Community tree lightings Wichita

Feeling nostalgic for some old-fashioned hometown holiday fun? We’ve rounded up a Santa-pack full of free Christmas tree lightings in Wichita as well as in our neighboring communities. Wichita is surrounded by wonderful small communities that have their own traditions and events for the holiday season. These festive events will have you exploring beyond your immediate neighborhood and enjoying Kansas’ famous small-town hospitality and old-fashioned holiday fun.

For more, check out our Day by day guide to holiday fun in Wichita 2019.

Cabela’s Tree Lighting and Arrival of Santa

Saturday, November 16 at 5 p.m.
2427 N Greenwich Rd, Wichita, KS 67226

Santa’s making an early arrival at Santa’s Wonderland inside Cabela’s Wichita with a magical tree lighting, holiday crafts for kids, free photos with Santa, giveaways, games, and lots more fun. 

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Winfield Isle of Lights

Saturday, November 16 at 6 p.m.
200 N. Main Street, Winfield, KS 67156

Winfield is also getting an early start on holiday festivities with a tree lighting ceremony. Gather around the new 18-foot Christmas tree and sing Christmas carols, drink hot cocoa, and enjoy this fun and vibrant community as it kicks off its big annual Isle of Lights attraction. 

Derby Tree Lighting

Thursday, November 21 at 6 p.m.
Madison Avenue Central Park, 512 E. Madison Ave., Derby, KS 67037

The mayor will light the city tree in Derby and then everyone can enjoy festive goodies, holiday music, crafts for the kids, and getting cell phone shots with Santa.  Food trucks will also be parked at the Derby Tree Lighting. Bring non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys to donate to Operation Holiday and Toys for Tots. 

Bradley Fair Christmas Tree Lighting

Sunday, November 24 at 5:45 p.m.
2000 N. Rock Rd. Wichita, KS 67206

This event is a big kickoff for shopping and a season of horse-drawn carriage rides in Bradley Fair! The free annual tree lighting will take place by the fountain and include a visit from Santa and his reindeer! Read more about it here.

Mulvane Community Tree Lighting

Saturday, November 30 at 7 p.m.
300 W Main St, Mulvane, KS 67110

Kick off the holiday season with our friendly neighbors to the south. Mulvane will host its annual Christmas tree lighting on Saturday, November 30 at 7 p.m. in front of the Mulvane Historical Museum & Depot. Sip hot free cocoa, sing some carols, and watch the mayor light the tree. 

Wichita Tree Lighting in Old Town Square

Wichita Mayor’s Tree Lighting

Sunday, December 1 at 6 p.m.
Old Town Square, at 2nd & Mead in Wichita

The Wichita mayor will light the Christmas tree, which becomes a beautiful centerpiece of Old Town Square, and then everyone will hop the trolley back to the boathouse for Lights on the River. Read more about it here. 

Colwich Tree Lighting

Sunday, December 1, 2019 from 6-8 p.m.
500 W Chicago Ave, Colwich, KS 67030 (5th and Chicago Ave.)

The City of Colwich, Kansas, along with the Lions Club and the Colwich Community Foundation will host a tree lighting (with snacks!) at Veterans Park, followed by lighting the flagpole tree at Memorial Park. They’ll also have a light tour around town for those who wish to participate. Find out more on Facebook here.

El Dorado Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 7 at 6:15 p.m.
205 W. Central Ave, El Dorado KS 67042

The folks in El Dorado, Kansas will hold their tree lighting as part of an all-day fun event. El Dorado’s Old Fashioned Christmas goes from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and include celebrations downtown and at the Kansas Oil Museum. But the tree lighting itself will be held at the picturesque Butler County courthouse at 6:15 p.m. following a Christmas parade. They’ll have live music and a candy cane give-away!

Andover Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 12 at 5:30 p.m.
Andover Central Park, 1607 E Central Ave, Andover, KS 67002

The tree lighting in the City of Andover kicks off Andover’s Hometown Christmas event in Central Park and coincides with Santa’s arrival! The park will be transformed into a winter wonderland with luminaries, lighted trees, and live music, and fun activities for everyone. Bring a canned food donation to share with the Andover Food Bank and the local Caring and Sharing non-profit. Bring your cell phone or camera for free photos with Santa.