Discover the magic of Christmas in Topeka, KS, where festive experiences and charming traditions await. The Top City Holiday Craft Show showcases the talent of local artisans, offering unique handcrafted treasures. Meanwhile, Winter Wonderland at Lake Shawnee transforms into a dazzling display of over 2 million twinkling lights, perfect for a cozy drive-through adventure. Topeka's downtown comes alive with the Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade, featuring illuminated floats and marching bands.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, the holiday season in Topeka promises enchanting moments and unforgettable memories. From exploring beautifully decorated trees at the Festival of Trees to stepping back in time at the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, there’s something for everyone. Join in the festive cheer and experience the warmth and joy that Topeka has to offer this Christmas.
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The Top Christmas Events in Topeka
- Top City Holiday Craft Show
- Winter Wonderland
- Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade
- Festival of Trees
- A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
- Sippin' Santa
Topeka Holiday Light Displays
Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display benefiting TARC
Description:
Twinkling lights transform Lake Shawnee into a dazzling spectacle each winter. This drive-through experience features over 2 million lights arranged in whimsical displays. Families can enjoy the warmth of their vehicles while marveling at the illuminated scenes. Snap a photo at the giant light tunnel, a favorite spot for creating lasting memories. Winter Wonderland has raised over $300,000 for TARC, a local organization supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, since its inception in 1998.
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Topeka Holiday Markets and Shopping
Top City Holiday Craft Show
What to Expect:
Showcases local artisans and handmade goods
Description:
Topeka's premier holiday craft show spotlights the talents of local artisans. Visitors can browse an extensive array of handcrafted goods, from intricate jewelry to rustic home decor. The air hums with the excitement of shoppers discovering one-of-a-kind treasures. Try your hand at a craft workshop to create your own holiday keepsake. This event has been a Topeka tradition for over three decades, supporting the local creative community and fostering a sense of hometown pride.
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Topeka Holiday Giving Opportunities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Showcases creatively decorated trees for charity
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms a local venue into a forest of uniquely adorned Christmas trees. Each tree tells a story through its decorations, ranging from whimsical themes to elegant designs. Visitors can bid on their favorite trees in a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting local charities. Admire the intricate ornaments and creative use of non-traditional materials on display. This event has raised over $200,000 for community organizations since its inception, embodying the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
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Topeka Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
What to Expect:
Brings the beloved TV special to life with a live jazz trio
Description:
The Peanuts gang leaps from the screen to the stage in this faithful adaptation of the classic TV special. A live jazz trio performs Vince Guaraldi's iconic score, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the production. Watch as Charlie Brown and his friends discover the true meaning of Christmas through humor and heart. Audiences can sing along to familiar tunes like "Christmas Time Is Here." This production has been delighting fans of all ages since its debut in 2017, introducing new generations to Charles Schulz's timeless characters.
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A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
Topeka Other Holiday Activities
Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with illuminated floats
Description:
Topeka's downtown comes alive with the glow of illuminated floats during this beloved nighttime parade. Spectators line Kansas Avenue to witness the procession of dazzling displays and costumed characters. The parade's centerpiece is the grand arrival of Santa Claus, heralding the start of the holiday season. You'll be captivated by the melodious sounds of marching bands filling the crisp night air. This annual tradition has been bringing joy to the community for over two decades.
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Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade
Sippin' Santa
What to Expect:
Tiki-themed Christmas cocktail pop-up bar
Description:
Sippin' Santa brings a tropical twist to holiday celebrations in Topeka. This pop-up bar transforms a local venue into a kitschy paradise where Christmas meets tiki culture. Sip on inventive cocktails served in whimsical mugs while surrounded by over-the-top decorations. Bartenders don Hawaiian shirts and Santa hats, embodying the playful spirit of the event. You can learn about the history of tiki culture and its unlikely fusion with Christmas traditions. This nationwide phenomenon has found a enthusiastic following in Topeka since its local debut.
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Nearby Events
The Polar Express Train Ride (Baldwin City)
What to Expect:
Interactive train ride based on the popular children's book
Description:
Step into the pages of Chris Van Allsburg's classic tale aboard a real train in Topeka. Passengers embark on a journey to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate service and a reading of the story. The train whistle echoes through the night as you travel through the countryside. Children receive a special gift from Santa himself during this immersive experience. The Polar Express Train Ride has become a cherished holiday tradition for families across Kansas since its introduction.
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Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade (Lawrence)
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn carriages and riders in period costumes
Description:
Lawrence steps back in time with this unique parade featuring over 100 horse-drawn carriages and riders in period costumes. The clip-clop of hooves on pavement transports spectators to Christmases past. Admire the beautifully restored carriages and wagons, each a testament to historical preservation. You might spot Santa riding in on a vintage sleigh, waving to the crowd. This parade, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, showcases Lawrence's rich equestrian heritage and commitment to historical traditions.
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Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade
WinterFest (Bonner Springs)
What to Expect:
Combines outdoor winter activities with holiday celebrations
Description:
WinterFest transforms downtown Topeka into a winter playground for all ages. Visitors can glide across an outdoor ice rink, surrounded by the twinkling lights of the city. Warm up with a cup of locally roasted coffee while browsing artisan craft stalls. Try your hand at ice sculpting or cheer on the professionals during the sculpting competition. This event, inspired by similar festivals in northern cities, has quickly become a beloved Topeka tradition since its inception five years ago.
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Emporia Main Street Holiday Market (Emporia)
What to Expect:
Showcases local businesses and artisans in historic downtown
Description:
Emporia's historic Main Street comes alive with holiday cheer during this bustling market. Local shops and artisans showcase their wares, offering unique gifts and seasonal treats. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the air, enticing visitors to sample local flavors. Explore the beautifully preserved Victorian-era architecture as you shop, adding a touch of nostalgia to the experience. This market has been a cornerstone of Emporia's holiday celebrations for over a decade, supporting small businesses and fostering community spirit.
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Emporia Main Street Holiday Market
Candy Cane Lane (Point Ridge)
What to Expect:
Neighborhood-wide holiday light display
Description:
A Topeka neighborhood transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights and decorations each holiday season. Residents collaborate to create a cohesive theme, turning their street into a winter wonderland. Visitors can stroll or drive through the displays, marveling at the creativity on display. Keep an eye out for the giant candy canes that give the lane its name. This grassroots effort has grown over the past 15 years, becoming a cherished community tradition that brings neighbors together and spreads joy to thousands of visitors annually.
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Santa’s Express Train Rides (Abilene)
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with Santa and his elves
Description:
All aboard Santa's Express for a journey through the Kansas countryside on a beautifully restored vintage train. Passengers are greeted by Santa's elves, who lead them in holiday songs and games throughout the ride. The rhythmic clacking of the train on the tracks provides a soothing backdrop to the festivities. Children can share their Christmas wishes with Santa himself as he makes his way through the cars. This unique experience, offered by a local railroad preservation society, combines the nostalgia of train travel with the magic of the holiday season.