In a holiday mood? Here are Wichita-area events that will help you savor the season
With no judgment on whether you’ve been naughty or nice, there’s a long list of holiday events happening in the Wichita area that you can indulge in from early November through the end of the year.
The myriad merriment-making events run the gamut — from special exhibits at Exploration Place and historic collections displayed at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum to candlelight concerts by university choirs on two different campuses, along with an instrumental ensemble at the Kansas Aviation Museum and re-creations of vintage holiday celebrations at the Allen House and Old Cowtown Museum.
Several of the events are Wichita traditions, like Illumination at Botanica and locally produced performances of “The Nutcracker,” while others, like the Kansas Global Holiday Market (which is free this year), are more recent additions to a long string of events.
A number of touring productions, ranging from concerts by Lindsey Stirling, Jim Brickman and tribute artists to a ballet by the Grand Kyiv Ballet and a cirque holiday show, are making stops in Wichita.
Wichita is also in for a “White Christmas” this year with both a live, local stage production by the Forum Theatre in December and a Dec. 19 screening of the movie at the Orpheum Theatre.
Here’s your guide to many of these holiday events:
Fun for the family
“Toytopia” exhibit, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean, through Jan. 12. Interact with giant versions of familiar toys and games — like the world’s largest Etch a Sketch and a life-size version of a Monopoly car — and a large Lego wall. There’s even an oversized piano, like from the movie “Big,” where visitors can stomp out some tunes. The museum’s castle play area has been converted into a winter-themed area called the Crystal Castle. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, with late hours until 8 p.m. Thursdays. Exhibit tickets: $12 for ages 12-64, $10 for ages 3-11 and 65 and older, free for ages 2 and younger and members. Discounts available for military and AAA members. More info: 316-660-0600, exploration.org
Ornament and fused glass-making sessions, Karg Art Glass, 111 N. Oliver, Kechi, by appointment on select days. Get family, friends or work groups together and go blow an ornament or make some glass art or functional items like a new serving dish. For the ornament-making, you pick the style and color and blow the glass, while the glassworkers do the hot glass work. Ornaments start at $37.50. In the fused glass sessions, participants can make items ranging from suncatchers to glass holiday décor to functional pieces; prices start at $35. Kids as young as 5 can participate in either the ornament-making or fused glass sessions. Both the ornaments and fused glass items take about a week to cool off completely before you can pick up the finished item. More info: 316-744-2442
Mark Arts Holiday Tables, 1307 N. Rock Road, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 7-9, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. More than two dozen businesses and other creative hosts pull out all the stops to create what Mark Arts calls a “curated collection of imaginative tablescapes.” The exhibitors bring in all the items, from the silverware and place settings to furniture, floor coverings and even wall art. Past exhibits have included spaces for celebrating more than just Christmas, but also Diwali and New Year’s Eve. An art boutique is set up for shopping as well. Tickets for the Holiday Tables exhibition, which is suitable for ages 8 and older, are $12. Other separate ticketed events held during the four-day exhibition include a Girls Night Only event on Thursday, a Saturday night gala party and a Sunday afternoon Candy Cane Lane Children’s Party. More info: 316-634-2787, markartsks.com/holiday-tables
Script & Sip: Holiday Calligraphy Workshop, Learn how to do calligraphy to add some flare to your holiday cards or gift tags during a two-hour Make Your Mark workshop at Mark Arts. Happening from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 12, it’s open to those 14 and older; participants ages 21 and older can bring alcoholic beverages to sip while they script. Cost is $40. More info: 316-634-2787, markartsks.com/makeyourmark
Holiday Wright Style, Allen House, 255 N. Roosevelt, 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8. Kansas’ only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home is decorated for the holidays with vintage 1918 holiday décor to re-create how Henry Allen, a newspaper publisher who later became a state and national politician, and his wife, Elsie, may have celebrated their first Christmas holiday in the home. Commissioned by the Allens in 1916 and completed in 1918, the home includes several original furnishings also designed By Wright. There will be live music and holiday refreshments. Cost: $20, free for Allen House members.
