Get in the Christmas spirit with El Dorado’s Old Fashioned Christmas celebration! Just east of Wichita, El Dorado, Kansas, is celebrating this holiday season with a FREE lighted Christmas parade on Saturday, December 5, along with downtown holiday lighting, shopping, and other festive activities throughout November and December.
I love these small-town Christmas celebrations because they bring the community together, and you can enjoy so much of the holiday fun without spending a fortune!
El Dorado’s historic downtown is a charming place to celebrate the season. I love visiting Walters Flowers on Main Street. Its one of the most unique shops with beautiful over the top holiday decor.
El Dorado Old Fashioned Christmas Parade 2026
The annual Old Fashioned Christmas Parade returns on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Bundle up and head to downtown El Dorado to watch illuminated floats and vehicles decorated for Christmas.
Here’s what to expect:
- Christmas floats and decorated vehicles covered in holiday lights
- A nighttime parade through downtown El Dorado
- Local community participation
- FREE parade viewing
The parade will begin on North Main Street and end at Gordy Park.
Additional parade details are expected to be announced closer to the event.
Downtown El Dorado Holiday Lighting – November 19
El Dorado is also kicking off the Christmas season with a Downtown Holiday Lighting celebration on Thursday, November 19, 2026.
The downtown decorations will be illuminated for the season, and visitors can enjoy festive music and hot cocoa provided by the Salvation Army.
This is a fun opportunity to enjoy the holiday lights before the December parade.
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Downtown El Dorado, Kansas
Cost: Admission price not separately listed; check with the organizer.
More Christmas Fun in Downtown El Dorado
El Dorado has several additional holiday activities planned for 2026.
Downtown Christmas Open House – November 22
Enjoy an afternoon of holiday shopping in downtown El Dorado, with special promotions at local businesses.
The Downtown Business Association is also planning complimentary horse-drawn carriage and holiday train rides.
Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Time: Noon–4 p.m.
Small Business Saturday & Christmas Cookie Crawl – November 28
Support local businesses while enjoying Christmas cookies from local bakers.
Visitors can sample cookies and participate in choosing a People’s Choice favorite.
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Santa on the Square – December 12
Bring the kids to downtown El Dorado for another festive holiday celebration!
Planned activities include:
- Photos with Santa
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Holiday train rides
- Children’s art activities
- Christmas Market
- A classic holiday movie presented by the South Ark Preservation Society
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–3 p.m. for the daytime celebration; movie time not yet confirmed.
Check with the organizers for individual activity costs and additional details.
El Dorado Christmas Tree Lighting 2026
In previous years, El Dorado’s Old Fashioned Christmas celebration included a Christmas tree lighting at the Butler County Courthouse following the parade.
The separate courthouse tree lighting has not yet been confirmed for December 5, 2026.
The Downtown Holiday Lighting celebration on November 19 is confirmed, so families still have an opportunity to enjoy the official start of the downtown Christmas lights.
El Dorado Old Fashioned Christmas Parade
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 5:30–7 p.m.
Location: Downtown El Dorado, beginning on North Main Street and ending at Gordy Park
Cost: FREE to watch the parade
Organizer: Experience El Dorado
Official Event Information: El Dorado Old Fashioned Christmas Parade
Additional Holiday Events: Main Street El Dorado Holiday Events
