Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas With These Activities
Written by Lysel Maddex
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas With These Activities
Written by Lysel Maddex
So much to do in so little time. Welcome to the season of shopping, decorating, family, friends, school break and more. It’s hard to not get lost in the hustle and bustle, but important to still experience the joy that comes with the season. Whether it’s a date night or an activity for the whole family (that won’t break the budget), Wichita is full of the classics, plus fresh new holiday fun that won’t disappoint.
Somewhere in Winter
The same folks that bring you the Somewhere Festival & Conference have ramped it up for the holidays. Somewhere in Winter is new to Wichita this year and is open now until January 4, 2026. It’s a 60 by 90-foot outdoor ice rink in the heart of downtown at 250 N. St. Francis Ave. But the ice rink is just the beginning: Check out the pop-up holiday markets, themed nights and igloos. You can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate from Cocoa Dolce, right across the street. If you want to just explore the space, entry is free, with tickets available for skating.
Holiday Hideaway
Chicken N Pickle is bringing back their outdoor ice rink this year, in addition to having outdoor igloos you can rent for the whole family. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a comforting meal, enjoy the fresh air on the ice and then warm up on the rooftop lounging in your private igloo. The Holiday Hideaway is the over-21 version of the igloos. Enjoy tables for 2, 4, or 6 people and order in a selection of snacks, charcuterie trays and specialty cocktails. Reservations are made in two-hour blocks.
Photo Credit: Exploration Place
Exploration Place
If it’s too cold to go outside and too cramped to stay at home, take the family to Exploration Place’s new traveling exhibit, “Ice Dinosaurs: The Lost World of the Alaskan Arctic.” On display until January 4, you’ll learn about prehistoric dinosaurs that lived in the Arctic, be able to touch fossils, and see real life replicas of creatures from ages ago. Exploration Place also hosts several holiday activities, from gingerbread village building to the 12 Days of Christmas for the over-21 crowd, and even a cookie decorating party. It’s the perfect way to stay warm inside and learn more while still making holiday memories.
Light Displays
Grab a cup of cocoa, your favorite holiday mix tape, toss on some fuzzy PJs and cruise around town enjoying the magic of Christmas lights. Reindeer Road (941 N. Firefly St) and Candy Cane Lane (1004 N. Azure Circle) are some of the best in West Wichita. The Marshall Family (620 N. Stratford Lane) has a light display that syncs to the radio, just park and tune in to 91.7FM.
If it’s an unseasonably warm winter evening, Wild Lights at Sedgwick County Zoo is open from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday through December 21. Each year the display varies and has different themes using beautiful displays and brilliant exhibits. Whether it’s warm or cold outside, visiting Illuminations at Botanica is a must. Nationally recognized and including millions of lights throughout the gardens, Illuminations never fails to delight.
Prairie Pines
If you want a Hallmark Christmas experience, Prairie Pines is next level. Explore their tree farm and chop your own, or choose one of their already cut trees. Any extra Christmas decor can be found in their Old-Barn Christmas Shop. Santa will make several appearances throughout the season. You can even make it a date night and attend one of their mystery dinner theater experiences. Whether it’s a tree, a cup of hot cocoa or a carriage ride, Prairie Pines will get you in the Christmas Spirit.
Photo Credit: Fulton Valley Farms
Fulton Valley Farms
A Country Christmas is unlike anything else around. At Fulton Valley Farms in Towanda, you’ll find millions of lights, the kids can meet Santa Claus and have their photos taken, and one of Santa’s reindeer will make an appearance. You can shop at their Jingle Bell Emporium, find a cozy drink or snack, and watch a live nativity vignette. Without a doubt, this one-stop shop for Christmas cheer is well worth the drive. Plus if you’re hosting guests from out of town, take it a step further and rent The Creek House onsite with a view of the Christmas lights. Make memories this year that will last a lifetime.
