Kansas has 6 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Luminary Walk in Overland Park on November 27 to Gingerbread Man in Wichita, on December 29. Every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in every state.
The short version
- 6 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Kansas for 2026, in Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka
- First: Luminary Walk, Overland Park, November 27. Runs latest: Gingerbread Man, Wichita, through December 29
- Every event here charges admission or a ticket; check each host
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Kansas Christmas train rides page.
Kansas Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 6 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka
- Season
- November 27 to December 29, 2026
- Free events
- 0
- Kinds of events
- holiday story time, holiday lights, Santa visit and holiday crafts
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Kansas Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Luminary Walk in Overland Park on November 27; the last runs to December 29. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Luminary WalkOverland Park · Nov 27 to Dec 26
- Ballet Midwest Nutcracker StorytimeTopeka · Dec 5
- Holiday Open House with Santa - Family and Pet Friendly!Kansas City · Dec 7
- Graham Cracker CottagesLeawood · Dec 12
- Christmas Puppet ShowWichita · Dec 22
- Gingerbread ManWichita · Dec 29
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Kansas? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Kansas City
3 confirmed events for kids in Kansas City, including nearby Leawood and Overland Park, soonest first.
Overland Park: Luminary Walk
Holiday lightsArts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park · Overland Park
- Host
- Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS 66013 (near Kansas City)
- When
- Fri November 27 (5 to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 4 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 5 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 11 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 12 (5 to 9 pm), Wed December 16, Fri December 18 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 19 (5 to 9 pm), Sun December 20, Mon December 21, Tue December 22, Wed December 23 and Sat December 26, 2026
- Cost
- $17; ages 5 and under free with a free ticket; Electric Glow nights $12
- Ages
- Family nights for all ages; Candlelight Stroll is adults only
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The 27th annual Luminary Walk lights up the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens with luminary candles in the woods, gnome and fairy villages, festive displays and live music. On traditional walk nights, Nov. 27 and 28 and Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19, holiday trains run in the Train Garden from 5 to 8:45 pm and kids can take photos with Santa from 5 to 8:30 pm.
Tickets are $17 and sold in half-hour entry windows, with no entry after 8 pm, and the walk takes about an hour to 90 minutes. Children 5 and under are free but need a free ticket to reserve a slot. Thursday Candlelight Strolls are adults only, and Electric Glow nights in late December cost $12 and skip the trains and Santa. The event is entirely outdoors, so dress warmly. Parking is free, with shuttles from Wolf Spring Elementary when lots fill.
Parent tip: Buy timed tickets online in advance, including free tickets for kids 5 and under. Dress warmly with hats, gloves and walking shoes; parking is free with overflow shuttles, and pets are not allowed.
See dates and details from Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park (opens in a new tab)Kansas City: Holiday Open House with Santa - Family and Pet Friendly!
Santa visitKansas City, Kansas Public Library · Kansas City
- Host
- Kansas City, Kansas Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- South Branch Library, Conference Room A, 3104 Strong Ave, Kansas City, KS 66106
- When
- Monday, December 7, 2026, 5 to 6:30 pm
- Cost
- No fee listed (library program)
- Ages
- Children, teens and adults
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Kansas City, Kansas Public Library's South Branch hosts a holiday open house where both kids and friendly pets are invited to take a special holiday photo with Santa. The library also plans treats and fun holiday crafts for families during the evening.
The open house runs from 5 to 6:30 pm on Monday, December 7, in Conference Room A at the South Branch on Strong Avenue. It is listed for children, teens and adults, so the whole family can come along, including the family dog. Library programs may be photographed for promotional use, and families who prefer not to be photographed can let staff know. The library lists it under crafts, entertainment, holiday and special events. Questions can go to the South Branch at 913-295-8250, extension 3.
Parent tip: Bring your camera or phone for the Santa photo, and keep pets leashed and comfortable around crowds.
