The Lawrence area has 2 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Downtown Lawrence Holiday Lighting & Santa Rescue in Lawrence on November 27 to Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade in Lawrence, on December 5. 2 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Kansas, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 2 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Lawrence for 2026, in Lawrence
- First: Downtown Lawrence Holiday Lighting & Santa Rescue, Lawrence, November 27. Runs latest: Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, Lawrence, through December 5
- Free: Downtown Lawrence Holiday Lighting & Santa Rescue and Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
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Christmas events for kids in Lawrence
2 confirmed events for kids in Lawrence, soonest first.
Tree lightingFree
Downtown Lawrence Holiday Lighting & Santa Rescue
- When: Friday, November 27, 2026, 6 pm
- Where: Downtown Lawrence (9th and Massachusetts Streets), Lawrence
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
The evening starts at 6 pm with a countdown and the lighting of the downtown holiday lights. Santa is spotted on the roof of Weaver's Department Store, and Lawrence Douglas County Fire and Medical brings a ladder truck to rescue him.
Kids can stop by the North Pole Post Office outpost tent to write a letter to Santa. In past years the rescue was hosted by the Lawrence Central Rotary Club near 9th and Massachusetts Streets, with no ticket needed. The Explore Lawrence page does not list a price, so check it before you go.
Parent tip: Dress warmly and arrive a little before 6 pm so the kids can see the ladder truck. The page gives no street address, so plan to park near 9th and Massachusetts.
- Host
- Explore Lawrence (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Downtown Lawrence (9th and Massachusetts Streets), Massachusetts St & 9th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday paradeFree
Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am
- Where: Massachusetts Street, Downtown Lawrence, Lawrence
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
This all-horse parade features dozens of horses and wagons dressed in garland and bells, with authentic horse-drawn carriages moving down Massachusetts Street. The page calls it one of the most unique parades in the country and suggests bringing hot cocoa and blankets.
It is part of the Downtown Lawrence Winter Wonder Weekend, so shops and restaurants nearby are an easy way to warm up afterward. The Explore Lawrence page does not list a price and points to lawrencechristmasparade.org for more details.
Parent tip: Bring blankets and a thermos of cocoa, and pick a curb spot early. Check lawrencechristmasparade.org for the latest route.
- Host
- Explore Lawrence (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Massachusetts Street, Downtown Lawrence, Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Lawrence? 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
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Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Every event above was confirmed on the host’s own page, 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.
Lawrence Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 2 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Lawrence
- Season
- November 27 to December 5, 2026
- Free events
- 2
- Kinds of events
- tree lighting and holiday parade
- Last checked
See every event on a December calendar
Plan your December
When each Lawrence Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Downtown Lawrence Holiday Lighting & Santa Rescue in Lawrence on November 27; the last runs to December 5. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Downtown Lawrence Holiday Lighting & Santa RescueLawrence · Nov 27
- Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas ParadeLawrence · Dec 5
Looking further afield? Our Kansas Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Wichita, KS, Topeka and Overland Park. 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 ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon2026 Christmas events are coming in late November
More Christmas events arrive in late November: unlock the list and we'll email you as soon as we confirm them.
The story of Christmas in Lawrence
In Lawrence, Santa gets stuck on a roof and the fire department comes to help. That downtown tradition and an all-horse Christmas parade are the heart of how this Kansas town celebrates.
How Lawrence celebrates
Lawrence keeps its Christmas traditions downtown, on and around Massachusetts Street. The Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade started in 1993 with a simple idea, and it is an all-horse parade of period wagons and carriages decorated for the holidays. It is held at 11 a.m. on the first Saturday in December and has grown to as many as 85 entries from five states. The night after Thanksgiving, downtown switches on its holiday lights, and firefighters bring Santa down from the roof of Weaver's Department Store while kids drop letters at a North Pole Post Office tent.
Christmas last year in Lawrence
In 2025 the parade did not take to the streets, but the Watkins Museum still ran its Tails and Traditions Holiday Festival with crafts, hobby horses and a scavenger hunt. Downtown held Festival of Trees, with trees themed around dinosaurs, board games and the KC Current. On Dec. 2 Cookies with Santa at Maceli's let children meet Santa and decorate a cookie from Eileen's Colossal Cookies, with proceeds going to O'Connell Children's Shelter. The Winter Inclusive Market welcomed about 100 vendors, and the Holiday Homes Tour on Dec. 7 raised money for Habitat for Humanity.
