Wichita is about to explode with Christmas cheer on Thanksgiving Day when neighborhoods are adorned with thousands of lights to officially mark the holiday season. From small displays to intricate shows set to music, there is a wide variety of entertainment for the whole family. Here is a list of some of the most popular Christmas light displays in Wichita:
2017 The Arc’s Lights
Dates: Nov. 23-Dec. 28 Time: 5:30-9 p.m. daily
Admission: $10 Friday & Saturday; Donations accepted Sunday through Thursday
Location: Douglas & St. Paul
An annual tradition in Wichita continues with the 21st anniversary of The Arc’s Lights. This event is one of the largest fundraisers put on by The Arc of Sedgwick County, with donations going to support children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This event is unique because nearly all of the Christmas light displays are handmade by volunteers who work tirelessly to put together this awesome show each holiday season. Santa will be available for photos the first two weekends of the event.
Illuminations at Botanica Wichita
Dates: Nov. 24-Dec. 31 Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. daily
Admission: Adults $10; Kids $7; Members $7
Location: 701 Amidon St., Wichita, KS 67203
Come experience Wichita’s biggest light display at Botanica Wichita as the city welcomes Illuminations. Bundle up and take the family through more than 30 enchanted Christmas gardens as you enjoy more than 1 million dazzling lights. Stop and grab some hot chocolate, s’mores or a delicious holiday meal midway through your journey and take a moment to meet Santa. Don’t miss the choreographed show with more than 50,000 Christmas lights set to music, and keep your eye out for the beautiful chandelier trees.
Christmas at the McKinneys’
Dates: Nov. 23-Dec. 31 Time: Begins 5:30 p.m. daily
Admission: Free, donations accepted
Location: 1452 N. Coolidge, Wichita, KS 67203
Known as one of the most favorite Christmas displays in Wichita, Christmas at the McKinneys’ is a privately-owned home with a family that takes pride in their holiday cheer. The show is open to the public. Donations are accepted and are split between Interfaith Ministries and the Kansas Humane Society.
Candy Cane Lane
Dates: Nov. 23-Dec. 31 Time: Begins at dark
Admission: Free
Location: 1021 N. Azure Circle, Wichita, KS 67235
Take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane! This west Wichita Christmas light display includes many homes in one neighborhood excited about the holidays. Starting on Thanksgiving night, you can experience the glow of several homes around the area of 119th Street and Central Avenue in the Deer Glen development. Don’t forget to bring your camera as you head through the display so you can share your photos on their Facebook page!
Lights on Texas
Dates: Nov. 23-Dec. 31 Time: Begins 5:30 p.m. daily
Admission: Free, donations accepted
Location: 11603 W. Texas St., Wichita, KS 67209
Formerly known as Lights on Lawrence, this 300,000-light display has moved to the west side to continue its glory. With a nice mix of traditional and colored lights, many of the items have a history in light shows in Wichita, as part of a large display at 17th and Park Place that stuck around for 25 years. Stop by Lights on Texas on your Christmas light tour and keep your eye out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Lights at the North Pole Express Substation
Dates: Weekends Nov. 23-Dec. 23 Time: 6-9 p.m.
Admission: Free, donations accepted
Location: North Pole Express Substation, 1841 S. Glenn, Wichita KS 67213
Thanksgiving brings lights to the North Pole Express Substation in southwest Wichita as C.L.A.U.S, Inc. brings the reason for the season to children of all ages. Stop by the substation to see Christmas lights, meet Santa and visit the magic of the North Pole. This event happens each Thursday through Saturday Nov. 23-Dec. 23. It’s fun for the whole family!
Lights on Gold Street
Dates: Nov. 23-Dec. 31 Time: 6 p.m. daily
Admission: Free
Location: 5336 S. Gold St., Wichita, KS 67217
Hop in the car and tune your radio to 99.5FM to watch more than 13,000 lights dance in routine to your favorite holiday music. This private light show is open to the public and has been happening since 2009. Welcome the eighth year of Lights on Gold Street on Thanksgiving and enjoy the lights through the New Year. The display stays lit until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Lights on Brummett St.
Dates: Nov. 23-Dec. 31 Time: 5:30-9 p.m. daily
Admission: Free
Location: 3721 Brummett St., Wichita, KS 67215
With both Halloween and Christmas light showings, Brummett Street lights up with Lights on Brummett every year to celebrate the holidays. Stop by this southwest Wichita neighborhood and tune into 101.7FM for a musical light display that will delight the whole family.
Marshall Family Christmas Lights
Dates: Nov. 23-Jan. 6 (Epiphany) Time: Begins 5:30 p.m. daily
Admission: Free, donations accepted
Location: 620 N. Stratford Lane, Wichita, KS 67206
Join one local family as they bring the excitement of The Marshall Family Christmas Lights to east Wichita. With a holiday performance beginning every day at 5:30 p.m., stop by after you get off work and tune in to 91.7FM to hear the music that matches the lights. The display is free, but all donations will go to support the Lord’s Diner and St. Anthony Family Shelter in Wichita.
Lights on Longview
Dates: Nov. 23-Dec. 31 Time: 5:30 p.m.-Midnight daily
Admission: Free
Location: 3805 E. Longview Lane, Wichita, KS 67218
If you’re out early or staying late, stop by Lights on Longview in east Wichita for a musically-charged Christmas light display. Tune in on your radio to 105.7FM and enjoy many Christmas tune remixes that match the blinking lights. Lights on Longview lasts until midnight every night of the week. With more than 50,000 lights, this is one of east Wichita’s favorite stops.
DWTA Helicopter Holiday Lights Tours
Dates: Nov. 6-Dec. 31 Time: Schedule your own
Admission: Two tour options: $250/$395 pricing for up to three passengers
Location: DWTA Helicopters, 1640 S. Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209
Do you want a bird’s eye view of all the magical lights around Wichita? Catch all the displays from above as you hop a ride for a DWTA Helicopter Holiday Lights Tour. For as low as $250 for a 20-30 minute launch window, you and your sweetheart (or up to three people) can enjoy the holidays soaring above the Air Capital of the World. Limited tours are available, so be sure to book your flight early!
These are just some of the incredible light opportunities around Wichita this holiday season. For more upcoming holiday events, check out our family-friendly holiday events blog or a list of upcoming holiday shows. For other events happening around Wichita, visit our calendar of events page.
