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FEATURED EVENTS
■ 12 Drinks of Christmas | Dec. 1
Where: Exploration Place
Merry, merry! Take a trip around the world with us, enjoying 12 different traditional holiday drinks. Guests will receive a passport to enjoy a special tasting from around the globe. Enjoy all the museum’s exhibits, including Arctic Adventure, a new polar playground with Crystal Castle, a sock skating rink, outdoor display and more. This event is for adults 21+.
■ Small Business Saturday Redo | Dec. 2
Where: Wichita, KS
After Saturday’s snow storm, many businesses were forced to shut down early. It was supposed to be a day to celebrate Small Business Saturday, but by the late afternoon it ended up being “snowed in Saturday”. Many shoppers stayed home and multiple businesses closed early for the day. Now many local businesses are asking for a Small Business Saturday redo this weekend. On Saturday, December 2, multiple small businesses are offering the same deals as last Saturday in hopes of a business boost that was planned for last Saturday. While some deals can be found here, I’ve compiled a list of what’s been made public so far.
BEST THINGS TO DO
■ Wild Lights | Nov. 29-Dec. 3
Where: Sedgwick County Zoo
Wild Lights is back with ALL NEW light displays and this year’s theme will leave you smiling like the Cheshire Cat. Wichita’s most unique fall event will return with larger-than-life Asian Lantern sculptures illuminating the Zoo with dazzling scenes of glowing wildlife, beautiful scenery, and Alice in Wonderland themed displays.
■ 1 Million Cups | Nov. 29
Where: Groover Labs
1 Million Cups is a free, weekly national program designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs. Every Wednesday morning at 8:45 a.m., one or two early-stage startups present their companies to a diverse audience of their peers, mentors, educators, and advisors.
■ Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night | Nov. 29
Where: Headshots Bar & Grill
Geeks Who Drink is an authentic homegrown trivia quiz. It’s a great way to drink with friends, without burning brain cells. And it’s where useless knowledge means everything. Our quizzes cover everything from Hungary to The Hunger Games, from science to sports, from the Billboard Hot 100 to Better Call Saul. Each quiz consists of seven rounds of eight questions each, in a variety of formats, including audio and visual rounds. Teams can be up to six players, so bring your smartest friends —or come solo. We can always help you join a team! No reservations needed! Winning teams get bar cash and other prizes.
■ Wichita State Men’s Basketball vs. Richmond | Nov. 29
Where: Charles Koch Arena
■ Frozen Sing-Along and Meet & Greet | Nov. 30
Where: Exploration Place
Step into the enchanting world of Arendelle and join us for an experience filled with music, laughter and the heartwarming tale of sisters Elsa and Anna as we watch the beloved film Frozen on the big screen in Kemper theater at Exploration Place. Throughout the movie there will be fun surprises, interactive cues, a special appearance by Olaf and vocal performances by Elsa and Anna themselves.
■ Celebrity Chef Dinner with Toni Tipton-Martin | Nov. 30
Where: Wichita Art Museum
Connect your love of food and art through WAM’s new Culinary Program! WAM welcomes to Wichita award-winning author, food, and nutrition journalist Toni Tipton-Martin. Toni will curate a sensational multi-course meal inspired by her cookbooks “Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking” and “Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs & Juice: A Cocktail Recipe Book”. During each course Toni will present interesting historical points on African American cooking and mixology, which mirror many of the themes in this fall’s featured exhibitions. Each course is perfectly paired with wine/cocktails/mocktails.
■ Joseph Habedank LIVE in Concert | Nov. 30
Where: Hutchinson High School
Grand Staff Ministries presents Joseph Habedank LIVE in Concert, Thursday, November 30, 7:00 pm, at Hutchinson High School, 810 E 13th, Hutchinson, KS. Joseph Habedank is a two-time GRAMMY® nominated, three-time GMA Dove Award winning, and five-time fan-voted Soloist of the Year. He has shared his songs in some of America’s greatest churches and venues, including the Brooklyn Tabernacle, Charles Stanley’s First Baptist Atlanta, The Grand Ole Opry, and the historic Ryman Auditorium. He has released five solo albums. Tickets are $15 (ages 10 & Under FREE) and can be purchased at http://www.grandstaffministries.com; our Facebook page, Grand Staff Ministries, Inc.; or at the door.
■ Jumbo’s Beef & Brew’s 3rd Birthday Bash | Dec. 1-2
Where: Jumbo’s Beef & Brew
EXCITING NEWS!! Jumbo’s is turning 3!! You definitely aren’t going to want to miss this party!!! $3 Drink Specials!! Late night fun!! Open until 2am!!!