See dates and details from Kansas City, Kansas Public Library (opens in a new tab)Leawood: Graham Cracker Cottages
Holiday craftsJohnson County Library · Leawood
- Host
- Johnson County Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Leawood Pioneer Library, 4700 Town Center Dr, Leawood, KS 66211 (near Kansas City)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 to 11 am
- Cost
- No fee listed (library program); registration required
- Ages
- Best for children with a caregiver
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Johnson County Library calls this its version of gingerbread houses. Each participant gets a base structure made in the library's MakerSpace and supplies to build and decorate a graham cracker cottage with white icing and colorful candy, then takes the finished creation home.
The Leawood Pioneer Library session runs from 10 to 11 am on Saturday, December 12, and is described as best for children with a caregiver. Space is limited and registration is required, and each person who wants to make a cottage needs their own registration. The library offers the same program at other branches as well, including De Soto and Lenexa City Center on Friday, December 11, and Monticello on December 12. Teens have their own session at the Central Resource Library on December 3.
Parent tip: Register each child who will build a cottage, since space is limited. Bring a box or plate to carry the cottage home.
See dates and details from Johnson County Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Wichita
2 confirmed events for kids in Wichita, soonest first.
Wichita: Christmas Puppet Show
Holiday story timeWichita Public Library · Wichita
- Host
- Wichita Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Westlink Branch Library, Conference Rooms 115 and 116, 8515 Bekemeyer St, Wichita, KS 67212
- When
- Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am
- Cost
- No fee listed (library program)
- Ages
- Preschool, grades K to 5, all ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Wichita Public Library's Westlink Branch hosts a Christmas Puppet Show, a special storytime featuring some favorite seasonal stories told with puppets. The library lists it for preschoolers and children in kindergarten through fifth grade, and families of all ages are welcome.
The show runs from 10:30 to 11 am on Tuesday, December 22, when many kids are already on winter break, in Conference Rooms 115 and 116 at the branch. No registration is required. At half an hour it is easy to fit into a busy week before Christmas, and it is a nice way to keep kids reading during the break. The library tags it as a storytime and puppet show for children. The branch is at 8515 Bekemeyer Street.
Parent tip: No registration is needed. It is short, so it pairs well with picking out holiday books from the branch afterward.
See dates and details from Wichita Public Library (opens in a new tab)Wichita: Gingerbread Man
Holiday story timeWichita Public Library · Wichita
- Host
- Wichita Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Alford Branch Library, 3447 S Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67217
- When
- Tuesday, December 29, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am
- Cost
- No fee listed (library program)
- Ages
- Ages 3 to 8
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Run, run as fast as you can to the library. Wichita Public Library's Alford Branch invites families to catch books, sweet crafts and games inspired by the story of the Gingerbread Man. The program is designed for children ages 3 to 8.
It runs from 10:30 to 11 am on Tuesday, December 29, in the quiet week between Christmas and New Year's when kids are home from school and families are looking for something to do. No registration is required. It is a cheerful way to stretch the holiday season a little longer with a classic story young children already love. The Alford Branch is at 3447 South Meridian Avenue, and the program is listed for preschool and kindergarten through second grade.
Parent tip: No registration needed. A good outing for the week after Christmas when school is out.
See dates and details from Wichita Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Topeka
1 confirmed event for kids in Topeka, soonest first.
Topeka: Ballet Midwest Nutcracker Storytime
Holiday story timeTopeka and Shawnee County Public Library · Topeka
- Host
- Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 to 10:30 am
- Cost
- No fee listed (library program)
- Ages
- Early Learners (Birth to Pre-K)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library hosts a special storytime with Ballet Midwest. Young children meet some of the characters and dancers from this year's Nutcracker production, watch short dance performances, dance along with the performers, and listen to a reading of The Nutcracker.
The storytime runs from 10 to 10:30 am on Saturday, December 5, and is aimed at early learners from birth through pre-K. At half an hour, it is a gentle introduction to ballet for little ones who might not sit through a full performance, and a fun way to start a Saturday in downtown Topeka during the holidays. The program is in person at the main library at 1515 SW 10th Avenue, and the listing does not mention registration.
