9 Weird And Wacky Holiday Traditions You’ll Only Get If You’re From Kansas
Kansas families celebrate Christmas with unique traditions that include putting up the tree after Thanksgiving, stringing popcorn, and participating in White Elephant exchanges.
Have you ever wondered if your family celebrates the holidays like others across the state? Of course, every Kansas family will have their own traditions about food, events, and when exactly you open your gifts, but here are nine Christmas traditions from across Kansas that we can really get behind as a state.
I don't know whether this is just a way to celebrate the holidays while your family is already together, but I don't know too many people that wait much longer than Thanksgiving to put up their tree. Of course, what's wrong with enjoying it for the whole month?
Ornaments used to all be handmade, and candles used to light the tree instead of electric lights. However, for some families, the tradition of adding little presents to the tree has remained throughout the years, adding the fun of a present hunt to the celebration.
For the Kansas living up by Kansas City, the Fairy Princess is a tradition dating back to 1936, when it was first started in Kline's as a secular alternative to Santa Claus. Of course, it's now one of the most sought-after events during the holiday season, and tickets sell out insanely fast.
When big families get together for Christmas, it's hard on your mind and your wallet to get something for everyone. Instead, many Kansas families take a different route and opt for a gift exchange, where everyone picks at random, and gets something they would have never thought of.
Some organizations string up over a million holiday lights for charity or just plain show. Of course, it's not like we're complaining, but we do get a little crazy about them.
This town's settlers established a whole community of Swedish traditions, including the festival of St. Lucia, the emblem of light. Women are adorned with a wreath topped with candles, in honor of St. Lucia, a woman who brought food and supplies to Christians hiding in catacombs, her crown lighting the way and leaving both hands free to carry as much as possible.
For some families, opening one of your presents on Christmas Eve night has become a common event. Some take it further and gift Christmas Pajamas the night before, so they have something special to wear while they sleep in preparation for Santa's arrival and Christmas morning.
If you're looking for more to do with your family and friends this season, why not check out one of these Christmas Towns we have all over the state?
If you've spent much time in the Sunflower State in winter, you know that we know how to do Christmas lights in Kansas. Whether you're in our big cities or our little rural towns in the middle of nowhere, there are so many incredible Christmas light displays in Kansas! Caroling, colorful lights, costumed characters, and more all combine to make the most magical time of the year truly magical. With everything going on in the world today, it can feel tough to get into the holiday spirit. One way that I love to get myself feeling festive is to check out Christmas lights near me. No matter how old you are, it makes you feel like a child again to see these seasonal displays of wonder!
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Pro tip: These Christmas lights displays are the best spots to grab some family photos to send out. Plan to visit these displays early in the season so you can beat the crowds. Then, the hardest part... remembering to order the postcards to send out. This will not be the year you forget!
The Christmas lights in WaKeeney, Kansas are the stuff of legends: there's a reason this small town is nicknamed the Christmas City of the High Plains! The entire town goes all-out for the holidays, with lights everywhere and a 35-foot tree. There are plenty of festivities going on here throughout the season, but if you're just a fan of checking out lights, you won't be disappointed. This place has one of the largest Christmas light displays in Kansas, with more than three miles of lights. Get information about this year's celebrations at the Get WaKeeney Facebook page. The dates for the 2024 season have not been announced yet, so be sure to follow them on Facebook!
2. Illuminations: Wichita
If you're seeking great Christmas lights in Wichita, KS Illuminations at Botanica is the place for you. This beautiful botanical garden turns into a winter wonderland, covered in more than two million lights. There's live music, light shows, visits with Santa, holiday treats, and so much more to enjoy here. This year's lights will be set up from November 29, 2024, until January 4, 2025, with several entry times each night. You can purchase tickets in advance from the Illuminations Botanica website.
The best Christmas lights in Prairie Village, KS, are tucked away in a residential neighborhood on the aptly named Candy Cane Lane. This is such a fun Christmas light display in Kansas, and while it may not be as large as some of the professionally decorated events on this list, it brings so much cheer to the neighborhood. Nearly every house on the cul-de-sac participates, making Candy Cane Lane such a bright and joyful spot to visit!
4. Manhattan Festival of Lights at Blue Earth Plaza: Manhattan
For those looking for something a bit larger in scale, the Manhattan Festival of Lights features the best lights in Manhattan, KS. This event takes over all of Blue Earth Plaza and makes the Little Apple seem to shine just as brightly as the Big Apple. This walk-through festival is set to begin this year on November 29, 2024, and you won't want to miss the tree-lighting ceremony! Get more information from the Manhattan Festival of Lights.
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5. Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane: Overland Park
Some of the best Christmas lights in Overland Park can be found at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. This is a popular warm-weather destination for families, with a petting zoo and lots of activities for kids, but during winter, it transforms into a wonderland of holiday cheer. The magical light show is set to holiday music. It's not technically drive-thru Christmas lights, but instead, "park and watch" Christmas lights, which is even more unique. This is such a fun event for kids of all ages, and adults, too. Keep an eye on the Holiday Lights at Deanna Rose Farmstead website for current details.
6. Winter Wonderland Topeka: Topeka
Winter Wonderland Topeka features some of the best drive-through Christmas lights in Kansas. The two-mile display is set up at Lake Shawnee Campground and open to the public nearly every night between November 27-December 31, 2024. These are some of the best Christmas lights in Topeka, Kansas, and you won't want to miss this beautiful display!
7. Ellis Polar Express: Ellis
There's nothing like a small-town celebration of Christmas, and you'll find a great one in the little city of Ellis. This historic city knows how to celebrate the holidays, and the Ellis Polar Express is a miniature train ride that is so much fun for the little ones. This display of some of the best Christmas lights in Ellis, KS is an annual favorite for many families with young kids.
How many of these Kansas Christmas lights displays are on your list this year? Share this article with someone you want to view these lights with.
If you're planning a trip this winter, you'll want to make sure you're prepared for everything life can throw at you. Check out our Ultimate Winter Packing List to ensure you have all the cold-weather essentials you need for a safe and happy getaway.
Don't let the limited daylight hours keep you inside the house this season. Even with longer nights, there are plenty of winter activities in Kansas to keep you entertained all season long!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