For docent-led tours, check out the attraction’s 90-minute holiday moonlight tours at 6 p.m. every Thursday from Nov. 14 through Dec. 27 (except for Thanksgiving). Allen House will be lit with its original lighting. After the tour, imbibe in holiday refreshments in the dining room. Cost: $25. More info on both events: flwrightwichita.org
Holiday selfies at The Selfie Spot, 1811 E. Douglas, Fridays-Sundays, Nov. 15-Jan. 5. Hours are 4-9 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Take photos in any or all of the holiday-themed selfie booths. A changing room is available for those who want to picture themselves in various holiday outfits. Admission for an hour-long session is $15 for ages 13 and older, $10 for ages 4-12; with online booking highly encouraged. More info: 316-650-1979, theselfiespotondouglas.com
Gingerbread Village at Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16-17. Flex your gingerbread house building and decorating skills using graham crackers, candies, cereal and sticky icing for this event that’s fun for both kids and adults. Experienced event-goers often bring in additional decorating embellishments. There’s a volunteers-staffed area for makers to check their gingerbread houses while they tour the exhibits that include “Toytopia” and Crystal Castle. Tickets: $12 for ages 12-64, $10 for ages 3-11 and ages 65 and older, $6 for Exploration Place members, free for children under 2.
If you like decorating edible items, Exploration Place’s cookie decorating party is from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. Decorating kits, which include eight cookies, can also be picked up and taken home for decorating at that time. Cost is $35 per kit for nonmembers, $30 for members and includes entry to all exhibits for each family or group that has purchased a kit.
For more info on Gingerbread Village and the cookie decorating event: 316-660-0600, exploration.org
Wreath Festival, Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23. An annual tradition going back more than 40 years, this free event is a part-display, part-shopping experience set up in the second-floor DeVore Auditorium of Wichita’s former City Hall building, with decorated wreaths, décor, gift items and baked goods for sale. A primarily carry-out luncheon of a cranberry chicken salad over greens, croissant and dessert is available from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. each day of the festival; limited seating is available inside with more available in the museum’s Heritage Square courtyard, weather permitting. The lunch is $16 and advance orders are encouraged by calling 316-265-9314 or emailing wschm@wichitahistory.org.
The historical museum will also have three holiday exhibitions open during the Wreath Festival through Jan. 5. Returning exhibits include a display of some of the 150 antique and vintage Santa dolls from the museum’s Moore Family Santa Collection and the redecorating of the third-floor Victorian cottage for the holidays. A collection of miniature Christmas trees created by Wichita artist Sylvia Jackson is a new exhibit this year. Regular museum hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 1-5 p.m. weekends; closed Mondays and holidays. Admission: $5 for adults, $2 for ages 6-12, free for those under 6; with free admission for all on Sundays.
More info: 316-265-9314. wichitahistory.org
10th annual Feztival of Trees, Midian Shrine Temple, 130 N. Topeka St., Friday-Tuesday Nov. 22-26, and Friday-Sunday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fridays; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays; 5-8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. Some lucky individuals can get some serious holiday swag at this event: an entire tree, all its trimmings plus all the gifts under it. For a chance to win one of the themed trees on display, buy $1 raffle tickets and stuff them into the fez hat placed in front of each display. Gift baskets will also be raffled. Other activities include selfies with Santa, a café and sweets shop, plus vendors. The facility’s café serves daily lunch and dinner specials and full breakfasts on Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 9 a.m. Admission: $5, kids 10 and under free. More info: facebook.com/p/Midian-Shrine-Feztival-of-Trees-100064684117357
Holly Jolly Jurassic Holiday, Field Station: Dinosaurs 2999 N. Rock Road, Derby, Nov. 29-Dec. 31. Hours are 4-9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 29-Dec. 15; 4-9 p.m. Dec. 20-23; and 1-9 p.m. Dec. 26-31. During the holidays, the themed adventure park showcases 10 acres of lights and holiday-themed activities among its 40 life-sized animatronic prehistoric dinosaurs. Cost: $12 ages 2 and older, free for those younger than 2 and members. Purchase at the door (through 8:30 p.m.) or online. More info: kansasdinos.com/holiday
Watson’s Christmas Express, O.J. Watson Park, 3022 S. McLean, opens 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, and continues every Friday-Sunday evening through Dec. 22. Watson Park’s miniature train is transformed into Wichita’s version of the Polar Express, the magical train depicted in the award-winning book and movie that transports riders to see Santa. There are two ticket options: all-inclusive VIP tickets that must be booked in advance online or ala-carte general admission tickets that can only be purchased between 5 and 6:30 p.m. onsite. The VIP packages run every 75 minutes between 5-8:15 p.m. while general admission tickets are first-come, first-served. VIP tickets, which include a book reading along with s’mores and unlimited hot chocolate around a campfire, are $20 per person for ages 2 and older. The $15 general admission ticket is for just the train ride and Santa visit; smores and unlimited hot chocolate are a $5 add-on option. More info: 316-529-9940 ext. 5, wichita.gov/656/Watsons-Christmas-Express
