Nov. 18- Jan 1.- Illuminations at Botanica Gardens Wichita, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. | $13 admission Botanica’s Illuminations is an annual tradition in Wichita, which fills the night sky with holiday lights (up to two million of them!) and Christmas music. In addition to all the traditional favorites, two new displays premiere this year at Illuminations. The Children’s Garden Meadow and the Koch Carousel Gardens each feature over-the-top displays. Pre-purchase your tickets online—walk-in tickets will not be available. Print your tickets at home or simply pull up the barcode in your confirmation email or text on your phone when you arrive at the admissions desk.
Sun., Nov 21- Tree Lighting Ceremony at Bradley Fair, 5 p.m. | Free Admission Looking for a little holiday magic? Bradley Fair is making spirits bright this holiday season. Explore some of Wichita’s favorite spots for shopping, dining, and experience the Holiday Stroll, a festive weekly event the whole family will love. The stroll includes complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides from 1 p.m.- 10 p.m., live entertainment throughout the day followed by the Tree Lighting Ceremony beginning at 5 p.m.
Nov. 23- Dec. 19 (weekends only) – Watson’s Christmas Express, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays | VIP Pass & General Admission | $16 admission for both All Aboard the Watson Christmas Express! This year they’re offering two ways to enjoy Watson’s Christmas Express. Choose to purchase your tickets early with VIP Pass or purchase General Admission at the park. The VIP fun begins with a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express and is followed by a craft and train ride to visit the North Pole. Enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate at the campfire circle, while singing holiday songs. Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas. An adult must also attend and register.
A la Carte Activities (Prices below are per person)
$10 – Enjoy a train ride to see Santa
$3 – S’mores and unlimited hot chocolate
$5 – Upgrade to “Fast Pass” lines
Dates: November 26 & 27 December 3, 4, 10, 11 *GA available 5: – 6:30 p.m. on these dates.
December 17, 18 & 19 *GA available 5 – 7:30 p.m. on these dates.
Nov. 24- Feb 23- Winter Wednesdays at the Sedgwick County Zoo, 9 a.m.- 5 p.mand 6 – 9 p.m. | $3 admission Migrate to the Zoo for Winter Wednesdays! Every Wednesday from November through February, general admission tickets are only $3 per person.
Now through Dec. 5 (Every Wed., and Sat.) Wildlights at the Sedgwick County Zoo, 6 – 9 p.m. | $17 member/ $15 non-member for adults | $15 for kids | $52 for member Family 4-Pack/ $60 for non-member Family 4-Pack Wild Lights will be open to freely roam the Zoo after dark, with your path illuminated by larger-thanlife sculptures of all things WILD! Indoor exhibits will be closed and resident Zoo animals will not be in attendance.
Sat., Dec. 11 -Winter Wonderland at Naftzger Park, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Free admission Holiday cheer will be in the air at Winter Wonderland! Visit Naftzger Park and take in the lights and decorations while listening to music and entertainment at the Evergy Pavilion. This event is free to the public. The Mayor’s Tree Lighting will start at 5:20 p.m. Watch the iconic tree light up then stay for the festivities!
Dec. 11- Santa at Cheri’s Bakery, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at 2121 N Tyler Rd | Free Admission Come see Santa at Cheri’s! Kids can visit with Santa and will receive a Christmas Cookie from him! Remember to bring your camera to capture these Christmas Memories