If you love your holidays big, bright, and full of sparkle, Wichita delivers. Throughout the season, Kansas’ largest city shines especially bright with immersive light displays, nostalgic celebrations, jolly pop-up bars and experiences, and family-friendly experiences. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip, a holiday getaway in Kansas, or visiting loved ones over winter break, add Wichita — the Heart of the Country — to your holiday travel list.
 

Illuminations at Botanica
Credit: Visit Wichita

1. Light up the season

Kick things off at Illuminations at Botanica Wichita, where more than 2 million lights transform 30+ themed gardens into a glowing winter wonderland. Sip hot cocoa, grab a few dreamy photos and soak in the magic of one of Wichita’s most-loved holiday traditions.

Continue the glow-up with Wild Lights 2025 at Sedgwick County Zoo. Bigger-than-life lantern sculptures, vibrant light tunnels and glowing animals (hello, radiant peacocks and pandas!) turn a nighttime stroll into a full-on after-dark adventure.

Wichita’s neighborhoods also go all out with holiday light displays. Keep an eye out as updates are made to Visit Wichita’s holiday lights guide.

Wild Lights
Credit: Sedgwick County Zoo

Wild Lights - Sedgwick County Zoo

Illuminations - Botanica

2. Downtown magic: Somewhere in Winter Festival

Downtown Wichita is extra merry this year thanks to the Somewhere in Winter Festival. The heart of the city has become a cozy, creative winter playground with an outdoor ice rink, artful light installations, live music, and an artisan market. Lace up your skates, warm up with a seasonal sip, then snap a selfie under the glow — this new festival is already a must for holiday travelers in Kansas.
 

Somewhere in Winter Festival
Credit: Visit Wichita

3. Family fun + country charm

Families will love Watson’s Christmas Express at O.J. Watson Park. Ride the miniature train through twinkling displays, meet Santa and warm up with cocoa by the firepit.

Just outside the city, A Country Christmas at Fulton Valley Farms offers classic Kansas Christmas cheer with Santa, live reindeer, hayrides and music. New this year: nearly 2 million lights, making this beloved tradition brighter than ever.
 

Fulton Valley Farms
Credit: Visit Wichita

4. Where to see Santa

Bradley Fair
Credit: Visit Wichita

Looking for Santa while you’re in Wichita? You’ve got options. From Breakfast with Santa at Eberly Farm to photo ops at longtime favorites like Holiday Stroll at Bradley Fair, kids have plenty of chances to share their wish lists. See the full roundup in Where to See Santa in Wichita.

5. Skate, sip & celebrate

Bundle up for ice skating around town — from the downtown festival rink to Chicken N Pickle’s Ice Rink, a go-to for skating, games, and bites. Find dates and locations in the Ice Skating in Wichita guide.
 

Chicken N Pickle
Credit: Visit Wichita

Whether you’re gliding across the ice, wandering through millions of lights, or catching Santa between cocoa stops, Wichita makes holiday travel in Kansas feel easy and unforgettable. Flip through the Fall/Winter 2025 Visitor Guide, plan your festive getaway today, and see why the Heart of the Country shines brightest in winter.