Wichita on the Cheap

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Where to see Santa in Wichita 2025

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He’s a busy guy, but Santa still always makes time to visit Wichita every year. See the full schedule of his stops below! He loves our city because the people are great, there isn’t a lot of traffic, and we have so many affordable things to do. But best of all, of course, is the disproportionately high number of kids who are on the Nice list here in Wichita.

Here’s where you can bring the kids to see Santa Claus on one of his many stops in Wichita and the surrounding area. (Don’t forget your camera!) *Note that not all Santa visits accommodate ‘lap sitting’ and some still have separation between Santa and his visitors for health and safety precautions. 

Santa Sightings in Wichita, KS

Woot! You can get pictures with Santa or have a talk with him about what you’d like to see under the Christmas tree this year. Keep scrolling to see a list of special events and places to visit with Santa Claus in Wichita and nearby!

Here’s a list of places in Wichita where you’re almost 100% guaranteed to run into Santa Claus this season. Keep your camera and autograph book with you! 

Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa

Here’s your Ultimate Guide to Christmas Tree Lightings in and around Wichita. When the big tree in each town or attraction is lit for the first time, it usually comes with extra holiday magic like free cookies, kids’ activities, Carriage Rides, and more. Most events are free, many happen early in the season, and plenty include visits from Santa so kids can share their wishes. A few even feature festive parades and that cozy small-town charm.

 

Santa at the Flea Market

Date: December 20 & 21, 2025
Go treasure hunting and find something for everyone on your Christmas list at this well-attended and fun local family-run flea market. Concession stand, 300+ vendors.

  • Selfies with Santa (all day both days)
  • Puppet Show (11 am & 2 pm both days)

  • Time: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Location: Century II Expo Hall

 

Santa visits Botanica Illuminations every year

Illuminations at Botanica

Full Article: Illuminations

Come and say hi to Santa every night at this fantastic Wichita seasonal event. Don’t forget to bring your letter to Santa and stick it in his mailbox. 

Dates: November 29 – December 23, 2025

 

Fulton Valley Farm: A Country Christmas

A County Christmas is located at Fulton Valley Farms. Santa will be there every night to hear your Christmas wishes in their NEW SANTA STATION! Take as many pictures with Santa as you can – no additional charge – and come meet Santa’s reindeer. YES, they have LIVE Reindeer! This is a personal favorite. Note, they have lots of special events, such as Supper with Santa, which costs extra. Read the full article for all the details.

 

Free Santa Photos at Cabela's

Cabela’s Free Santa Photos

Santa is making his annual visit to Wichita’s Cabela’s; you can see him at Cabela’s Wichita, located at 2427 N. Greenwich Road. This is one of the best deals in town, as you receive a complimentary printed photo with your visit. Read the full article for all the details.

Dates: November 3 – December 24, 2025

 

Breakfast with Santa at Stearman

Who wants to see Santa and maybe some airplanes land right in front of you on the runway outside the restaurant? This is your chance.

Date: December 20, 2025

 

Santa at Towne East Mall

Towne East Mall offers photos with Santa for purchase on the lower-level center court. These are not free and not inexpensive. Photo packages typically start at $20 and increase from there.

Dates: November 21 – December 24, 2025

Location: lower level, center court. 7700 E. Kellogg, Wichita

More info: Santa at Towne East

 

Watson Christmas Express

The Polar Express at Watosn Park

This holiday event will take you on a magical train ride to visit Santa at OJ Watson Park (3022 S. Mclean Blvd. ). This adventure is complete with a campfire, s’mores, and hot cocoa for an additional charge. The event is ongoing and typically starts in November every year.

Santa at Prairie Pines

Prairie Pines Christmas Tree Farm is the perfect place to visit Santa in his vintage sleigh. Enjoy walking through the tree farm and participating in other holiday activities.

 

Bradley Fair Holiday Stroll

Take your selfie with Santa during Bradley Fair’s Holiday Stroll or enjoy a train ride.

Date: First four Sundays of December

 

Somewhere in Winter Fest

Is a winter event is happening in downtown Wichita this Holiday season. Somewhere in Winter Fest is where you can ice skate (for a fee), rent an igloo, roast s’mores, eat at food trucks, and more. Santa will be there on select nights.

