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
■ MTWichita Holiday Extravaganza | December 5-7
Details: Century II
Make this your new Wichita holiday tradition. A live celebration featuring festive songs, crafted right here at home, building the kind of memories your family talks about every holiday season.
■ Holiday Shopping Craft Fair | December 6
Details: Risen Savior Lutheran Church | 9am
Every year, my fellow cohost on the Wichita Dinner Table, Annette Lawless hosts a Holiday Craft Fair at Risen Savior Lutheran Church. This year marks the eighth annual event at 6770 E. 34th St. N. takes place on Saturday, December 6 from 9am to 3pm. Over 45+ vendors to help finish your holiday shopping.
■ Santa and Grinch Meet & Greet at NewMarket | December 7
Details: NewMarket Square | 11am
Santa’s coming to NewMarket Square. Join us on Sunday, December 7 from 11AM–2PM for a festive Santa Meet & Greet the whole family will love! Giveaways, meet and greets, raffles, free cocoa, and an event to support Catholic Charities. It’s FREE to attend!
BEST THINGS TO DO
■ Winter Wonderland | December 5
Details: Naftzger Park | 6pm
Step into the enchantment of the holiday season at Wichita Park & Recreation’s Winter Wonderland — a magical evening of festive fun, sparkling lights, and unforgettable memories!
■ 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.
■ Irving Berlin’s White Christmas | December 5-7
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 5-6
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.
■ First Friday at the Dive Beach Bar | December 5
Details: The Dive Beach Bar | 8pm
■ Adult Skate Night | December 5
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.
■ La Rosa 3K Run | December 6
Details: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
The La Rosa Run is a community 3K held in honor of Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe, celebrating faith, culture, and unity. This event brings together families, runners, and devotees to honor La Virgen Morena through movement and tradition. Participants of all ages are invited to run or walk as a symbol of gratitude and devotion, leading up to the annual Guadalupe festivities.
■ Metropolitan Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” | December 6-7
Details: Century II
■ Gingerbread Village | December 6-7
Details: Exploration Place
Imagine living in a house made of gingerbread adorned with candy. How would you design it? What candy and colors would you include? Gingerbread Village is your opportunity to bring that vision to life! Join us for a delightful holiday tradition that will spark your creativity and warm your hearts.
■ Elderslie Christmas Market | December 6-7
Details: Elderslie Farm
Experience a full weekend of festive fun at Elderslie Farm’s Holiday Market, featuring local vendors, food, live music, kids’ crafts, Santa visits, workshops, and more — with free admission for all. Packed with hands-on activities from wreath making to charcuterie boards, plus horseback rides and family-friendly art sessions, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season in Kechi.
■ Family Artventure: Holiday Open House | December 6
Details: Wichita Art Museum | 11am
■ Old Town Farm & Art Market | December 6
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.
■ Home for the Holidays | December 6
Details: Commerce Club | Noon
Learn everything you need to confidently buy your first home in a warm, holiday-themed masterclass packed with practical guidance, insider tips, and plenty of festive treats.
■ Christmas On Main Street | December 6
Details: Goddard, KS | 5pm
■ Krampus Karnival: A Dark Karnival of Curiosities | December 7
Details: Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview | 11am
■ Festive ICT presents Hangover Brunch Soul Food Edition | December 7
Details: Sweet Spot | 11am
Close out the year at the Soul Food Edition of Hangover Brunch, a high-energy Sunday party filled with incredible eats, great music, and festive vibes powered by Greatness Vodka — the perfect end-of-year celebration for everyone. Grab your tickets now at FestiveICT.com
■ Experience a Taste of Palestine: A Cultural Immersion Event | December 7
Details: Egg Cetera | 6pm
View All Events On Our Calendar
Small Business Shopping
Christmas and Holiday Pop-Up Bars Guide
AROUND THE CORNER
■ All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 | December 12 & 14
Details: Newman University
All Is Calm tells the true story of the Christmas Truce of 1914. On a cold Christmas Eve, soldiers from opposite sides of World War I laid down their weapons, stepped into No Man’s Land, and shared songs of peace. It began with one voice singing “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night), and soon the battlefield was filled with harmony instead of conflict. Performed entirely by men’s a cappella voices, All Is Calm weaves together letters from soldiers, poetry and songs from the era to create a moving portrait of hope, forgiveness and humanity. It is a story that reminds us of the unity we share during the holidays and the enduring power of music to unite us all.
■ 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.
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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.
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PERFORMING ARTS
Century II Performing Arts Center
■ December 5-7 | MTWichita Holiday Extravaganza
■ December 6-7 | Metropolitan Ballet Presents “The 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!
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For a complete schedule of what’s going on in Wichita, visit our Event Calendar