Victorian Christmas, Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 Museum Blvd., from 6-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14. For some vintage Victorian and frontier holiday vibes, check out this popular annual event held over two weekends at Wichita’s living history attraction. Activities include community volunteers re-enacting “The Night Before Christmas” story in the old schoolhouse, visits with Santa in the hotel and carolers strolling the lamp-lit dirt streets. Tickets: $15 per person; free for kids 4 and under and Cowtown members. More info: 316-350-3323, oldcowtown.org
Wichita Art Museum’s Holiday Open House, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Some North Pole VIPs —Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and a reindeer — are scheduled to visit WAM during its free annual open house. Besides taking photos with the VIPs, other activities include holiday choral and dance performances, storytelling and artmaking. As a special gift, admission to the featured exhibition, ‘Robert Peterson: Somewhere in America,” is free. More info: 316-268-4921, wichitaartmuseum.org
Kansas Global Holiday Market, Naftzger Park, 605 E. Douglas, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. After making its debut last year, the holiday market returns for one-day only at a new venue. Plus, the sponsors, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Wichita Park and Recreation, are not charging admission this year. What hasn’t changed is the inspiration for the event: the winter holiday markets in Europe. Various vendors will sell artisan goods and international foods, like Mexican chocolate-covered churros and German sausages, while local groups will present live internationally and culturally inspired performances. Cost: free More info: kansasglobalholidaymarket.com, facebook.com/kansasglobalholidaymarket
For adults only
“Crime at Christmas Time,” 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, The Selfie Spot, 1811 E. Douglas Ave. Tickets are very limited for this 21-and-older interactive murder mystery dinner, where guests contend with not only potential scandals but also solving a murder. Party-goers take on the roles of different characters, including a power couple already headed for trial, a social media socialite and someone on the edge of bankruptcy, during an event that turns from holiday spirits to sleuthing. Tickets are $75 per person and include access to the holiday-themed photo booths. More info: 316-650-1979, theselfiespotondouglas.com
Senior Wednesday: Holiday Party, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd. During its regularly scheduled first Wednesday of the month program for Senior Wednesdays, WAM is hosting a holiday party with cookies, hot cocoa and carols performed by the Derby High School Madrigal Choir. Senior Wednesdays, offered by WAM and other Wichita cultural institutions, are intended for those ages 55 and older. Cost: $2, free for WAM members. More info: 316-268-4921, wichitaartmuseum.org
Drop-In Artmaking for Adults: Festive Wrapping Paper & Gift Tags, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, Wichita Art Museum. No experience or artistic skills are necessary to stop by WAM to create special wrapping paper and tags for your holiday gifts. Free, with a cash bar available. More info: 316-268-4921, wichitaartmuseum.org
12 Drinks of Christmas, 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd. Dress up in festive attire and get into the spirit of Christmas as you imbibe in international holiday drinks, including sangria from Spain, sake from Japan, Oktoberfest beer from Germany, Irish coffee from Ireland and mojitos from Puerto Rico. Coffee, soda and water are also available. While small bites will be available, organizers suggest having heartier fare beforehand. The 21-and-older event includes admission to the museum’s exhibits. Tickets: $75. More info: 316-660-0600, exploration.org
Christmas Soiree, 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 Museum Blvd. You can eat and make merry, plus help Old Cowtown raise money for its mission, during this holiday-themed fundraiser. Live entertainment includes performances by the museum’s Entre Nous Victorian Dancers and a singing group. Western-formal or business casual attire recommended. Tickets: $65; $500 for a table of eight. More info: 316-350-3323, facebook.com/events/1196594288360133
Holidays take center stage
“Die Hard Candy Christmas,” Mosley Street Melodrama, 234 N. Mosley, Nov. 8-Dec. 22 with several weekend shows already sold out. November shows run Friday through Sunday, with added Wednesday and Thursday shows in December. This is the premiere run of this melodrama, written by Wichitans Ryan Schafer and Steve Hitchcock, which spoofs the film that some consider a holiday action thriller. Tickets start at $27 for show only, with dinner and seat option upgrades. More info: 316-263-0333, mosleystreet.com
“The Snow Queen” by Grand Kyiv Ballet, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14. Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway. Based on the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale with music by Edvard Grieg, Jules Massenet, Mozart and Vivaldi, the ballet’s plot focuses on Gerda’s mission to free Kai from the Snow Queen’s spell. Other characters include robbers, forest fairies, a snowman and trolls. Tickets range from $29-$69 and are available through Select-A-Seat, selectaseat.com. More info: 316-755-7328
