Wichita is about to explode with Christmas cheer on Thanksgiving Day when neighborhoods are adorned with thousands of lights to officially kickoff 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 neighborhood displays and Christmas lights in Wichita.
Don’t forget to stop by some of Wichita’s signature Christmas events like the Bradley Fair Christmas Tree Lighting in November, Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Lights on the River and College Hill Holiday Lights Trolley Tour in December. Or check out the upcoming holiday shows and other family friendly events in Wichita.
Illuminations at Botanica Wichita
Nov. 29-Jan. 4
Time: Sunday-Thursdays 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Admission: Adults $12; Youth/Military/Members $8 - (add'l $1 at door)
Location: Botanica Wichita, 701 Amidon St., Wichita, KS 67203
Come experience the region’s biggest light display at Illuminations at Botanica Wichita. Bundle up and take the family through more than 30 enchanted Christmas gardens as you enjoy more than 2-million dazzling lights. Stop and grab some hot chocolate, S’mores or a delicious holiday meal midway through your journey, or stop in to see 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 and magical Christmas train garden.
2019 The Arc’s Lights
Nov. 28-Dec. 28
Time: 5:30-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 5:30-10 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays
Admission: $10 per carload on Fridays-Sundays; Donations accepted every night
Location: Near The Arc of Sedgwick County, Douglas & St. Paul Streets, Wichita, KS 67202
It’s a magical holiday wonderland you can experience without getting out of your car. Drive through this popular display and explore the Tunnel of Lights and more than 1-million sparkling Christmas lights. This signature Wichita tradition raises money for youth and adults with developmental disabilities. 2019 – The Arc’s Lights is open late on Christmas Eve, until 11:30 p.m.
Candy Cane Lane
Nov. 28-Dec. 31
Time: Begins at dark daily
Admission: Free
Location: 1021 N. Azure Circle, Wichita, KS 67235
Take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane! This west Wichita Christmas light display includes more than a dozen homes in one neighborhood getting in on the holiday spirit. Starting Thanksgiving night, you can experience the glow of at least 16 homes around 119th Street and Central Avenue in the Deer Glen development. Don’t forget to bring your camera so you can share your photos on their Facebook page!
Christmas at the McKinneys’
Nov. 28-Dec. 31
Time: Starting at 5:30 p.m. daily
Admission: Free, donations accepted
Location: 1452 N. Coolidge, Wichita, KS 67203
Known as one of the most favorite Christmas light displays in Wichita, Christmas at the McKinneys’ is a privately owned home with a family that takes pride in holiday cheer. The show is open to the public and gets better each year. Donations are accepted and are split between two charities, the Kansas Human Society and Interfaith Ministries. In the past, the Christmas lights show has raised more than $3,500.
Lights on Texas
Nov. 28-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 200,000-light holiday display moved to the west side a couple years ago 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 (Wey Mansion) that celebrated the holidays for 25 years. Stop by Lights on Texas on your Christmas light tour.
Christmas on Crestline
Nov. 29-Jan. 1
Time: TBD
Admission: Free
Location: 914 N. Crestline, Wichita, KS 67212
This award-winning Christmas lights show features more than 80,000 computerized lights set to music on 100.7FM and new attractions each year. Last year, the display introduced an 8-foot mural photo prop. This year, you’ll have to drive to Christmas on Crestline to see what goodies are in store for the public! This animated light show has been a popular stop since 2012 and has won 1st place in 101.3 KFDI’s Christmas Light Fight, 2015 Westlink Association’s Christmas Light Shows and has been featured on the front page of the Wichita Eagle’s Local and State section.
Christmas Lights at the North Pole Express Substation
Nov. 28-Dec. 23
Time: 6-9 p.m. daily
Admission: Free, donations accepted
Location: North Pole Express Substation, 1841 S. Glenn, Wichita, KS 67213
Wanna get close to Santa? Head to the North Pole Express Substation here in Wichita! C.L.A.U.S., Inc. brings the reason for the season to children of all ages. Visitors can see Christmas lights, meet Santa and visit with the magic of the North Pole.
