7 Christmas Light Displays In Kansas That Are Pure Holiday Magic
By Lisa Sammons|Published November 13, 2023
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Lisa Sammons
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Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
If you’ve spent much time in the Sunflower State in winter, you know that we know how to do Christmas lights in Kansas. Whether you’re in our big cities or our little rural towns in the middle of nowhere, there are so many incredible Christmas light displays in Kansas! Caroling, colorful lights, costumed characters, and more all combine to make the most magical time of the year truly magical. With everything going on in the world today, it can feel tough to get into the holiday spirit. One way that I love to get myself feeling festive is to check out Christmas lights near me. No matter how old you are, it makes you feel like a child again to see these seasonal displays of wonder!
The Christmas lights in WaKeeney, Kansas are the stuff of legends: there's a reason this small town is nicknamed the Christmas City of the High Plains! The entire town goes all-out for the holidays, with lights everywhere and a 35-foot tree. There are plenty of festivities going on here throughout the season, but if you're just a fan of checking out lights, you won't be disappointed. This place has one of the largest Christmas light displays in Kansas, with more than three miles of lights. Get information about this year's celebrations at the Get WaKeeney Facebook page.
2. Illuminations: Wichita
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, 701 Amidon St, Wichita, KS 67203, USA
If you're seeking great Christmas lights in Wichita, KS Illuminations at Botanica is the place for you. This beautiful botanical garden turns into a winter wonderland, covered in more than two million lights. There's live music, light shows, visits with Santa, holiday treats, and so much more to enjoy here. This year's lights will be set up from November 24 to December 30, 2023, with several entry times each night. You can purchase tickets in advance from the Illuminations Botanica website.
The best Christmas lights in Prairie Village, KS are tucked away in a residential neighborhood on the aptly-named Candy Cane Lane. This is such a fun Christmas light display in Kansas, and while it may not be as large as some of the professionally-decorated events on this list, it brings so much cheer to the neighborhood. Nearly every house on the cul-de-sac participates, making Candy Cane Lane such a bright and joyful spot to visit!
For those looking for something a bit larger in scale, the Manhattan Festival of Lights features the best lights in Manhattan, KS. This event takes over all of Blue Earth Plaza and makes the Little Apple seem to shine just as brightly as the Big Apple. This walk-through festival is set to begin this year on November 24, 2023, and you won't want to miss the tree-lighting ceremony! Get more information from the Manhattan Festival of Lights website.
5. Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane: Overland Park
Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66221, USA
Some of the best Christmas lights in Overland Park can be found at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. This is a popular warm-weather destination for families, with a petting zoo and lots of activities for kids, but during winter, it transforms into a wonderland of holiday cheer. The magical light show is set to holiday music. It's not technically drive-thru Christmas lights, but instead, "park and watch" Christmas lights, which is even more unique. This is such a fun event for kids of all ages, and adults, too. Keep an eye on the Holiday Lights at Deanna Rose Farmstead website for current details.
6. Winter Wonderland Topeka: Topeka
Lake Shawnee Campground, 3435 SE East Edge Rd, Topeka, KS 66605, USA
Winter Wonderland Topeka features some of the best drive through Christmas lights in Kansas. The two-mile display is set up at Lake Shawnee Campground and open to the public nearly every night between November 22-December 31, 2023. These are some of the best Christmas lights in Topeka, Kansas, and you won't want to miss this beautiful display!
7. Ellis Polar Express: Ellis
Ellis Railroad Museum, 911 Washington St, Ellis, KS 67637, USA
There's nothing like a small town celebration of Christmas, and you'll find a great one in the little city of Ellis. This historic city knows how to celebrate the holidays, and the Ellis Polar Express is a miniature train ride that is so much fun for the little ones. This display of some of the best Christmas lights in Ellis, KS is an annual favorite for many families with young kids.
Did we miss your favorite Christmas lights in Kansas? Share your must-visit spots in the comments!
If you’re planning a trip this winter, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for everything life can throw at you. Check out our Ultimate Winter Packing List to ensure you have all the cold weather essentials you need for a safe and happy getaway.
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