Fun facts about Christmas in Lawrence
Santa seems to get stuck on a roof in Lawrence every year, and the fire department rescues him. The parade has no engines or floats. It runs entirely on horse power, and USA Today once named it a top ten Christmas season experience. The Festival of Trees has been held at Maceli's on New Hampshire Street, and families in 2025 could pick out decorations while they toured the trees. The Explore Lawrence page says the 2026 parade, set for Dec. 5, marks its 33rd year.
Traditions today
- Holiday Lighting and Santa Rescue: The night after Thanksgiving, downtown counts down to the lights and firefighters rescue Santa from a roof.
- Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade: An all-horse parade of decorated wagons and carriages on Massachusetts Street, held the first Saturday in December.
- North Pole Post Office tent: Kids drop off letters to Santa at the holiday lighting, and a return address may bring a reply.
- Festival of Trees: Decorated trees and wreaths downtown, with Cookies with Santa to benefit O'Connell Children's Shelter in 2025.
- Tails and Traditions Holiday Festival: A Watkins Museum festival with crafts, hobby horses and a scavenger hunt.
- Winter Inclusive Market: A December market with about 100 vendors and local artist awards.
A fact for kids
In Lawrence, Santa gets stuck on the roof of a department store and firefighters have to help him down. The Christmas parade has no engines at all, only horses.
Questions about Christmas in Lawrence
When did the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade start?
The parade began in 1993, according to the parade organizer, and it started with a simple idea It is an all-horse parade with period-accurate wagons and carriages, held at 11 a.m. on the first Saturday in December. The 2026 listing calls this the 33rd year of the tradition.
Why is the Lawrence Christmas parade all horses?
The parade is built around horse-drawn vehicles, so you will see wagons, carriages and other period pieces decorated with garland and bells, with no motorized floats. The organizer says it celebrates American heritage. Kids often love the clip-clop sound and the chance to see big horses up close while they sip cocoa.
How big is the Lawrence Christmas parade?
The parade has grown to as many as 85 entries, with participants coming from five states, according to the parade's organizer. USA Today has named it one of its top ten things to do during the Christmas season. It rolls through downtown Lawrence on Massachusetts Street as part of the Winter Wonder Weekend.
Why is Santa on the roof in downtown Lawrence?
Santa is part of the annual holiday lighting ceremony. He is stranded on the roof of Weaver's Department Store, and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical brings him back to the ground. The Lawrence Central Rotary Club hosts the event, which is free and starts at 6 p.m. the evening after Thanksgiving.
When does downtown Lawrence turn on its holiday lights?
Downtown lights up on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The crowd counts down and the lights switch on near Ninth and Massachusetts Streets. In 2026 that Friday is Nov. 27, and the Explore Lawrence page lists a 6 p.m. start. It is a good first stop of the season for young kids.
Can kids write letters to Santa in Lawrence?
Yes. A North Pole Post Office outpost tent at the holiday lighting lets children drop off letters to Santa. In 2024 the Lawrence Times said letter templates were available online in English and Spanish, and a letter with a return address may get a reply. It makes a nice quiet activity before the countdown.
What is the Festival of Trees in Lawrence?
It is a downtown holiday display of decorated trees, wreaths and displays that families can tour. In 2025 the trees had themes like dinosaurs, board games and the KC Current. The 2025 Cookies with Santa event there raised money for O'Connell Children's Shelter, with a suggested donation at the door.
Did the Lawrence Christmas parade happen in 2025?
The Lawrence Times reported that the Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade would not take to the streets in 2025, though the Watkins Museum's Tails and Traditions Holiday Festival still ran with crafts, hobby horses and a scavenger hunt. The Explore Lawrence page shows the parade returning on Dec. 5, 2026, at 11 a.m.
What is Cookies with Santa at Maceli's?
It was a 2025 event at Festival of Trees where visitors met Santa, enjoyed a snack and toured the trees, wreaths and displays. Children could pick out decorations and have a cookie decorated by Eileen's Colossal Cookies. Maceli's is at 1031 New Hampshire Street, and proceeds supported O'Connell Children's Shelter.
