Andover Hometown Christmas is back on Thursday, December 10, 2026 and its a family favorite of ours! This FREE holiday celebration at Andover Central Park, just east of Wichita, includes a Christmas tree lighting, photos with Santa, s’mores, hayrack rides, holiday crafts, and lots of festive fun.
Bring the whole family to enjoy this small-town Christmas tradition! Central Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland with luminaries lining the sidewalks, illuminated trees, and a beautiful light show synchronized to music.
FREE Christmas Activities at Andover Hometown Christmas
One of the things I love about Hometown Christmas is how many activities are packed into one evening!
Here’s what families can look forward to in 2026:
- Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m.
- Photos with Santa
- Hayrack rides around Central Park
- S’mores with local first responders
- Holiday crafts for kids
- Live Christmas music
- Hot beverages
- Luminaries and illuminated trees throughout the park
- Synchronized Christmas light show at the Capitol Federal Amphitheater
- NEW Christmas Market
Activities will be spread throughout Andover Central Park, including the Andover Public Library, Andover City Hall, Capitol Federal Amphitheater stage, and The Lodge.
NEW for 2026: Christmas Market at Hometown Christmas
Andover is adding a Christmas Market to this year’s Hometown Christmas celebration!
The City of Andover has announced the new market, with additional details about vendors and shopping opportunities still to come.
This will be another fun addition to the evening, especially if you enjoy shopping for Christmas gifts while supporting local businesses.
Don’t Miss Andover Central Park’s Christmas Light Show
One of the highlights of Hometown Christmas is seeing Central Park all lit up for the holidays!
The park features illuminated trees, glowing luminaries, and a light show synchronized to Christmas music at the Capitol Federal Amphitheater and other areas of the park.
Make sure you leave time to walk around and enjoy the lights after the tree lighting.
If you love Christmas lights, check out our guide to Christmas light displays in Wichita and surrounding communities.
Help Local Families at Andover Hometown Christmas
Hometown Christmas is also an opportunity to give back to the community.
Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods or make a monetary donation to benefit:
- Andover Caring and Sharing
- Andover Food Bank
It’s a simple way to spread a little extra holiday cheer while enjoying the festivities.
My Tips for Enjoying Andover Hometown Christmas
A few things to know before heading out:
- Arrive before 6 p.m. so you don’t miss the Christmas tree lighting.
- Dress warmly! Many of the activities take place outdoors.
- Bring your camera for photos with Santa and the Christmas lights.
- Allow time to visit the different activity areas throughout Central Park.
- Bring canned goods or a donation if you’d like to support local families.
- Plan to enjoy the synchronized light show while you’re there.
This is one of those holiday events where you can spend an entire evening making Christmas memories without spending much money.
Andover Hometown Christmas
Date: Thursday, December 10, 2026
Time: 4:30–8 p.m.
Christmas Tree Lighting: 6 p.m.
Location: Andover Central Park, 1609 E. Central Ave., Andover, KS 67002
Admission: FREE; canned food and monetary donations encouraged.
Activities: Santa photos, hayrack rides, s’mores, holiday crafts, live music, Christmas light show, and a new Christmas Market.
Official Event Information: City of Andover Hometown Christmas