Parent tip: It is a short 30 minute program for babies through preschoolers, so arrive a few minutes early to settle in.
See dates and details from Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Near a state line? Our guides to Christmas events for kids in Nebraska, Christmas events for kids in Oklahoma and Christmas events for kids in Missouri list more confirmed events, and the national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonKansas Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Kansas in 2026?
We confirmed 6 Christmas events for kids in Kansas for 2026 on each host’s own page: Luminary Walk in Overland Park (November 27), Ballet Midwest Nutcracker Storytime in Topeka (December 5), Holiday Open House with Santa - Family and Pet Friendly! in Kansas City (December 7), Graham Cracker Cottages in Leawood (December 12), Christmas Puppet Show in Wichita (December 22) and Gingerbread Man in Wichita (December 29). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Kansas City, Kansas?
For families in and around Kansas City, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Luminary Walk (in Overland Park, Fridays and Saturdays, Nov 27 to Dec 19, timed entry from 5 pm, $17; ages 5 and under free with a free ticket; electric glow nights $12); Holiday Open House with Santa - Family and Pet Friendly! (Mon, Dec 7, 5 to 6:30 pm, no fee listed (library program)); Graham Cracker Cottages (in Leawood, Sat, Dec 12, 10 to 11 am, no fee listed (library program); registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Kansas City section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Wichita, Kansas?
For families in and around Wichita, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Christmas Puppet Show (Tue, Dec 22, 10:30 to 11 am, no fee listed (library program)); Gingerbread Man (Tue, Dec 29, 10:30 to 11 am, no fee listed (library program)). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Wichita section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Topeka, Kansas?
For families in and around Topeka, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Ballet Midwest Nutcracker Storytime (Sat, Dec 5, 10 to 10:30 am, no fee listed (library program)). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Topeka section of this page.
Where can kids see Santa in Kansas this December?
Santa appears at Luminary Walk in Overland Park (November 27) and Holiday Open House with Santa - Family and Pet Friendly! in Kansas City (December 7). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Kansas?
Holiday story times on this page: Ballet Midwest Nutcracker Storytime in Topeka, Christmas Puppet Show in Wichita and Gingerbread Man in Wichita. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Kansas Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Ballet Midwest Nutcracker Storytime in Topeka (Early Learners (Birth to Pre-K)) and Christmas Puppet Show in Wichita (Preschool, grades K to 5, all ages).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Kansas on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Luminary Walk in Overland Park (through December 26) and Gingerbread Man in Wichita (through December 29).
How much is Luminary Walk in Overland Park?
$17; ages 5 and under free with a free ticket; Electric Glow nights $12. Luminary Walk is on Fri November 27 (5 to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 4 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 5 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 11 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 12 (5 to 9 pm), Wed December 16, Fri December 18 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 19 (5 to 9 pm), Sun December 20, Mon December 21, Tue December 22, Wed December 23 and Sat December 26, 2026 at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Ballet Midwest Nutcracker Storytime in Topeka?
No fee listed (library program). Ballet Midwest Nutcracker Storytime is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 to 10:30 am at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Open House with Santa - Family and Pet Friendly! in Kansas City?
No fee listed (library program). Holiday Open House with Santa - Family and Pet Friendly! is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 5 to 6:30 pm at South Branch Library, Conference Room A. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Graham Cracker Cottages in Leawood?
No fee listed (library program); registration required. Graham Cracker Cottages is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Leawood Pioneer Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas Puppet Show in Wichita?
No fee listed (library program). Christmas Puppet Show is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am at Westlink Branch Library, Conference Rooms 115 and 116. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Gingerbread Man in Wichita?
No fee listed (library program). Gingerbread Man is on Tuesday, December 29, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am at Alford Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Kansas?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Kansas Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
