Finding the many festive christmas towns in Kansas is usually a bit such as hunting for concealed gems, but once you know where you can look, the prairie truly transforms into a winter wonderland. Although some people might think of Kansas as simply flat fields, those of us who live right here know that our own small towns go absolutely all-out once December hits. There's something special regarding the way the tiny town square looks when it's draped in thousands of twinkling lights, particularly when there's a sharp chill in the air and the smell of woodsmoke nearby.
If you're looking to escape the particular big city throngs and find several genuine holiday nature, you really can't go wrong with these spots. Whether you want a large dose of background or just a location to see some massive light displays, Kansas has the town that suits the bill.
Lindsborg: The small Sweden Experience
A person can't talk about the particular holidays in Kansas without mentioning Lindsborg. Referred to as "Little Sweden, USA, " this town feels like it was plucked right out of a Scandinavian postcard. During the Christmas time of year, Lindsborg doesn't just set up a several wreaths; they low fat into their heritage in a way that's honestly fairly magical.
The particular big event this is actually the Street. Lucia Festival in mid-December. It's a lovely tradition where young girls dressed in white robes along with crowns of candle lights lead a procession. It's peaceful, the little bit haunting in a great way, and seems totally different through the loud, commercialized Christmas stuff we're used to.
While you're there, you've got to wander through the downtown shops. You'll find lots of Dala horses (the town's signature symbol) decked out in holiday colors. Ensure that you prevent by the regional bakeries for some pepparkakor (Swedish ginger snaps). Have faith in me, eating all those while walking with the brick-paved streets because the sun goes down could be the peak comfortable experience.
WaKeeney: The Christmas Town of benefit Flatlands
If you find yourself out there west on I-70, you absolutely need to pull over in WaKeeney. They've been calling themselves the "Christmas City of the particular High Plains" given that 1950, and they take that title very seriously. They have a substantial 35-foot artificial pine tree made of fresh greenery that sits right in the particular middle of the particular main intersection.
What's really cool regarding WaKeeney is the sheer scale of the display. We're talking about a four-block canopy of lights that extends across the roads, topped with a large number of blue and white bulbs. It's got this classic, mid-century holiday vibe that will feels like the scene from an old movie. These people do a large "tree lighting" every single year for the Weekend after Thanksgiving, and it's basically the interpersonal event from the season for that part of the state. It's a long drive if you're coming from Kansas City, but when you want that "small town large lights" feeling, it's worth the gas money.
Abilene: A Victorian Holiday Retreat
Abilene is famous intended for being the home associated with Dwight D. Eisenhower, but in December, it becomes one of the most charming christmas towns in Kansas intended for history buffs. The town is full of beautiful Victorian mansions, and a lot of of them get dressed up for the particular holidays.
The Seelye Mansion will be the celebrity of the show. It's a 25-room palace that will get decorated with over 60 Christmas trees. Yes, you go through that right—60 trees and shrubs! Seeing a house that grand fully decked out in period-accurate decorations is definitely pretty spectacular.
Abilene also runs a "Cowtown Christmas" event that will includes rides on the vintage steam engine. There's something concerning the sound of a train whistle in the cold winter season air that just screams Christmas. It's an excellent spot intended for families because it's slow-paced and focuses on that old-school holiday nostalgia.
Leavenworth: The City of Christmas Trees and shrubs
Leavenworth has been the first city incorporated in Kansas, so they have a lot of background to lean on. They call themselves the "City of Christmas Trees, " and while that will might sound like the bold claim, they do their best to reside up in order to it. The down-town area is filled with lighted shows, but the genuine highlight is the Leavenworth Christmas Parade .
It's one of these parades where the whole town comes out. You've got the high school bands, local floats covered in tinsel, and, of training course, Santa making their grand entrance. After the parade, people usually head over to the Riverfront Community Center. It's an old train depot turned neighborhood space, and the particular architecture alone is worth the visit, especially when it's glowing with holiday lights.
Council Grove: History Across the Santa Fe Trail
Council Grove is small, yet it's got a lot of heart. Since it's a historic stop on the Santa claus Fe Trail, the town uses its history to produce a really unique holiday atmosphere. They do a "Candlelight Tour" of the Hays House , which is the oldest constantly operating restaurant western of the Mississippi.
The town square is usually lit upward beautifully, and mainly because it's tucked in to the Flint Hills, the scenery is usually gorgeous even if right now there isn't snow on the ground. It's the kind of place where you can grab a hot cacao, walk along the particular Neosho Riverwalk, and just enjoy the silent. It's a lot less paranoid than the vacation shopping districts in Wichita or Overland Park.
McPherson: Candy Cane Lane and Trolley Trips
McPherson can be another town that actually understands the task. They have got a specific area referred to as Candy Walking cane Lane (specifically on Lakeside Drive) where the inhabitants go all-out with their home shows. It's a local tradition to generate through using the home windows cracked so you can listen to the holiday music playing from the particular different houses.
They also offer trolley trips during the season. In case you can snag a seat around the trolley, it's a fun way to notice the downtown lighting without having to be worried about driving. These people usually have "mistletoe markets" where local vendors sell hand crafted gifts, that is perfect if you're such as me and always wait until the last second to finish your shopping.
Why Kansas Towns Hit Different
There's a particular type of quiet you find in these Kansas towns that a person just don't get in bigger metropolitan areas. Maybe it's the wide-open spaces among the towns which makes the lights appear brighter when you finally arrive. Or maybe it's simply the fact that will people here genuinely enjoy putting these types of displays together for their neighbors.
When you check out these places, you're not just viewing lights; you're viewing hours of volunteer work and decades of tradition. Regardless of whether it's the Swedish charm of Lindsborg or the historic grandeur of Abilene, the effort is obvious.
A Few Tips intended for Your Road Trip
If you're planning to strike a few associated with these christmas towns in Kansas this season, here are a couple of items to keep in thoughts:
- Look into the Calendar: A lot of these towns have their biggest events on specific weekends (usually the first or even second weekend of December). Don't simply appear on the Tuesday night plus expect a march!
- Dress in Layers: Kansas climate is notoriously moody. It might be 50 degrees when you leave your own house and 20 degrees by the time the sun goes down.
- Support Neighborhood: Instead of hitting a drive-thru, find a local diner or coffee shop. That's where you'll get the genuine holiday spirit (and probably the greatest pie of your own life).
Kansas might not be the 1st place people believe of for the winter getaway, but these towns prove that the Midwest knows how to celebrate. So, get a thermos of coffee, load upward a holiday playlist, and head away to learn. You might just find your own new favorite custom in a city you've never heard about before.