Lights on Gold Street
Nov. 28-Dec. 31
Time: 6 p.m. daily
Admission: Free, donations accepted
Location: 5336 S. Gold St., Wichita, KS 67217
Hop in the car and tune your radio to 99.5FM to watch more than 13-thousand lights dance in routine to your favorite holiday music. This will be the 10th year this private home light show has been running. Celebrate a decade of Christmas cheer at Lights on Gold Street on Thanksgiving 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 Street
Nov. 28-Dec. 31
Time: 5:30-9 p.m. daily
Admission: Free
Location: 3721 S Brummett St., Wichita, KS 67215
With both Halloween and Christmas displays, 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.
The Marshall Family Christmas Lights
Nov. 28-Jan. 4
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 daily at 5:30 pm., stop by after you get off work and tune in to 91.7FM to hear the holiday music that matches the lights. The display is free but all donations go to support the Lord’s Diner and St. Anthony Family Shelter in Wichita.
Lights on Longview Ln.
Nov. 28-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 up late, stop by Lights on Longview Ln. 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 dancing lights. Lights on Longview lasts until midnight every night of the week. With more than 50,000 lights, this is one of Wichita’s favorite Christmas lights displays.
Lights of Matthew 5:16
Nov. 28-Dec. 31
Time: TBD
Admission: Free
Location: 835 Longbranch Circle, Maize, KS 67101
Tune in on 96.7FM to Lights of Matthew 5:16 for a beautiful musically enriched display. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Riverside Castle Christmas Lights
Dates TBD
Time: TBD
Admission: Free
Location: Riverside/Campbell Castle, 1155 N. River Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203
Don’t miss the beautiful Riverside Castle Christmas Lights every holiday season. The castle was built in 1888 by Colonol Burton Harvey Campbell, modeled after the “mother” castle in the foothill of Scotland. Also known as the Campbell Castle and the Crumm Castle, this historial landmark in Wichita has a rich history and was once used as a bed and breakfast, but is no longer open to the public except for special events.
Honn Family Christmas
Nov. 29-Jan. 4
Time: Sunday-Thursday 5:30-10 p.m.; Fridays & Saturdays 5:30-11 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: 5501 N. Porter Ave., Wichita, KS, 67204
Stop by this address on north Porter Avenue for a family tradition. Tune in to 87.9FM to hear the show as you watch this interactive light display. Honn Family Christmas is a great addition to your Christmas lights tour.
9th Street Lights
Nov. 28-Dec. 31
Time: 6 p.m. daily
Admission: Free
Location: 3821 W. 9th St., Wichita, KS 67203
With more than 35,000 dancing lights paired with music you can hear on 101.7FM, this computerized light show goes along with Christmas classics like, “Carol of the Bells,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and “Joy to the World.” Be sure to add 9th Street Lights to your list of the best places to see Christmas lights in Wichita!
Lights on David
Nov. 28-Dec. 31
Time: Begins at dark
Admission: Free
Location: 409 N. David St., Wichita, KS 67212
After Halloween comes and goes, Lights on David lights up for the holiday season. This interactive light display can be heard on 106.9FM for free. With new props, songs and fun each year, you won’t want to miss the 2019 Christmas celebration!
Other Wichita Area Christmas Lights Displays
- 1812 S. Millwood – 100,000 lights; donations go to Camp Hope, a camp for kids who have or had had cancer
- 4620 S. Sycamore – Lights on Sycamore
- 143 E. 4th St. - Goddard, KS
- 6226 W. 34th Ct. N.
- 727 Golden Hills
- 6726 W. Ocieo – 32,000 lights set to music
- 100 block of N. Pershing
- Numerous houses along River Boulevard – between 11th and 13th Streets
- 9912 W. 18th St. N. – Santa and a flying saucer
- 205 N. Roosevelt
- Several houses along Spaulding, off River Boulevard
- 2835 E. Fountain – snowman village
- Numerous houses throughout the Riverside neighborhood
Find more things to do and events in Wichita and plan your trip today!