 

Santa at the Short & Suite Nutcracker

Don’t miss your chance to see Santa before The Nutcracker! He’ll be in the theatre lobby 45 minutes before each show to visit with kids and collect wish lists. After the performance, enjoy photos with the cast, sweet treats from the “Sweet Shoppe,” and festive photo ops throughout the candy-coated lobby.

This beloved Wichita tradition by Midwest Dance Mechanix is the perfect way to celebrate the season—with Santa at every show!

Dates: December 12 – 14, 2025

 

Santa at Watermark Books

Ticketed Santa Event at Watermark Books & Café. $30 per child (includes up to 2 adults)

Tickets are going quickly for this cozy Santa Storytime experience in the Starry Night Room. Each ticket includes storytime with Santa, professional photos by Bri Secrest Photography, candid moments during storytime and cookie decorating, plus a cookie you can decorate and enjoy or take home.

Time slots:
• Thursday, Dec. 4 – 5:00 or 6:00 pm (The Nutcracker)
• Friday, Dec. 5 – 5:00 or 6:00 pm (Santa’s First Christmas)
• Saturday, Dec. 6 – 2:00, 3:00, or 4:00 pm (’Twas the Night Before Christmas in Kansas)

Space is limited—reserve your spot early for stories, cookies, and Christmas cheer.

 

Mark Arts building in Wichita KS

Art Together: Holidays Around the World

Holidays Around the World returns this December, and it’s the perfect chance to soak up the season and meet Santa. This is a FREE event!

Start your adventure with Mrs. Claus as she shares stories about holiday traditions from around the globe. Afterward, enjoy cultural performances organized by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), then explore the Living Museum where you can meet people from around the world and learn how they celebrate the season.

Make sure you stop for photos with Santa — the highlight for many families — and enjoy a free make-and-take craft while students from the Wichita Youth Symphony Orchestra play festive music. The celebration ends with a beautiful performance by the full Wichita Youth Symphony Orchestra, featuring selections from their Spirit of the Season concert.

December 13, 2025

 

Augusta Historic Theatre: Bisagno Annual Christmas

The historic theater in Augusta, KS, is hosting a free family movie night and a photo opportunity with Santa.

Dates: December 13, 2025

Times: 9:50 am – Noon

Location: Augusta Historic Theatre

 

Cocoa & Cookies with Santa at the Kansas Aviation Museum

Kids 12 & under are free, and adults are $5. During Holiday Break, you can get Discounted Admission.

Date: December 19, 2025

 

The Midian Shrine Feztival of Trees

This event is called the Feztizal of Trees where you can walk through beautifully decorated trees, visit Santa, and stop at the sweet shoppe.

 

Cowtown Breakfast with Santa

Create lasting family memories at Cowtown’s unique Breakfast with Santa! Santa will come in and mingle with the kids while they enjoy a delicious breakfast in the Visitor’s Center. This is a perfect holiday tradition for kids in Wichita. Breakfast, photos with Santa, and activities will be included with your ticket.

Date: December 6, 2025

 

Breakfast with Santa in Mulvane

Bring the little ones for a fun-filled morning of joy, featuring breakfast with Santa. Children can share their holiday wishes, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and play reindeer games.

Date: December 13, 2025

Time: 9 am – 11 am

Cost: $7

Location: Annex Gymnasium (attached to the Mulvane Grade School – 411 SE Louis Dr.

More info: Breakfast with Santa in Mulvane

 

Grinch at the Kansas Aviation Museum

Visit the Kansas Aviation Museum and see the green guy, and make sure to go upstairs to the indoor playroom.

Date: December 22

Cost: $5

Santa’s Hotline: If you can’t get to one of his personal visits, call Santa’s Hotline at (605) 313-0691. Kids can call and leave Santa a message with what they want, and parents will receive a text so they can listen or share the message with the family.

May

No Events

June

No Events

Can’t get enough of the Holidays? Check out these Holly Jolly posts!

Wichita Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus
Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Wichita Veterans Day parade.

 

See Santa Wichita
Santa sightings Wichita

Still updating the Santa visits below…

Colwich Christmas Festival visit with Santa on December 8 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Colwich Elementary School gym, 401 Marian St, Colwich, KS 67030.

Santa visits Wichita

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