the holiday season fanfare, or we'll simply wear them because they're cozy and super fun. Even our parties surround wearing the wackiest (and tackiest) garb we can find.

9. The Strong German Influence

Leavenworth, Kansas, has a strong German influence, and Christmastime is no exception. Each year, the town hosts the Leavenworth Christmas Market—rows and rows of vendors selling handmade wares, delicious holiday desserts and drinks, arts and crafts, clothes, and more. Plus, it's so magically decorated with lights and trees that you won't want to miss it. It's taking place Saturday, December 6, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., this year.

10. ...And Swedish Influence

Lindsborg, Kansas, is a charming Swedish town with several unique holiday traditions. One being the Julotta Festival, a Swedish-style Christmas church service, and the St. Lucia Festival on December 13, a day-long event filled with beautiful folk dancing, Swedish cookies and treats, and traditional costumes.

11. The Top-Notch Christmas Parades

The Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade takes place every year in the historic town of Lawrence, Kansas, and it never disappoints. This year, the parade will take place on Saturday, December 6, at 11 a.m., and will feature several beautifully decorated horse-drawn carriages down Massachusetts Street. Bring your cozy blankets and grab a cup of hot cocoa from a local vendor, and enjoy all the joyous wonder this small-town event has to offer. You might even see some folks dressed in Victorian-style garb.

12. The Statewide Winter Wonderland

Whether you're visiting the Kansas City Knight of Lights from November 29 to December 31, Santa's Express at the National Agricultural Center & Hall of Fame on December 4, or the Winter Wonderland drive-through in Topeka from November 26 to December 31, there are plenty of wintery holiday displays to see all over the state. Kansas has no shortage of holiday cheer every Christmas season!

There you have it: 12 reasons why Christmas is the absolute best in Kansas. Do you have any more to add to the list? If none come to mind, consider visiting the Sunflower State yourself this December to discover more. Try out Only In Your State's itinerary planner for the best lodging, dining, and sightseeing recommendations.