■ First Friday Pop Up at Revolutsia | Dec. 1
Where: Revolutsia
Revolutsia is a growing collection of shops, small businesses, restaurants and bars made of stacked shipping containers! The space is super rad, for indoor and outdoor community gathering and create event engagement. Located at Central & Volutsia near Downtown Wichita. Exclusively, just for the night, Haute Handmade Market will pop up with over a dozen makers featured outside each store front!
■ Adult Skate Night | Dec. 1
Where: Carousel Skate Center
Join us for Adult Night every Friday! Must be 21 with a Valid ID. $10 Cover (skates included). Beer & mixed drinks available. Check out our feature at what to expect here.
■ Blood Orchard Vintage Market & Southside Food Truck Rally | Dec. 2
Where: Blood Orchard – reBorn boutique & marketplace
REALLY?! An improv show right after Thanksgiving?! Yup. We think you’ll need to entertain the visiting relatives. Or escape them. Or maybe you couldn’t get out of town and feel stuck. Or you just like live comedy and this is all the excuse you need. Whatever. Get in here! Improv is live, unscripted shenanigans – games like you see on TV or scenes like you’ve never seen on TV – which are inspired by suggestions from you in the audience. It’s easy (no reservations), it’s cheap ($15), and it’s something to talk about on Monday besides Aunt Helen’s annoying habits.
■ Holiday Shopping Craft Fair | Dec. 2
Where: Risen Savior Lutheran Church
Our 6th annual holiday shopping craft fair takes place at Risen Savior Lutheran Church on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. We have dozens of vendors, including homemade goods, clothing, jewelry, Christmas crafts, food, Annette’s homemade cinnamon rolls and more. Come and support local business and get your gifts for your loved ones. Plus, it is FREE to attend.
■ ICT Pond Opening Celebration | Dec. 2
Where: Chicken N Pickle
Join us for a festive Ice Pond Opening Celebration! For just $15, inclusive of skate rentals, experience the magic of the season with a special visit from Santa. Write a letter to Santa, snap a photo, and enjoy live music from the Amy Menas Studio Singers from 11AM – 12PM. Bring holiday joy to others by participating in our Toys for Tots drive—donate a toy and receive a free skate pass for January or February. Let’s celebrate the holidays on the ice with Santa, music, and giving! The first 30 kids in line skate for free! (Ages 14 & under)
■ Used Book Sale by Friends of the Library | Dec. 2
Where: Advanced Learning Center
Friends Used Book Sale! Buy books by the bag. $10 – purchase a bag and fill it $5 – fill your Friends bag (royal blue, lime green, purple)
■ Indian ART Market | Dec. 2
Where: Mid-America All-Indian Center
Buy art from local Native/Indigenous artists. Last day to visit the traveling exhibit from the Osage Nation: Voices from the Drum. Free admission to the market.
■ Holiday Market Season | Dec. 2
Where: Old Town Farm & Art Market
The intoxicating sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the holidays are awaiting you. Featuring Food Artisans, Farms, Ranches, Artists, Handmade Artisans, Live Music and Entertainment in an atmosphere unique to Wichita. We invite you to a holiday shopping experience, like no other. Open 10am-2pm on the first three Saturdays in November and December at Farm & Art Market Plaza. Surrounded by brick-lined streets and native limestone-accented buildings dating back to the 1800s, we couldn’t ask for a more classic holiday Market setting through Autumn.
■ Wichita Art Museum Family ArtVenture: Holiday Open House | Dec. 2
Where: Wichita Art Museum
Celebrate the season with fun and festive activities throughout the museum! Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their reindeer. Enjoy holiday performances, storytelling, and create your own work of art.
■ MakeICT Winter Market | Dec. 2
Where: MakeICT
Join us at MakeICT for a December market featuring local artists and vendors sharing their handmade wares! Perfect time to get those last minute gifts for the holidays, and supporting small businesses!
■ Sports Card Show | Dec. 3
Where: Rock’s Dugout
■ Frozen Sing-Along and Meet & Greet | Dec. 3
Where: Exploration Place
Step into the enchanting world of Arendelle and join us for an experience filled with music, laughter and the heartwarming tale of sisters Elsa and Anna as we watch the beloved film Frozen on the big screen in Kemper theater at Exploration Place. Throughout the movie there will be fun surprises, interactive cues, a special appearance by Olaf and vocal performances by Elsa and Anna themselves.
■ Sunday Sip & Shop | Dec. 3
Where: Alzavino Wine Tavern
It’s our holiday-themed Sunday Sip & Shop! Come out and support various local vendors while sipping on incredible wine, bubbles and mimosas. Maybe we’ll even have some winter themed drinks to sip on too!
