There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Dodge City, Kansas, for the Holidays

Regarding some of my favorite small towns in the United States, it's tough to beat any places within the state lines of good ol' Kansas, which I daydream of regularly despite currently dwelling in the Sonoran Desert. When it gets hot outside (and out here, temperatures regularly climb above 110 degrees), I find my mind drifting to winter in Kansas - Dodge City, specifically - and it helps me stay grounded as I patiently go through each day waiting for the next time I can visit.

I love to visit in the spring, during storm season, when thunder rolls across the prairie and the sky is lit up with dramatic lightning. But I also enjoy experiencing Kansas for winter! Believe it or not, winter in Kansas can be an adventure all on its own, depending on where you start. Take my honorary little hometown of Dodge City, for example. It's a homey place where everyone knows your name, especially at this time of year.

Snow or no snow (and despite the chill, Dodge City doesn't have heaps of snow on the ground very often... we're talking maybe), the town is magical at this time. There are holiday lights galore, and there's something extra brotherly about the overall vibe of the town. I love Dodge City for its old-school Main Street, all the unique little shops, and its culture; it all comes out front and center during the holidays.

With various events and adventures to get into, including holiday concerts, a tree lighting ceremony, a light parade, and SO much more, Dodge City couldn't be any cuter for the holidays if it wanted to be. There's always something going on, so you'll never get bored (despite the town being small).

This year, festivities in town will begin on Monday, December 2, at 4 p.m., for the annual lighting ceremony. Sip hot cocoa, sample hot chili, visit Santa's house, and more - the possibilities are only as endless as your imagination!

Now, imagine that big fella up there above this paragraph covered in a fresh, light dusting of new snow. Now that I think of it, I don't think there's such a thing as a "bad" time to visit Dodge City; there's always something going on, and it's almost always community-centric. This is a town you'll fall in love with on the first day.

If you're going to need a place to stay once you finally visit Dodge City, be sure to check out all the awesome deals from our friends at Hotels.com.