“Catch That Falling Star,” Prairie Pines Playhouse Murder Mystery Theatre, 4055 N. Tyler Road, Maize; Fridays and Saturdays in November starting Nov. 15, Wednesday-Sundays in December. Seating for the dinner is 6 p.m. nightly, except for Sundays when seating starts at 5 p.m.; the show starts an hour later. The plot of this comedic whodunit dinner show centers around solving who killed off the star of a televised Christmas show with a falling stage light. Set in 1946, the show includes period music. Tickets are $44.95 per person, which includes a three-course holiday dinner and nonalcoholic drinks; a cash bar is available. More info: 316-303-2037, prairiepinesplayhouse.com
“Christmas Castaways,” Empire House, Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 Museum Blvd., 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 15, 16, 22 and 23, 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 17 and 24. The melodrama, performed by the Empire House Players, has a similar plotline as the TV series “Gilligan’s Island,” with a capable captain, a silly sidekick and a group of passengers who are trying to find their way off an island. Tickets: $10, $5 ages 12 and under. More info: 316-350-3323, facebook.com/events/467876358482171/532575072012299
“Christmas with C.S. Lewis,” 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, Mary Jane Teall Theater in Century II, 225 W. Douglas. British actor David Payne portrays noted “Chronicles of Narnia” writer C.S. Lewis, as he shares with a group of American writers his reflections on his friendship with author J.R.R. Tolkien (who wrote “Lord of the Rings”). Their friendship led Lewis to reconsider how he viewed Christmas. Tickets range from $64-$80 and are available through Select-A-Seat, selectaseat.com. More info: 316-755-7328
“Cirque Dreams Holidaze,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 26 and 27, Century II Concert Hall, 225 W. Douglas. Part of the Broadway in Wichita series, this touring production is the longest running cirque holiday theatrical event. The show is a fusion of original music, twists on holiday classics and aerial acts. Suggested minimum age is 5. Tickets range from $40-$99 and are available through Select-A-Seat, selectaseat.com. More info: 316-755-7328
“The Nutcracker” by Metropolitan Ballet, 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, Century II Concert Hall, 225 W. Douglas. For more than a quarter-century, Wichita’s Metropolitan Ballet has performed “The Nutcracker.” The classic ballet centers around a Victorian-era Christmas Eve party where a young girl Clara’s nutcracker comes to life and eventually fights the Mouse King. Tickets range from $15-$45 and are available through Select-A-Seat, selectaseat.com. More info: 316-755-7328
“The Runaway Snowman” by Wichita Children’s Theatre and Dance Center, 201 Lulu, 10 a.m. and noon, Wednesday, Dec. 4-Saturday, Dec. 7; the noon show has an option for pizza served at 11:30 a.m. For ages 2 and up. Tickets: $9; $11 with pizza. More info: 316-262-2282, wctdc.org/performances
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Wichita Children’s Theatre and Dance Center at De Mattias Performance Hall, Newman University, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11-Friday, Dec. 13; 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. For more than four decades, WCT&DC has performed this comedy about an outrageous family of children who learn the Christmas story and try to have everyone else rediscover the meaning. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets: $9, More info: 316-262-2282, wctdc.org/performances
“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” by the Forum Theatre in Wilke Center, First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway. Dec. 5-22, with shows 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Based on the 1954 American musical film, two wartime buddies become a popular song-and-dance duo and team up with a duo sister act to perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont. Tickets: $34-$42 with discounts for students and military. More info: 316-618-0444, forumtheatre.org
“Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet,” 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway. Ballerinas and dancers from various opera houses around the world comprise the cast of this touring production, which is in its 32nd year. Tickets range from $38-$184 and are available through Select-A-Seat, selectaseat.com. More info: 316-755-7328
The Illusionists — Magic of the Holidays, 7:30-10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, Century II Concert Hall, 225 W. Douglas. This magic show includes illusions, close-up magic and mentalism acts. Tickets range from $15-$45 and are available through Select-A-Seat, selectaseat.com. More info: 316-755-7328
“Short and Suite Nutcracker” by Dance Mechanix at the Wichita Center for the Performing Arts, 9112 E. Central. Show times are 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, 2:30 & 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. Longtime Wichita ballet legend Stan Rogers and Dance Mechanix owner/director Jana Owen created the choreography for this abbreviated, 75-minute show based on the ubiquitous Christmas ballet. Pre-show activities, including visits with Santa, start 45 minutes before each show. Tickets: $28 for ages 17 and older, $16 for youth. More info: dancemechanix.biz/nutcracker
