Searching for ideas on what to do in Wichita this weekend? Looking to plan ahead for something in the future? We got you covered with the Best Things Happening This Weekend In Wichita.
FEATURED EVENTS
■ 12 Drinks of Christmas | December 12
Details: Exploration Place | 7pm
Merry, merry! Take a trip around the world with us, enjoying 12 different traditional holiday drinks. Guests will receive a passport to enjoy a special tasting from around the globe. Enjoy all the museum’s exhibits, a delicious grazing table and more.
■ All Is Calm | December 12 & 14
Details: DeMattias Fine Arts Center at Newman University
Back by popular demand, All Is Calm tells the extraordinary true story of the spontaneous Christmas truce between German and British soldiers during World War I. Using authentic letters, soldier’s diaries and traditional songs, this a cappella performance creates a powerful and intimate tribute to the human spirit. A moving and reflective holiday tradition, this WGO production has traveled to Kingman, the McPherson Opera House, and, most significantly, to the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City.
■ Donuts, Mimosas, Santa and the Grinch | December 13
Details: The Rusty Nail | 10am
Come take pictures with the Grinch and Santa Claus at the Rusty Nail at 1155 S Washington Ave. Donut bar and $5 Grinch mimosas served from 10am-1pm! Bring your 4 legged or 2 legged kiddos!
■ Fortune 88 Toy Drive Run to Benefit Children’s Home & McKinney Vento | December 14
Details: Adelita’s Coffee | 12:30pm
This Sunday, Dec 14, we’re running for a reason—and you’re invited. We’re teaming up with Adelitas & Coffee Daze for a special run benefitting Wichita Children’s Home & McKinney Vento.
BEST THINGS TO DO
■ Wild Lights | Now through December 21
Details: Sedgwick County Zoo | 6pm – 9pm
Enjoy one-of-a-kind Asian Lantern sculptures that light up the Zoo during the WILDEST nights in town.
■ Illuminations | Now through January 3
Details: Botanica | 5:30pm
■ Somewhere In Winter | Now through January 4
Details: 250 N. St. Francis
This is the city’s first downtown holiday festival and outdoor ice rink experience. This new experience has a bit of something for everyone and it starts with the 60×90 foot ice rink flanked by a rotating slate of pop-up activations, food trucks and vendors, a holiday market curated by Old Town Farm & Art Market, live music, Santa, and igloos. Check out our feature on what to expect here.
■ Wichita Community Theatre presents Almost, Maine | December 11-14
Details: Wichita Community Theatre
■ Irving Berlin’s White Christmas | December 12-14
Details: Wilke Center
Based on the beloved movie, this song and dance musical glistens with irresistible charm. White Christmas revolves around two buddies, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis who after World War II, become a popular song and dance duo. They decide to help their former commanding general by putting on a show at his struggling Vermont inn. Along the way, they meet two talented sisters, Betty and Judy Haynes, and love blossoms. White Christmas is a delightful musical that stands the test of time.
■ Holiday Market at Catholic Care Center | December 5
Details: Catholic Center | 10am
Discover fresh produce, artisan goods, baked treats, and handmade products all year long at this indoor farmers market — a welcoming, community-driven space that supports local growers and makers, rain or shine.
■ Victorian Christmas | December 12-13
Details: Old Cowtown Museum | 6pm
When the weather outside is frightful, Cowtown’s lamp-lit, carol-filled streets will warm you up! There’s something magical about bundling up, stepping into the cold, and enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate with family and friends. See what’s cooking at the farm and enjoy a Victorian town ready for Christmas.
■ Adult Skate Night | December 12
Details: Carousel Skate Center | 9:30pm
Join us for Adult Night every Friday! Must be 21 with a Valid ID. $10 Cover (skates included). Beer & mixed drinks available. Check out our feature on what to expect here.
■ KCSL’s Red Stocking Breakfast Wichita | December 13
Details: Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex | 8am
Celebrate the season and support Kansas Children’s Service League at its annual Red Stocking Breakfast, a festive come-and-go event supporting stronger families and healthier communities. Enjoy a hot breakfast served by local celebrities and volunteers, family activities, photos with Santa, and opportunities to enter raffles with items from area retailers.
■ Meet The Grinch at Parlor Doughnuts | December 13
Details: Parlor Doughnuts | 8am
Join us for a magically mischievous holiday morning at Parlor Doughnuts Wichita! Bring the whole family (and your festive PJs!) for “Doughnuts with The Grinch”, a fun + cozy meet-and-greet event where you can enjoy our Famous Layered Doughnuts™ and snap photos with the green guy himself.
■ Old Town Farm & Art Market | December 13
Details: Old Town Farm & Art Market | 10am
Experience Wichita’s favorite Saturday tradition at the Old Town Farm & Art Market, where locals and visitors gather for fresh food, local art, live music, and lively street entertainment.
■ Photos with the Mean One| December 13
Details: Twister City Harley Davidson | 11am
Join us for photos with the OG of Meanness (The Grinch) and our Harley Angels!
■ Santa Brunch at Chicken N Pickle | December 14
Details: Chicken N Pickle | 10am
View All Events On Our Calendar
Small Business Shopping
Christmas and Holiday Pop-Up Bars Guide
AROUND THE CORNER
■ Snow Ball | December 19
Details: Barks & Brews | 6pm
The Snow Ball is a winter formal for both dogs and people. Dress you and your dog in your finest outfits, get a picture on the red carpet, and submit your dog for the best dressed contest. Don’t forget get some grub from the food truck and stop by the bar for any of our beer, wine, or cocktails.
Subscribe to one of the fastest growing email newsletters in Wichita:
The Eddytorial – delivered every week to your inbox
Sports
Wichita State Men’s Basketball
■ December 13 vs. DePaul at 11 a.m.
Wichita State Women’s Basketball
■ December 13 vs Loyola Marymount at 2:30 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC
Visit this week and the schedule for the weeks ahead at our Live Music Calendar—sponsored by Mort’s Martini Bar.
Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter Today!
PERFORMING ARTS
Century II Performing Arts Center
■ December 13 | There’s No Place Like Home Bully Bash
■ December 12-21 | Ballet Wichita Presents the 51st Annual Nutcracker
Crown Uptown Theatre
■ December 5 | Darci Lynne & Friends
Mosley Street Melodrama
■ November 14 – December 21 | Holidaze of our Lives
Prairie Pines Playhouse
■ November 14 – December 23 | Annual Holiday Whodunit?
Roxy’s Downtown
■ November 28 – December 27 | Dwight Christmas
Don’t forget this week’s episode The Wichita Dinner Table
The city’s hottest online talk show covering all things Wichita
Video available on Facebook and YouTube!
Audio available on Apple Podcast and Spotify!
Need something to do? How about visiting all 100 restaurants on the ICT 100 list?
Recently updated for 2025! You can now download the checklist of all 100 restaurants and mark off the ones you’ve been to!
Have an event in Wichita you’d like to have considered for Best Things Happening This Weekend Wichita, please visit this form to submit your event.
Did you love the article and want to help the continuing free content at Wichita By E.B.? You can help keep our site going with a simple one-time or recurring donation. Your contribution is appreciated.
For a complete schedule of what’s going on in Wichita, visit our Event Calendar