Wichita is a must-visit Midwest destination year-round, and wintertime is especially loaded with holiday activities and unique experiences. You’ll find plenty to do, whether you’re planning on indoor family fun or a romantic getaway.

There are Wichita hotels at every price point, and you’ll find affordable indoor attractions and diverse events for every interest. Read along to see how a vacation in the Heart of the Country can be a great destination for your winter break this November, December and January!

A Santa Clause tends to reindeer at Fulton Valley Farms

Holiday Experiences

Wichita is where you’ll want to be for unlimited holiday fun, from pop-up bars to annual lighting events considered the best in the region and holiday themed booths at The Selfie Spot on Douglas photography playground to cookie decorating at The Enchanted Mermaid. Wichita has a plethora of holiday events to keep you merry this season. You can even keep tabs on Santa. 

You can count on annual traditions such as 2 million lights strung throughout 30+ themed gardens at Illuminations at Botanica Wichita, scheduled for Nov. 18 to Dec. 31; lights, activities, Santa and live registered North American reindeer Itsy-Bitsy and Sparkle at Fulton Valley Farm’s Country Christmas Nov. 25 through Dec. 23; Victorian Christmas at Cowtown on Dec. 2-3 & 9-10; and tours while the Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House Museum and Study Center is decorated for the holidays. There’s also Wild Lights at the Sedgwick County Zoo, Holly Jolly Jurassic Holiday at Field Station: Dinosaurs, Safari of Lights at Tanganyika Wildlife Park and Lights at Ability Point (formerly The Arc’s Lights) drive-thru light display.

The Wichita State Shockers mascot WuShock walks in front of the school's marching band during a college basketball game.

Spectator Sports

Wichita is a sports city, and we’ve got just the ticket for you this winter:

  • Wichita Thunder Hockey – Cheer on the home team at INTRUST Bank Arena where the Wichita Thunder Hockey take to the ice in all their ECHL glory. The regular season runs October to April.
  • Wichita State Basketball – Head to Charles Koch Arena for a home game for Wichita State Shocker athletics. The men’s basketball games draw a loud crowd, making the roundhouse one of the arenas with the best home-court advantage according to ESPN.

The Alley Bowling

Active Experiences

Ready to burn off some energy? Try these options:

  • Bowl at The Alley Indoor Entertainment, Northrock Lanes or West Acres Bowl.
  • Aviate – Jump into the fun at this 32,000-square-foot indoor trampoline park inside the Wichita Sports Forum.
  • Bliss Climbing & Fitness Complex – With auto-belay, the whole family can enjoy this safe, fun, challenging activity together. There is a 38-foot climbing wall and a 15-foot bouldering wall at this state of the art indoor facility.
  • Golf-In – With two state of the art golf simulator bays, visitors can play a round of golf, hit balls on the driving range, take a lesson or host a party.
  • Wichita Ice Center – Skate indoors with family and friends on Olympic and NHL-regulation ice.
  • Wichita Sports Forum – Get active at this indoor playground for a variety of sports plus a trampoline park.

About a dozen people enjoying a nighttime skating session at an outdoor rink in Wichita, KS

Game Time

Head to an arcade or have a friendly competition at one of these attractions:

A family with a stroller walks underneath the illuminated entrance of the Sedgwick County Zoo in winter

Amazing Exhibitions

Wichita is home to many exciting cultural and historical attractions and museums that have amazing traveling exhibitions alongside their worthwhile permanent exhibits.

Colorful slip-on shoes arranged in a circle around the outside of a circular glass table

Shopping

Wichita is a year-round regional shopping destination, and we’ve also got special shopping experiences during the holidays. Find out more about shopping local for the holidays and year-round online here and by reading this Small Business Saturday blog post.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Live Entertainment

From music and comedic performances to holiday shows, the calendar is filling up this winter. The Wichita performing arts scene surprises many with its variety and quality, and welcomes an impressive collection of events.

A sample of upcoming events and venues:

Upcoming Wichita Events

Wichita has something happening every night. When booking your winter getaway to Wichita, be sure to visit our event calendar for the latest options.

Deals & Discounts

Take advantage of the deals and discounts offered by Visit Wichita through our Explore Card program. Wichita is an affordable destination, but you can stretch your vacation dollars even further by picking up an Explore Card at our offices or one of our participating partners. Explore our itineraries or customize your own experience with our Trip Planner.