“A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play” by Wichita Community Theatre, 258 N. Fountain St., Dec. 5-15. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sundays. Based on the Charles Dickens classic about various Christmas ghosts visiting Ebenezer Scrooge, this production is performed as a 1940s radio broadcast with vintage commercials and live sound effects. Tickets: $14 for Thursdays; other shows are $18 with discounts for students, and those older than 60. Reservations: 316-686-1282, wichitact.org
“The Nutcracker” by Ballet Wichita, Century II Concert Hall, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Ballet Wichita is in its 50th year of presenting this classic ballet. Tickets start at $27 and are available through Select-A-Seat, selectaseat.com. More info: 316-755-7328
More than carols in the air Wichita Symphony’s Youth Orchestra Ensembles concerts, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, Century II Concert Hall, 225 W. Douglas. Ensembles featured in the Saturday night concert are the Youth Concert Band, Youth Symphony and Wind Ensemble. The Repertory Orchestra, Youth Chamber Players and Introductory String Orchestra perform Sunday afternoon. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students ages 13 through college, free for kids and under; A single ticket purchase provides admission to both concerts. More info: wichitasymphony.org/events
“Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas,” 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, Mary Jane Teall Theater in Century II, 225 W. Douglas. Tribute singer Rick Schuler takes artists back to the 1970s, when singer-songwriter John Denver was one of the most popular acoustic artists. Tickets range from $64-$80 and are available through Select-A-Seat, selectaseat.com. More info: 316-755-7328
Linsdey Stirling: The Snow Waltz Tour, 8-10:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, Century II, 225 W. Douglas. An electric violinist, Stirling will perform holiday classics and original songs during this tour that takes its name from her 2022 album. Tickets range from $49-$129 and are available through Select-A-Seat, selectaseat.com. More info: 316-755-7328
Jim Brickman concert, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway. Songwriter and pianist Brickman is bringing his annual Comfort & Joy tour to Wichita. Tickets range from $43-$65 and are available through Select-A-Seat, selectaseat.com. More info: 316-755-7328
Girl Named Tom concert, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway. In 2021, siblings Bekah, Joshua and Caleb Liechty who comprise Girl Named Tom became the only group to win NBC’s “The Voice” competition. Since then, they’ve gone on national tours, released their first holiday album and opened for Pentatonix. Tickets range from $59-$69 and are available through Select-A-Seat, selectaseat.com. More info: 316-755-7328
Wichita State’s 61st annual Candlelight Choir Concerts, Wiedemann Hall, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 & 7; 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The concerts feature various groups from the WSU choral department. Tickets: $12 with discounts for seniors, military, WSU faculty and staff, students and children; free to WSU students. More info: 316-978-3233
Friends University’s Candlelight Concerts, Sebits Auditorium Riney Fine Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 & 7; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The Singing Quakers, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, will be joined by the Singing Quakers Alumni Choir. Ticket prices: $16 for adults, $12 for students and seniors (55+); available by calling the Fine Arts Box Office at 316-295-5677
Wichita Symphony’s Spirit of The Season concert, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, Century II Convention Hall, 225 W. Douglas. Wichita Symphony calls this free, hourlong concert its gift to the community. The concert also features the Butler Community College Concert Choir and Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestras Ensemble. While it’s free to attend, tickets are required for admission due to seating capacity and are available now. Canned food donations are being collected for the Kansas Food Bank, along with cash donations for the symphony’s education programs. More info: wichitasymphony.org/events
Michael W. Smith concert, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway. Smith, a multi-Platinum singer-songwriter, will be joined with guest Riley Clemmons in this holiday concert. Tickets range from $74.50-$85.50 and are available through Select-A-Seat, selectaseat.com. More info: 316-755-7328
“Close to You: A Carpenters Christmas” concert, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway. Singer and playwright Lisa Rock and her six-piece band base their concert on the music of The Carpenters’ two holiday albums and variety shows. Tickets range from $40-$45 and are available through Select-A-Seat, selectaseat.com. More info: 316-755-7328
Candlelight: Holiday Special, Kansas Aviation Museum, 3550 S. George Washington Blvd., 6:30 and 8:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. The tentative program includes a variety of holiday carols, a traditional Hanukkah song and selections from Claude Debussy and Tchaikovsky, including “The Nutcracker,” that are performed by an instrumental ensemble. The concert is suitable for ages 8 and older. Cost: Tickets range from $29-$81.50. More info: feverup.com/m/141390
Holiday film fun
The Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway, is showing two holiday classics: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and “White Christmas,” 7 p.m. Thursday Dec 19.
