Where to find some Christmas magic in small town Kansas

TOPEKA (KSNT) – If you’re looking for small town magic this December or places to celebrate the holiday season off the beaten path, there are plenty of events you can attend by getting out of town and go to the country.

27 News searched Kansas Tourism, the National Park Service (NPS) and other sources for places people in rural areas can visit to get in the mood for this year’s holidays away from major cities. Across Kansas, there are parades, historical tours, light festivals and more that bring small-town charm.

Yates Center

This year, visit the Yates Center 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 for all participants.

• December 14th from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Yates Center Historic Town Square and Courthouse at 105 West Rutledge.
• More information.

Fort Scott

The Fort Scott National Historic Site hosts an annual candlelight tour the first weekend in December. More than 1,000 candle lanterns will decorate the grounds, while around 100 reenactors will help bring the site to life.

Tour participants can immerse themselves in the history of the place and learn how the early settlers overcame the hardships of the terrain. Guests are advised to dress warmly for the tour.

• December 6th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• December 7th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• The tours last 15 minutes.
• Tickets are $8.
• More information.

Lindsborg

Those who go to Lindsborg can take part in local traditions that are closely linked to Swedish history and culture. The St. Lucia Festival includes live music, dancing, food and other fun activities, while the Heritage Christmas Celebration features a cake sale, choir performances and opportunities to learn local Swedish-inspired culture.

• St. Lucia Festival.
  • December 14th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Bethany Lutheran Church at 320 North Main Street.
  • More information.
• Heritage Christmas.
  • December 14th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Local History Museum 120 East Mill Street.
  • Suggested donation: $5 for adults and $2 for children.
  • More information.

Tallgrass Prairie

A free event open to the public will be held in late November at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve near Strong City. This “good old-fashioned Christmas party” takes place at Spring Hill Ranch with plenty of activities for kids. There will be readings of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” snacks and hot cocoa, and arts and crafts activities.

Concordia

Those who take a trip to the Brown Grand Opera House in Concordia can participate in Christmas Vespers with a mix of music and scriptures. Several local church ensembles and music groups from Cloud County Community College and Concordia High School will lead the performances.

Attendees can look forward to hearing Christmas classics such as “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Silent Night,” and “Joy to the World” during the evening shows. No tickets are required, but people are encouraged to leave donations at the door.

Abilene

This historic small town in central Kansas is hosting more than one event to get you in the Christmas spirit this year. One of these is the Cowtown Santa Express in Abilene and Smoky Valley, which brings the magic of Christmas from late November through the days leading up to December 25th.

Abilene’s Old Fashioned Christmas features a variety of holiday musical performances as well as children’s activities in the Christmas Village such as crafts, tree decorating contests and carousel rides. If that’s not your style, you can also check out the 47th Homes for the Holidays tour, which takes participants through the doors of historic local homes.

• Abilene and Cowtown Santa Express in the Smoky Valley.
• Old fashioned Christmas.
  • December 7th and 8th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Heritage Center grounds at 412 South Campbell.
  • More information.
• Houses for the holidays.
  • December 7th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • December 8th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tickets are $10.
  • More information.

Jetmore

HorseThief Reservoir offers people the opportunity to enjoy a weekend of vacation magic in the town of Jetmore. This includes yurt tours, hot chocolate, visits with Santa, food and holiday vendors.

• December 7th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• December 8th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• 19005 Southwest Highway 156.
• More information.

For more local news click here. Stay up to date on the latest news in Northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our email alerts for breaking news. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf