Where to find some Christmas magic in small-town Kansas
TOPEKA (KSNT) - If you're looking for some small-town magic this December or places to celebrate the Christmas season that are off the beaten path, there's plenty of events you can go to by heading out of the city and into the countryside.
27 News checked with Kansas Tourism, the National Park Service (NPS) and other sources for places people can visit in rural areas to get in the mood for the holidays this year that are away from larger cities. Parades, historic tours, light festivals and more can be found across Kansas that bring with them some small-town charm.
Yates Center
Check out Yates Center this year for the sixth annual Festival of Lights & Lighted Christmas Parade featuring free carriage rides, photos with Santa, balloon art, games and other performances. The event is free to all participants.
- 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 14.
- Yates Center Historic Town Square and Courthouse at 105 West Rutledge.
- More information.
Fort Scott
The Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting an annual candlelight tour during the first weekend of December. More than 1,000 candle lanterns will decorate the site while around 100 reenactors help bring the location to life.
People participating in the tour can be immersed in the history of the location and learn how early settlers overcame the hardships of the terrain. Guests are encouraged to dress warmly for the tour.
- 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 6.
- 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 7.
- Tours last 15 minutes.
- Tickets are $8.
- More information.
Lindsborg
People making the drive to Lindsborg can partake in local traditions which have ties to Swedish history and culture. The Saint Lucia Festival involves live music, dances, food and other fun activities while the Heritage Christmas celebration features a bake sale, choir performances and learning opportunities of the local Swedish-inspired culture.
- Saint Lucia Festival.
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 14.
- Bethany Lutheran Church at 320 North Main Street.
- More information.
- Heritage Christmas.
- 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 14.
- Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum 120 East Mill Street.
- Suggested donations of $5 for adults and $2 for children.
- More information.
Tallgrass Prairie
A free event for the public will be held at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve near Strong City in late November. This "good old-fashioned Christmas party" will be held inside the Spring Hill Ranch with plenty of activities marketed for children. There will be readings of "Twas the Night Before Christmas," snacks and hot cocoa along with arts and crafts activities.
- Noon to 4 p.m. on Nov. 30.
- More information.
Concordia
People making the trip out to Concordia's Brown Grand Opera House can partake in the Christmas Vespers celebration featuring a mix of music and scripture. Multiple local church ensembles and musical groups hailing from Cloud County Community College and Concordia High School will be leading the performances.
Participants can expect to hear Christmas classics performed during the evening shows such as "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World." No tickets are required but people are encouraged to leave donations at the door.
- 6 p.m. on Dec. 8.
- 310 West Sixth Street.
- More information.
Abilene
This historic small town in central Kansas has more than one event going on this year to help you get into the mood for Christmas. One is the Abilene and Smoky Valley's Cowtown Santa Express which will be bringing the Christmas magic with it from late November through to the days leading up to Dec. 25.
Abilene's Old Fashioned Christmas features different holiday music performances along with activities for children at the Christmas village like crafting, tree decorating contests and carousel rides. If this isn't your style, you can also check out the 47th Homes for the Holidays tour which takes participants through the doors of local historic homes.
- Abilene and Smoky Valley's Cowtown Santa Express.
- Thursdays through Sundays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 23.
- Tickets are $25 - $35.
- More information/tickets.
- Old Fashioned Christmas.
- 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8.
- Heritage center Grounds at 412 South Campbell.
- More information.
- Homes for the Holidays.
- 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 7.
- 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 8.
- Tickets are $10.
- More information.
Jetmore
HorseThief Reservoir presents people with the opportunity to spend a weekend enjoying some holiday magic at the town of Jetmore. This includes yurt tours, hot chocolate, visits with Santa, food and holiday vendors.
- 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 7.
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 8.
- 19005 Southwest Highway 156.
- More information.
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