Halloween brings the “Season of Horror” and the decor is haunting, with pumpkins taking over the main stage on the steps. Then came Thanksgiving with pumpkins and fall leaves added.
Now that it’s December, local decorators are rounding out the holiday season with extravagant lighting and their own winter wonders.
For those who want to see with their own eyes, there are many places in the area to see events and exhibitions. Most are free to watch.
Walk down Kansas Avenue to see a host of holiday attractions, including the annual Christmas tree and the new CoreFirst Ice Rink at Evergy Plaza.
Illuminated trees and beautifully decorated paths are also noteworthy. Many local businesses have also decorated their windows as part of the Downtown Topeka Inc. Holiday Decoration Contest, so be sure to take a look.
Synchronized and high-tech lighting configurations set this display apart from its neighbors. Showgoers should tune their FM radio station to 88.7 to fully experience the effect.
The Evans Christmas Lights Facebook page has updates and information for those who want to know more.
Topeka’s top attraction, Winter Wonderland, is celebrating 25 years of making memories with light indicators. On the three-kilometer loop around the campground, you will see a lot of classic Christmas characters and effects with synchronized lighting.
The annual event is TARC’s largest fundraising event for non-profit service organizations that support intellectual, developmental and related disabilities and underdevelopment in the region.
The show, complete with lights, action figures and animated graphics, takes viewers on a musical holiday journey near Gage Park. Listen to FM radio station 99.9 to accompany music.
The 27th annual Kansas Avenue Miracle Parade features many themed holiday floats and celebrations, with Santa’s official arrival kicking off the holiday season.
New this year is the Topeka Performing Arts Center stage at Evergy Plaza at S. Kansas Avenue and 7th Street, which will broadcast the parade live for those unable to attend.
While downtown, also check out the Mayor’s annual Christmas tree and the new CoreFirst Ice Rink at Evergy Plaza. Walking down S. Kansas Avenue also gets in the holiday spirit as businesses enter the Downtown Topeka Inc. Holiday Decoration Contest.
Visitors to Washburn University are invited to stroll around the campus and see buildings, sculptures and the iconic clock tower lit up during the holidays.
When: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Sunday to Thursday, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm Friday to Saturday and December 28, and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm from December 19 to 25.
Returning for the third year now, Zoo Lights offers visitors an impressive zoo walking experience. Santa Claus will be there to take pictures during the event and bring along some reindeer that can be seen every night until 7:30 pm.
For those who want a more personal experience, it is possible to rent an igloo with a restaurant. Group rates and event venues are also advertised on the zoo’s website.
The tradition is said to have started in the 1970s when a neighbor placed wooden Christmas decorations at roundabouts along the historic district. This year the tradition continues with a theme called “The Twelve Days of Christmas”.
Viewers can tune in to FM radio station 96.9 FM, which plays music eight blocks north of SW Greenwood Avenue at 4th Street.
Ever since Louis Cortez decided to host a music-and-light show at his home in 2008, the Cortez Holiday Light Show has dazzled topicans with free vacations near Shawnee Lake.
Tune in to a 102.5 FM radio station in your car, or listen through speakers mounted outside your car. Just dim the lights and be polite to your neighbors, don’t park in front of the display or block the road.
Ever since Byron and Sandy Glotzbach got married in 1992, they’ve been decorating their yard for the holidays. Nostalgic figurines, some of which are unique, decorate the area near Croco Road and I-70 with colorful lights for passers-by to see.
Post time: Dec-01-2022