The holiday season in Northeast Kansas is brimming with cheer, charm, and countless opportunities to make magical memories. From dazzling lights to heartwarming parades, Victorian Christmases to trolley tours, there’s no better time to explore the unique towns that make NEKS a holiday wonderland. Ready to dive into the festivities? Let’s go!
Atchison: The Spirit of Christmas
Saturday, December 7
The Spirit of Christmas in Atchison, Kansas, is a festive annual event that brings the community together in joyous celebration. Featuring a day of games, crafts and Santa for the kids. Along with Christmas Story Trolley ride and horse-drawn carriage rides. Stay for the lighted parade of brightly decorated floats, marching bands, and costumed characters, the parade spreads holiday cheer through the historic downtown streets. Families gather to enjoy the magical atmosphere, culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus, who delights children and adults alike. Plan your visit to Atchison.
Bonner Springs: Santa’s Express
Saturday, December 7
Head to the National Agricultural Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs for Santa’s Express. With train rides, pictures with Santa, and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect day for kids and kids-at-heart alike. Learn more about Santa’s Express.
Gardner: Christmas in the Park
Monday, December 2
Celebrate the holiday season at the City of Gardner’s 34th Annual Christmas in the Park on Monday, December 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Park. The evening will kick off with the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which includes musical performances by local schoolchildren, a special message from Mayor Todd Winters, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Be sure to stick around for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Workshop! Celebrate in Gardner.
Kansas City: JINGLE!
November 22 – December 30
JINGLE! is a magical experience featuring a captivating story-driven light maze, breathtaking custom-designed, larger-than-life light sculptures, and one-of-a-kind ice skating adventures, visits with Santal, along with countless other festive attractions. Grab your tickets for the whole family! Buy tickets for JINGLE!
Lawrence: Winter Wonder Awaits
Ongoing through the holiday season.
Lawrence is happy to announce another year of the Winter Wonder Pass! Join the pass for free for exclusive discounts, sweepstakes entries, and more! From Winter Wonder Weekend to shopping and dining on your own schedule, there is never a shortage of winter magic in Lawrence. Get your Winter Wonder Pass.
Leavenworth: Old-fashioned Holidays
December 5–7
The first weekend of December will bring old-fashioned holiday cheer to “the First City of Kansas.” Friday through Sunday, a “Christmas Carol”-themed shopping event will take over our historic downtown, with offerings from enticing sales on handmade gifts to yuletide tunes sung by Dickensian characters. Saturday will add an outdoor, German-style Christmas market to the festivities, so be sure to grab a mug of glühwein. Meanwhile, Sunday is reserved for Leavenworth’s annual Vintage Homes Tour, with nine historic structures ready for exploration! Plan your trip to Leavenworth.
Lecompton: A Tree-Lover’s Dream
Now through January 5
Step into a Victorian winter wonderland at Lecompton’s Territorial Capital Museum, featuring over 240 Christmas trees adorned with vintage ornaments. Open through January 5, this display is a must-see for holiday enthusiasts! Visit Lecompton’s Museum.
Merriam: Merriam is brimming with holiday cheer this season! Enjoy festive favorites like writing letters to Santa, savoring a magical breakfast with the jolly man himself, and experiencing the charm of Christmas in the Courtyard. And as the year winds down, don’t miss the family-friendly Noon Year’s Eve party to welcome 2025 in style. See Merriam’s holiday events.
Miami County: Sparkle and Ride
Ongoing through the holiday season
Neighborhoods sparkle during the holiday season, and the Miami County Trolley offers a great transportation option for families or groups wanting to relax and enjoy the sights. Book your trolley ride.
Overland Park: Luminary Magic
November 29 and runs select evenings through December 14
Kick off your holiday season with a festive family walk through the lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens! The gardens are bright with color - while the walkways through quiet woods are lit with candles. Trees, buildings, and bridges are all part of the show, with thousands of lights aglow. Photos with Santa are available from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., and the trains run in the Train Garden from 5:00 to 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased online. Get tickets for the Luminary Walk.
Seneca: Small-Town Holiday Charm
The holidays in Seneca are a celebration of community and small-town charm, offering a unique shopping experience in Northeast Kansas. Seneca is the perfect place to find something special for everyone on your list in one of our locally owned shops. Every purchase supports small businesses that are at the heart of our town. With the warmth of friendly faces, Seneca transforms into a holiday haven where shoppers can enjoy the season’s magic and make lasting memories. Join us on Black Friday for all-day shopping surprises, including Santa coming down Main Street at 6 p.m. and enchanting Living Window scenes from 6 to 7 p.m. This season, skip the crowds and shop small in Seneca! Discover Seneca this season.
Topeka: A Giant Celebration
Saturday, December 7
Join us for the 29th Annual Miracle on Kansas Ave Parade which will be "One Giant Celebration"! We invite you to line the streets along the parade route with your friends and family to view the floats cruise by covered in holiday lights, garland and tinsel. This year’s parade is expected to feature up to 200 floats, marching bands, parade entries, and, of course, the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus. The parade starts at 6pm at the corner of 10th Avenue and Kansas Avenue in Downtown Topeka! See more about the parade.
No matter where you roam in Northeast Kansas, the holidays are sure to bring joy, wonder, and cherished memories. So bundle up, grab your loved ones, and make this season one to remember!
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