What is the Tails and Traditions Holiday Festival?
It is a holiday festival at the Watkins Museum in Lawrence. In 2025 it offered crafts, hobby horses and a scavenger hunt, and the Lawrence Times noted it still ran even though the street parade skipped that year. It is a hands-on way to introduce kids to older holiday traditions.
What is the Winter Inclusive Market in Lawrence?
It is a holiday market that reopened for its third year in December 2025, with about 100 vendors. The Lawrence Times reported that it also honored six local artists with Phoenix Awards. It is a good stop for handmade gifts, and the Explore Lawrence blog has listed it at the Lied Center in past years.
How do I explain the Santa rescue to a young child?
Keep it playful: tell your child that Santa likes to visit town early, climbs up on the Weaver's roof to see the lights, and needs the firefighters to help him down. Then have them write a letter at the North Pole Post Office tent. Including a return address may bring a reply.
Is the Lawrence holiday lighting free?
Yes. The Lawrence Times described the 2024 holiday lighting and Santa rescue as free and open to everyone, with holiday music on the radio starting at 5:30 p.m. The 2026 Explore Lawrence page does not list a price, so check it before you go, and dress warmly because the countdown happens on a late November evening.
What does a holiday homes tour have to do with Lawrence Christmas?
The Holiday Homes Tour is a December tradition where residents open decorated homes to visitors. In 2025 it was held on Sunday, Dec. 7 and benefited Habitat for Humanity, according to the Lawrence Times. It is more of an adult outing, but older kids who like decorations may enjoy it.
Where can kids see Christmas lights in Lawrence?
Lawrence has a holiday lights map that the Lawrence Times shared in December 2025, and it noted that many homes were still lit even after one beloved display's owners retired. Downtown also glows after the Friday-after-Thanksgiving lighting. Our Lawrence Christmas events guide on this page lists this season's confirmed dates.
Is there a Christmas parade in downtown Lawrence?
Yes, the Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade is the main one, held downtown on Massachusetts Street at 11 a.m. on the first Saturday in December. The Explore Lawrence page lists Dec. 5, 2026. Check our Lawrence Christmas events guide on this page for this season's other confirmed holiday events nearby.
What is Winter Wonder Weekend in Lawrence?
It is the downtown weekend that surrounds the Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade, with shopping, dining and entertainment. The parade organizer describes it as the setting for the horse-drawn parade each December. Our Lawrence Christmas events guide on this page lists what is confirmed for the 2026 season.
Who hosts the Santa rescue in Lawrence?
The Lawrence Central Rotary Club hosts the annual holiday lighting and Santa rescue, according to the Lawrence Times, with Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical doing the rescue. KLWN radio has broadcast holiday music before the ceremony. The event is held near Ninth and Massachusetts Streets downtown.
Does Lawrence have any theatre at Christmas?
Yes. In 2024 Theatre Lawrence staged a family musical of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in December, and The Nutcracker: A Kansas Ballet played at the Lawrence Arts Center. Those are 2024 listings, so check venue calendars for the current season.
What should I wear to Lawrence's outdoor Christmas traditions?
Dress warmly in layers and bring blankets. The parade page suggests hot cocoa and blankets, and the holiday lighting happens on a late November evening. Hats and gloves for kids make the wait easier, especially while you hold a spot on Massachusetts Street for the horses.
Sources
- Holiday Lighting, Explore Lawrence
- Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade, Explore Lawrence
- Annual downtown Lawrence holiday lighting, Santa rescue tradition set for day after Thanksgiving, The Lawrence Times
- Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade to return for 30th year, The Lawrence Times (sponsored post)
- Holiday 2025 coverage, The Lawrence Times
- Cookies with Santa at Festival of Trees, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
- 5 festive events not to miss this holiday season, Explore Lawrence
Lawrence Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What are the best Christmas events for kids in Lawrence this year?
We confirmed 2 for the 2026 season, and 2 of them are free. Good places to start: Downtown Lawrence Holiday Lighting & Santa Rescue (Nov 27) and Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade (Dec 5). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Lawrence?
Yes, every event on this page is free. Some free events still need a reservation, so check the listing before you go.
Where can kids meet Santa in Lawrence?
Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Lawrence?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Lawrence 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 4, 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.