Plan a Visit Now to the Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Display in Kansas at Wakeeney

Whenever it gets cold and we kick on the heater, thoughts of Christmas are sure to follow. This Christmas Light display in Kansas is unlike any other we’ve seen, and it’s made extra special by decades of dedication. It may not have the most lights or the most ground covered, but it’s certainly the most magical. It still qualifies in our hearts as one of the best towns to see Christmas lights in Kansas. There’s a lot to explore, and even though this light display isn’t large, it doesn’t lack heart. Come see for yourself!

Welcome to the charming small town of Wakeeney, Kansas. They've had a sparkling Christmas street for nearly years now (2025 will mark the 75th anniversary of this festive event), and their lights proudly light up the prairie sky. It's considered the most prominent Christmas display between Kansas City and Denver, with about 3 miles of lights. However, what is more impressive is the 35-foot tree made of fresh pine greenery, the blocks of fresh greenery, and homemade wreaths.

Wakeeney has been known as the Christmas City of the High Plains since that day in 1950, when locals designed and built this idea from their own minds, and volunteers spent hours helping over the years. It may only be a few thousand lights, but it's a few thousand well-arranged! They keep the lights classic and beautiful to keep the tradition alive. We think it's a perfect night to enjoy the holidays with family and a steaming hot chocolate.

They even have a small nook on the main street that's always painted and features decorations dedicated to this event. They are the Christmas City after all! However, you don't have to see the lights from your car windows; you can enjoy being pulled on a horse and carriage instead.

The first lighting is always the most magical! They light the sky with magic on the Saturday following Thanksgiving every year. The next date for this Christmas celebration is Saturday, November 29, 2025. The festivities kick off with the holiday bazaar from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Trego County Fairgrounds. Santa's Downtown Workshop will be open from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., and free horse and wagon rides and train rides will be available.

You can enjoy the lighting every night until January 1st. Check out the Get WaKeeney Facebook page for updates and a schedule of attractions and activities scheduled on the date they've set for the year. When it comes to Christmas in Kansas, numerous small towns celebrate with beautiful, twinkling lights. That’s why we love bringing you some of the best Christmas lights in Kansas each year. Have you visited any small towns in Kansas that celebrate Christmas with abundant joy for the holidays? Share your discoveries through our nomination page.

Plan your own festive trip to WaKeeney, Kansas, with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner. For more festive fun, check out the top 12 Christmas towns in Kansas, and feel the magic of the holiday season!