ABILENE -- There's a lot of holiday fun happening in Abilene this weekend.
The following information was provided by the elves at the Abilene Convention & Visitor's Bureau.
Christmas Brunch
The Arts Council of Dickinson County is hosting its annual Christmas Brunch beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday .
The annual event is the perfect occasion to kick start the holiday season. The event will be held at the elegant courtyard of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, 200 Southeast Fourth Street, with a tasty brunch catered by Amanda's Bistro & Bakery.
The First Infantry Division Band from Ft. Riley will be the entertainment. The six piece woodwind ensemble will be playing festive tunes for Christmas, patriotic, and a number of tunes. Also performing will be young violinists of the ACDC Strings Program. Instructor Carolyn Graves will lead the students while they play background music.
There are a limited number of tickets available. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at West's Country Mart and the Arts Council 785-263-1884. Please call the Arts Council to purchase tickets by credit card.
Reservations are required, and tickets must be purchased by Wednesday.
Christmas with Ginger
Enjoy photos with Santa and Ginger, holiday treat bags for kids, and more at the Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum, 407 South Buckeye Avenue. The event is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. Saturday.
The Victorian Inn. Photos courtesy Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau
Christmas Afternoon Tea Party
Visit Abilene's Victorian Inn, 820 Northwest Third Street, for its ninth annual afternoon party. Parties are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and last two hours. Each party includes 12 food items and three teas.
The cost is $35 + tax per person. Fresh lemon curd is also available for sale in the gift shop.
Reservations are required. Call (785) 263-7774 for more information.
Homes for the Holidays Tour
Looking for some holiday fun? Check out the Homes for the Holidays tour in Abilene this weekend.
The Heritage Homes Association of Abilene's 43rd annual event is scheduled for 4-8 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 per person and are available at the Abilene Visitors Center, 201 Northwest Second, and West's Country Mart, 1900 North Buckeye Avenue.
A variety of Christmas activities and treats are available throughout downtown Abilene. They include the following.
Holiday Activities & Treats throughout Downtown Abilene
Saturday -- 3-8 p.m.
Attendees are invited to pick up their goodie bag and program map of scheduled activities at Cowork Abilene, 300 N Cedar.
Old Abilene Town Christmas
Saturday -- 4-10 p.m. Sunday 1-9 p.m.
Visit the Alamo Saloon and enjoy hot chocolate. See the Christmas lights and visit the Clock Shop - Old Abilene's Town "winter wonderland."
Downtown Carriage Rides
Saturday -- 3-6 p.m.
Little Ike Park
Sponsored by Community Foundation of Dickinson County.
Mayor's Holiday Tree Lighting & Visits with Santa
Saturday -- 6 p.m. Abilene Civic Center
Photos with Santa provided by Keller Photography.
(Free digital download)
Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce Turkey Toss
Saturday -- 7 p.m.
KABI Radio Station
Kris Kringle Market
Saturday -- 4-8 p.m., 300 block of Broadway
Roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst and hot spiced wine, music in the air, kids playing, sounds of laughter and holiday cheer, this is the authentic German style Kris Kringle Market atmosphere! Visitors can explore Historic Downtown Abilene, visit our local retailers, vendor's with German food, crafts, food, warm wine, while listening to great Christmas music.
Abilene Municipal Band Holiday Concert
Come enjoy the sounds of the season as the Abilene Municipal Band performs classic and modern Christmas pieces! Bring the family and enjoy this free concert at the Eisenhower Visitor's Center auditorium! The concert is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. Sunday.
A Very Prairie Christmas
Enjoy a live Nativity presented by the Abilene Faith Lutheran Church in the historic Prichard Barn.
The event is scheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Dickinson County Historical Society, 412 South Campbell Street.
Special presentations will be given by period re-enactors, bringing to life stories of Dickinson County ancestors.
Cookies, hot chocolate, and punch will be served. Santa will be available to see children.
Luminaries, music, vintage activities and merry displays will showcase the wonders of Christmas on the Kansas prairie!
Come and enjoy a festive evening!
A peek at the Seelye Mansion's Christmas decorations.
Seelye Mansion Holiday Tours
Abilene's historic Seelye Mansion is exceptionally beautiful during the holiday season. Tours are available daily and include the following times.
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
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Feature image courtesy © Can Stock Photo / Subbotina