We have compiled a list of holiday activities you can do for free or cheap in Wichita. If you are looking for things to do in Wichita this holiday we got you covered. These Christmas activities are doable on a budget and can potentially become a holiday tradition for you and your family.
Christmas time is the happiest time of year, and it’s always fun to come up with creative and fun traditions. Spreading the holiday spirit, making memories, and giving back is what Christmas is all about. Christmas doesn’t always have to be expensive, so here is a list of activities I have created to give you a unique experience this holiday.
Holiday traditions significantly provide a sense of continuity, connection, and meaning for individuals and communities. Here are several reasons why holiday traditions are important:
- Emotional Connection: Holiday traditions create emotional bonds among family members and friends. Shared experiences during holidays can strengthen relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. These connections contribute to a feeling of security and support.
- Predictability and Comfort: Traditions provide a sense of predictability and routine during a time when many other aspects of life may be changing. This predictability can offer comfort and stability, especially in times of uncertainty.
- Celebration and Joy: Many holiday traditions are centered around celebration, joy, and festivities. These rituals can enhance the overall positive atmosphere during holidays, promoting feelings of happiness and well-being.
- Community and Social Bonding: Holidays often involve community-wide or societal traditions that bring people together. Whether through parades, festivals, or shared customs, these traditions foster a sense of community and shared identity.
Free or Cheap Holiday Traditions
Write a letter to Santa
Writing letters to Santa is a tradition that has been around for a long time. Most of the time, if you mail your letters in, Santa will even send a letter back to your kids. What a fun way to keep the Christmas spirit alive with Santa writing back to you.
Places to mail your letters:
- WSU Post Office
- Fee of $1.75
- Visit before December 16 to get a letter back!
- Morrison Hall
- Cambridge Market
- 21 st & Webb
- USPS
- Return address: Santa, North Pole
- First-Class Mail stamp
- Address it to NORTH POLE POSTMARK, POSTMASTER, 4141
POSTMARK DR, ANCHORAGE AK 99530-9998
- Botanica Illuminations
- About Illuminations at Botanica
- You must have tickets to attend
- Mailbox on-site at: 701 Amidon St, Wichita, KS 67203
- Your mailbox
- An idea on how to address to Santa Claus:
- Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road. North Pole, 88888
- An idea on how to address to Santa Claus:
Look at the Christmas Lights
Touring Wichita’s Christmas Light Displays is a fantastic and free activity the whole family will love! It’s a cherished holiday tradition. Slip into your favorite pajamas, make some popcorn, and use our ultimate guide to discover the best light displays in town.
Pro Tip: Dont miss out on all the Christmas Tree Lighting around town. Most of these are completely FREE with Santa, cookies, sometimes a train ride, and more.
Watch Christmas Movies as a Family
Whether you’re decorating the Christmas tree or enjoying a cozy family movie night, watching Christmas films together is a fun and relaxing holiday tradition. If you’re planning a trip to the theater, many are offering Special Holiday Movie Deals you won’t want to miss!
Pro Tip: Regal is showing Classic Holiday Movies in Wichita on four dates this season and you can see them for a discounted price in the theatre.
Holiday Movie Favorites
- Elf
- Polar Express
- Christmas Vacation
- Santa Clause movies
- The Grinch
- Home Alone
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
Go to the Library and Checkout a Holiday Book
Whether you’re looking for classic Christmas tales, heartwarming stories about family and togetherness, or fun, holiday-themed books for kids, the library has something for everyone or catch a FREE Storytime in Wichita.
Call Santa. His number is below, and Free to Call
Follow Santa on Google Santa Tracker
Volunteer
‘Tis the season for giving! If you have some extra time, consider volunteering your time and talents as a meaningful way to give back, instead of offering a financial gift. We have a list of Places to Volunteer in Wichita with requirements and perks to help you choose. These are just a few places in town, and we know there are lots more.
Create Holiday Cards for Hospital Patients
All you need are some pens and paper to make someone’s day. Writing to a patient that can’t be home for Christmas is a meaningful way to tell someone you are thinking about them and hope they get well soon.
Wesley Medical Center
- Address: 550 N Hillside St, Wichita, KS 67214
Ascension Via Christi St. Francis
- Address: 929 N St. Francis St, Wichita, KS 67214
Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph
- Address: 3600 E Harry St, Wichita, KS 67218
Make an Ornament
Making memories as a family is priceless and making ornaments together is a great way to do so. An ornament a year would make for many on the tree and create conversations when the rest of the family is over.