■ Lights on the River | Dec. 3
Where: Wichita Boathouse
Holiday event on the Arkansas River – all ages welcome Event includes food trucks, wagon rides, s’mores and a beautiful lighted orb float. Purchase of lights goes towards improving water quality in the River. Org sales and further details will be coming soon
■ Chris Isaak Live | Dec. 3
Where: Wichita Orpheum Theatre
Over the course of his forty-year career, Platinum-selling and GRAMMY-nominated singer & actor Chris Isaak has performed to sold-out crowds across the globe with his longtime band Silvertone. His newly released Everybody Knows It’s Christmas is Isaak’s second career Christmas album and features 13 tracks of originals and covers. Isaak was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance by the Americana Honors.
View All Events On Our Calendar
What are this month’s happy hours and restaurant specials? We’ve got you covered here!
Where To See Santa in Wichita
Recurring Events
■ A Country Christmas at Foulton Valley Farms | 5079 SW Fulton Road, Towanda
November 24 – December 23
■ An Old Fashioned Christmas at Prairie Pines | 4055 N. Tyler Road
November 24 – December 10
■ Cookies with Santa at Love of Character | 3200 E. Douglas
December 3 – 10
■ Holiday Stroll at Bradley Fair | 2000 N. Rock Road
November 26 – December 17 (On Sunday only)
■ Illuminations at Botanica | 701 N. Amidon
November 24 – December 23
■ Santa Pho Experience at Towne East | 7700 E. Kellogg Dr.
November 24 – December 24
■ Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s | 2427 N. Greenwich Road
November 5 – December 24
■ Victorian Christmas at Cowtown | 1865 W. Museum Blvd
December 1-2, 8-9
■ Watson’s Christmas Express at O.J. Watson Park | 3022 S. McLean Blvd
November 24 – December 23 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays)
Limited Time Events (in chronological order)
■ Cookies with Santa | (Don Hattan West) 7800 W. Kellogg Dr.
November 27
Starts at 5 p.m.
■ Cookies with Santa | (Don Hattan Derby) 2518 N. Rock Road, Derby
November 29
Starts at 5 p.m.
■ Cookies with Santa with Bakesale Treat Parlor | 1931 N. Bradley Fair Pkwy
November 30
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
■ Blood Orchard Vintage Market | (Blood Orchards) 6346 S. Broadway Ave.
December 2
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
■ Breakfast with Santa | (Old Cowtown Museum) 1865 W. Museum Blvd
December 2
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
■ Breakfast with Santa on the Farm | (Eberly Farm) 13111 W. 21st St.
December 2
9 a.m. to Noon
■ Family Artventure: Holiday Open House | (Wichita Art Museum) 1400 West Museum Boulevard
December 2
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
■ Kansas K-9 ResQ Santa Paws Photo Event | (Woof Gang Bakery) 9747 E 21st St. N.
December 2
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
■ Haysville’s Village Christmas Celebration | 200 S. Main, Haysville
December 2
4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
■ Caring Santa (exclusively for children with special needs) | (Towne East Square) 7700 E. Kellogg Dr.
December 3
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
■ Brunch with Santa at SnowGlobe | (River City Brewing Co) 150 N. Mosley St.
December 3
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
■ HoliDAZE Annual Pop Up Market | (Brick & Mortar) 230 S. Topeka
December 3
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
AROUND THE CORNER
■ The Nutcracker featuring The Ballet Wichita Symphony | Dec. 15-17
Where: Century II
This December, Ballet Wichita is set to whisk Wichita away on an enchanting journey into a mesmerizing world inhabited by dancing dolls that come to life, mischievous mice that dare to tango, and snowflakes that glisten like a million stars. Get ready for the most anticipated event of the holiday season – the Nutcracker Ballet!
■ Wichita State Mens BBall vs. Richmond | Nov. 29
Where: Charles Koch Arena
LIVE MUSIC
Visit this week and the schedule for the weeks ahead at our Live Music Calendar.
PERFORMING ARTS
Century II Performing Arts Center
■ December 1-3 | Annie
■ December 9 | ‘S Wonderful: A Tribute To George Gershwin
■ December 12 | Spirit of the Season Free Family Holiday Concert 2023
■ December 15-17 | The Nutcracker Ballet
■ December 15-17 | Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Crown Uptown Theatre
■ November 29 – December 2 | Junie B In Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
■ February 15-17 | Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical
Mosley Street Melodrama
■ Nov. 10 – Dec. 23. | Derbysville: Town of Misfit Toys
Prairie Pines Playhouse
■ November 17 – December 23 | Holiday Show 2023!
Roxy’s Downtown
■ November 24 – December 23 | A Cabaret Christmas
Wichita Orpheum Theatre
■ December 3 | Chris Isaak
■ December 7 | Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy
■ December 14 | Blue October
■ January 12 | Kathleen Madigan
FOOD TRUCKS
Did you know the food truck schedule is back? Check out this weekend’s list of food trucks right here!
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For a Complete Schedule of What’s Going on in Wichita, visit our Event Calendar