The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting will be at Union Station 2026, and it’s called Merry & Bright. This completely FREE event in downtown Wichita includes carriage rides, photos with Santa, fireworks, hot cocoa, cookies, and live holiday entertainment.
Union Station’s Merry & Bright celebration has become one of my favorite FREE holiday events in Wichita. There are so many activities packed into one evening, and you don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy the festivities!
Wichita’s Union Station will light up for the holidays, along with the historic Great Plains Transportation Museum train. It’s a festive evening filled with Christmas traditions, community spirit, and an opportunity to give back.
Merry & Bright 2026: FREE Christmas Activities at Union Station
Join the fun at the 5th annual Merry & Bright Union Station Lighting Event & Toy Drive!
One of the things I love about this celebration is how many holiday activities are included. It’s also one of the few Wichita Christmas events offering horse-drawn carriage rides.
Here’s what’s planned for 2026:
- FREE photos with Santa
- Horse-drawn carriage rides with Brower Carriages
- Lighting of Union Station and the Great Plains Transportation Museum train
- Fireworks by Victory Pyrotechnics
- Hot cocoa and cookies from Insomnia Cookies
- Interactive Kids’ Station with Envision Arts Gallery
- Learning Lab Christkindlmarkt table
- Live performance by Ballet Wichita
- Wichita Chorus Sweet Adelines
- Wichita Children’s Theatre & Dance
- Amy Menas and the Studio
- Knocknasheega Traditional Celtic Band
- Wichita Police Department Mounted Unit
- Face painting by SamJQW
- Party Rockerz Snow Sisters
- Live coverage by KWCH Channel 12 and SummitMedia
- Rachel Hackbarth of KWCH as emcee
There is plenty to keep the kids entertained while everyone waits for Union Station to light up!
FREE Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides in Downtown Wichita
The carriage rides are one of the highlights of Merry & Bright!
Brower Carriages will be offering rides during the celebration, giving families a chance to enjoy a classic holiday tradition without the usual expense.
Carriage rides are not something you find at every Christmas event, so I love that they’re part of this celebration.
If your family enjoys this holiday tradition, check out our guide to horse-drawn carriage and train rides in Wichita for more opportunities throughout the season.
Help the Wichita Children’s Home During Merry & Bright
Merry & Bright isn’t just about celebrating Christmas. It’s also an opportunity to help local children.
The event includes a holiday donation drive benefiting the Wichita Children’s Home.
Everyone is encouraged to bring one of the following:
- A new, unwrapped toy
- A new coat
- New shoes
Donations are encouraged but not required for admission.
I love when Wichita holiday events find ways to bring the community together while supporting a local organization.
Merry & Bright Union Station 2026: Date, Time, Location & Cost
Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026
Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: Union Station Plaza, 701 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67202
Admission: FREE
Toy Drive: Bring a new, unwrapped toy, new coat, or new shoes to benefit the Wichita Children’s Home.
Official Event Website: Merry & Bright at Union Station