- Salt Dough Ornaments
- Mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, and 1 cup water to create a dough.
- Roll it out, cut shapes with cookie cutters, and bake at 200°F (93°C) for 2-3 hours.
- Paint and decorate once cool. Add a ribbon for hanging.
- Paper Snowflakes
- Fold white or colorful paper into triangles, then cut out small shapes along the edges.
- Unfold to reveal your unique snowflake design.
- Attach a string or ribbon to hang.
- Pinecone Ornaments
- Collect pinecones and spray them with paint or glitter.
- Tie a ribbon around the top or hot glue a string for hanging.
- Add small decorations like beads or tiny bows for extra flair.
- Visit Hobby Lobby for some DIY ornaments. I picked up an ornament-making kit for around $2.
- 15 DIY Ornaments from Dollar Tree
Train or Carriage Ride
Dashing through the snow and oh what fun it is! Every year, we have a few places in & around Wichita that usually offer holiday rides in Wichita.
Christmas Caroling
Get your friends or family together, go door to door, and start singing some Christmas songs. This can bring so many laughs and smiles to not only your group singing but the people you sing for.
Play one of these Cheap & Easy Games at Home
Looking for some affordable and easy games to play at home with minimal materials? Check out our List of Games to Play at Home! These are just a starting point—so get creative and enjoy some fun, silly games with your family this holiday season.
Decorate the Christmas Tree
Decorating a Christmas tree is a classic tradition and a memorable experience for everyone. Whether you have a real or artificial tree, setting it up, hanging ornaments, and decorating it any way you like is such a fun way for the family to spend some quality time together. If you need a tree, here is a list of Christmas Tree Farms in & around Wichita.
Attend an Annual FREE Holiday Event
Wichita has some great annual Holiday Events. These are my personal favorites:
- City Crew Holiday Event: FREE
- Wichita Art Museum Holiday Open House Events: FREE
- El Dorado Christmas Parade: FREE
- Merry & Bright at Union Station: FREE
Visit Santa
Whether it’s snapping a photo with the big guy in red, sharing your holiday wish list, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, it’s a tradition that brings joy to kids and adults alike. Create lasting memories and keep the holiday magic alive—don’t miss your chance to visit Santa so visit our Ultimate Guide of Where to See Santa in Wichita.
Pro Tip: Get a FREE photo with Santa at Cabela in Wichita.
Attend a Holiday or Christmas Concert
Whether you’re looking for a traditional performance by a local symphony, a lively show featuring contemporary holiday favorites, or a family-friendly sing-along, there’s something for everyone in our List of Holiday Shows & Concerts in Wichita.
Make Cookies or Decorate a Gingerbread House
Christmas cookies or a gingerbread house, or anything involving food, is a smart idea. Let the creativity flow with each person decorating their own cookie and voting on who did the best job. Better yet, bake a batch of cookies and deliver them to a neighbor or family friend.
Pro Tip: Go to the annual Gingerbread Village at Exploration Place. It’s the best deal in town! Your ticket includes all supplies, candy, hand wipes, a take-home box for your gingerbread house, and museum admission. The best part is you dont have to clean your kitchen.
Easy cookie recipes:
- Grinch Cookies
- Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
- Cranberry-White Chocolate Cookies
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Peanut Butter Blossoms
Go Sledding (if we have snow)
During the holiday season, especially in Kansas, there will be snow and hopefully some opportunities to go sledding. We have a list of the Best Places to go: Sledding and Snow Day Fun in Wichita.
Throw a Sleepover in the Living Room
Create magical holiday memories by hosting a cozy sleepover in the living room! Gather your sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows to set up the ultimate comfy space for the whole family. Plan a night full of fun—play board games or holiday-themed activities, pop some popcorn, and sip on delicious hot cocoa topped with marshmallows.
Build a Snowman
If there’s enough snow, gather it into balls and build a snowman! Find some buttons around the house, hats, scarves, sticks for the arms, and a carrot for the nose.
Tips:
- Snow should be wet and heavy to keep the snowman in place
- Find the perfect spot to put them
- Roll the snow until you reach the desired size (three times)
- Put some snow around the bottom so it doesn’t roll away
- Get creative decorating your snowman!
Call a Family Member
Have a loved one that couldn’t make it? Call them up, wish them a merry Christmas, and let them know that you’re thinking of them. The essence of Christmas is spreading the holiday spirit and this is the perfect way to do so.
FIND MORE HOLIDAY FUN HERE!