In “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” released 35 years ago, Clark Griswold’s efforts to celebrate an old-fashioned family Christmas with wife, Ellen, their kids Audrey and Rusty and their extended family becomes a chaotic adventure. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with some pre-screening festivities of games, props and prizes. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 day of event.
It’s the 70th anniversary of the release of “White Christmas,” which stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye in the roles of wartime buddies who have hit the road with their song and dance act. They pair up with a sister act, played by actress Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen (cq), to put on a show at the failing Vermont inn run by Crosby and Kaye’s former commanding general. Tickets are $8, with discounts for students, seniors, military and groups of 10 or more.
Tickets for both shows are available through Select-A-Seat, selectaseat.com. More info: 316-755-7328.
Holiday lights & more
Light ‘em up Wild Lights, Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd., 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays through Dec. 22. For the third consecutive year, the zoo is featuring displays of lighted Asian lantern sculptures of familiar and mythical plants, animals and other creatures. Advance tickets are $18 with discounts for members and kids; at-the-gate prices are $20 with discounts available. Group rates along with golf cart rental options are available. More info: scz.org/event/wild-lights
3rd annual Merry & Bright Union Station lighting event, 701 E. Douglas, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21. Along with the lighting of the historic Union Station and the lighting of the train atop the Douglas Street bridge between Union Station and the Great Plains Transportation Museum, this free event is also a benefit toy drive for the Wichita Children’s Home. Other activities include carriage rides, photos with Santa, hot cocoa and cookies, and live performances by Ballet Wichita, Evermore ICT and the Wichita Northwest High School Choir. More info: ictunionstation.com
Friends University’s Ceremony of Lights, 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. For more than a quarter-century, Friends University has been lighting the clock tower on the Davis Administration Building. The lighting ceremony, held at the Rose Window Plaza in front of the building, will include live music by the Singing Quakers and the university’s band, a visit and photos with Santa, along with cookies and cocoa. Free. A livestream of the event can be viewed at friends.edu/ceremony-of-lights
Illuminations at Botanica, 5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 29-Jan. 4, closed Dec. 24 and 25. Visitors can view more than 2 million lights along a mile-long path during this popular annual event. A vibrant butterfly installation is this year’s new feature in Botanica’s Illuminations, which includes three different choreographed light displays that move to music, an underwater scene in the Shakespeare Garden, a candy cane lane, a 240-foot walk-under tunnel and a huge 62-foot lighted tree. Kids can bring their letters to Santa to drop off in an oversized mailbox; Santa will be at Illuminations until Dec. 23. Tickets are $16, $13 for members, military members and seniors, $10 for children ages 3-12, free for children 2 and younger. Timed admissions start at 5:30 p.m. and continue every hour through 8:30 p.m. All tickets must be pre-purchased online, and visitors need to enter through the southeast gate at 1912 W. Sim Park Drive, near the west section of Old Cowtown Museum. More info: 316-264-0448, botanica.org/illuminations
A Country Christmas, Fulton Valley Farms, 5079 SW Fulton Road, Towanda, 5:30-9 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, Nov. 29-Dec. 8, and then nightly Dec. 13-23. Visitors can walk among wooded paths and enjoy more than 1 million lights, see live reindeer, take a sleigh ride with Clydesdales providing the horsepower, and watch a nightly living nativity performance. Tickets: $12, $9 ages 4-112, free ages 3 and under. Fulton Farms also offers dining experiences with Santa on select dates. More info: 316-775-1894, fultonvalleyfarms.com
Lights on the River, Douglas and McLean Boulevard, 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. Since there isn’t enough flow in the Arkansas River to launch lighted orbs this year, Lights on the River will feature lighted glow sticks that can be purchased. Other activities include wagon rides, visits and pictures with Santa and food trucks. Free to attend. More info: wichitacleanstreams.com/lights-on-the-river
Winter Wonderland, Naftzger Park, 601 E. Douglas, 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. Two children who participate in the Miracle League of Wichita, an athletic league for players with disabilities, will flip the switch to light the city of Wichita’s official holiday tree. Other activities include s’mores making, listening to live music, writing letters to Santa, visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the Grinch, and enjoying candy canes and cookies. More info: facebook.com/events/415725418047119
