The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting will be at Union Station 2025, and it’s called Merry & Bright. This is a completely FREE event in Wichita, and there will be lots of holiday activities to get you into the Holiday Spirit!
Union Station’s Merry & Bright event and Christmas tree lighting has become one of my favorite FREE Holiday Events in Wichita.
Wichita’s mayor will flip the switch to light up Union Station. Enjoy holiday favorites like photos with Santa, Carriage rides, hot cocoa and cookies, and live musical performances. Dont miss this magical night filled with joy and giving.
Join in on the Holiday Fun at the 3rd annual Merry & Bright celebration at Union Station on Thursday, November 20, 2025. The holiday season kicks off with a Tree Lighting and Toy Drive benefiting the Wichita Children’s Home. This FREE, family-friendly event is open to everyone. This is one of the few events with Carriage rides. See our article with Horse-Drawn Carriage & Train Rides in and around Wichita.
Merry & Bright Christmas Tree Lighting 2025 at Union Station
- oy drive to benefit the Wichita Children’s Home
- Lighting of the Great Plains Transportation Museum train
- Live coverage by KWCH Channel 12 with co-sponsor SummitMedia (KFDI-FM 101.3)
- Emcee: Pat Strathman of ESPN
- Broadcast sponsors: KWCH, Summit Media, ESPN & KMUW
- Photos with Santa
- Carriage rides with Brower Carriages
- Interactive Kids’ Station with Envision Arts Gallery
- Learning Lab Chriskindlmarket table
- Live performance by Ballet Wichita
- Live performances by Wichita Chorus Sweet Adelines, Wichita Children’s Theater & Dance, and Knocknasheega – Traditional Celtic Band
- Cocoa and cookies with Insomnia Cookies
- Fireworks by Victory Pyrotechnics
- Wichita Police Department Mounted Unit
- Face painting by SamJQW
- Party Rockerz Snow Sisters
“It’s the perfect time of year to bring the community together for a family-friendly event, spread some holiday cheer, and support a wonderful cause for the Wichita Children’s Home,” said Chad Stafford, President of Occidental Management.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Wichita Children’s Home. For full event details, visit The Union Station Website
Union Station Tree Lighting: Merry & Bright Info:
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Location: Union Station 701 E Douglas
Cost: FREE
