By Abilene Convention Visitors Bureau
Visit Abilene, Kansas, where the spirit of Christmas comes alive in the heart of America. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Sunflower State, Abilene transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, earning its well-deserved reputation as the best small town to visit.
With its rich history, warm hospitality, and festive atmosphere that rivals any big city, Abilene offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the magic of this charming community.
Join us as we explore the delights of Abilene's Cowtown Christmas, where holiday traditions and Midwestern charm converge to create a truly magical celebration.
2023 Holiday Schedule
Saturday, December 2, 2023
All Day Christmas Tree Lane
Follow Christmas Tree Lane through Abilene on N. Buckeye Ave to NW 3rd Street to see a beautiful assortment of decorated Christmas Trees in residential yards.
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Breakfast with Santa (Tickets must be purchased in advance)
Breakfast at the Abilene High School Football Field Mezzanine will include pancakes, sausage, juice or coffee. There will be a coloring and craft table, storytime, and, of course, your chance to visit Santa Claus. Tickets are $8 and must be purchased by Monday, November 27.
*When visiting the website, make sure to click "Special Events" to view options.
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. A Craftsman's Gift Market
Abilene's traditional holiday shopping event mixes some new with some tried and true. Celebrating more than 30 years in Abilene!
Location: Sterl Hall, 619 Rogers St.
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CARES Coalition of Dickinson County Christmas Tree and Wreath Auction
Old Abilene Town will host the Christmas Tree and Wreath Auction, where all proceeds are designated for CARES of Dickinson County to create/design a county-wide web-based resource guide featuring social, civic, and church organizations in Dickinson County.
You may view the trees and wreaths and perhaps make a bid during the Silent Auction from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Silent Auction will end at 5:00 p.m. for all the donated trees and wreaths. The winners of the Silent Auction will be announced at 5:30 p.m. at the Alamo Saloon.
Auction winners will pick up their item(s) on December 3 from 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Holiday Tours at Historic Seelye Mansion
Built in 1905 for $55,000, the Historic Seelye Mansion is beautiful at any time of year, but especially during the holiday season. Tour the mansion and see beautifully decorated trees in every room, a collection of more than 750 nutcrackers, and hundreds of Poinsettias.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on the day of your tour. Please park in the parking lot behind the mansion and go to the Seelye Patent Medicine Museum behind the mansion to purchase a ticket. Tip: tours run continuously, but the best time to join a tour is at 10 am and 1 pm.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sand Springs Venue Country Christmas Open House
Enjoy shopping with holiday vendors and much more! Note: Santa will be on-site from noon to 2 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cowboy Christmas
Are you ready for Cowboy Christmas? Join us at Old Abilene Town Dec. 2, 2023, from 1:00 -4:00 p.m.
Indulge in homemade chili, delectable cinnamon rolls, and the comforting warmth of hot chocolate in the Merchants Hotel, perfect for keeping you cozy and in the holiday spirit!
Exciting Kids Activities from 1-3 pm: Craft Stations: Let your little ones unleash their creativity with Christmas-themed crafts.
And there's more! Don't forget to check out our Christmas store in the Viola Building, featuring a selection of holiday décor, gifts, and more, perfect for finding that special something for your loved ones.
By popular demand, we bring back the much-loved drive-through Christmas Adventure, featuring a mesmerizing display of festive lighting that will leave you awe-inspired. Check our website, oldabilentown.org, for more information.
Come and be a part of the joyous festivities! Spread the holiday cheer and share the warmth of Christmas with everyone around you.
1:00 p.m. 1st Santa Train
Abilene Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a holiday train ride with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Association. The train ride is approximately 45 minutes long and travels from Abilene to one mile west of Enterprise and back. Passengers will ride in an enclosed heated car with Santa, who will be available to listen to your Christmas wish list. Riders may also take their photos with Santa. The cost to ride is $10, and tickets must be purchased in advance.
2:00 p.m. 2nd Santa Train (if 1st train fills up)
*When visiting the website, make sure to click "Special Events" to view options
2:00 p.m. Meredith Wilson's Miracle on 34th Street at Great Plains Theatre
This musical version of the beloved Holiday classic follows a wave of love that is spread from the real Kris Kringle melting even the most cynical of hearts. This heartwarming spectacle of a musical is the perfect Holiday treat. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
For more information about the Great Plains Theatre click here
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Letters to Santa at Harvey Drug
Harvey Drug (formerly Trapp Pharmacy) is hosting "Letters to Santa." Everything you need to craft the perfect letter will be provided (paper, envelopes, crayons, etc.). Return envelopes will also be provided so Santa's Elves can respond.
Harvey Drug is partnering with Abilene High School on this special event!
4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Heritage Homes Association’s 46th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour
You won’t want to miss the Heritage Homes Association’s 46th Homes for the Holidays Tour! Tickets are $10 and are available in advance at West’s Plaza Country Mart, SK Designs and Abilene Downtown Antique/Mud Creek Malls.
4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Old Fashioned Christmas at Dickinson County Heritage Center
You will feel the spirit of the season at the Old-Fashioned Christmas held on December 2 and 3 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Dickinson County Heritage Center, 412 S. Campbell, Abilene. Admission is $5.00 per person and free for children under the age of 5.
The festive holiday lights and greenery will transport you to a Christmas wonderland. You can listen to live Christmas music, ride the historic 1901 steam carousel, shop in the old-time Burklund store. Kids can make a craft in the one-room schoolhouse. Santa will visit with children and hear their Christmas wishes in the museum. Visit the log cabin and learn about Christmas on the prairie. Be sure to vote for your favorite decorated Christmas tree. The county 4-H clubs vie for cash prizes sponsored by Pinnacle Bank.
Both evenings will feature live music presented by groups from across the county. Saturday night will feature The Fiddlers and the Talmage Quartet. Sunday night you can listen to Hiebert’s Dulcimers. The Brigade Band will be playing lively seasonal tunes. Sunday evening will also feature a living nativity presented by Abilene’s Faith Lutheran Church. Listen to Christmas music while you browse the bazaar in the museum. Enter the opportunity drawing for the barn quilt.
Step back in time and enjoy the wonder and beauty of Christmas. For more information, contact the Heritage Center at 785-263-2681.
4:30 -6:30 p.m. Christmas Cruise for Food - Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown
Drop off food or monetary donations to the Abilene Area Food Bank, 409 NW 3rd Street, next to the Sunflower Hotel. Please use the eastbound lane that is designated for dropoffs, and volunteers from the Food Bank and Neighbor to Neighbor will be waiting to accept your donations.
Then, you will receive a ballot and map for the Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown. Cruise through Abilene, admiring all of the holiday decorations. Ballots must be turned in by 7:30 p.m. at Amanda's Bakery & Bistro, 302 N. Broadway Ave.
The winners from the Cowtown Christman Light Showdown will be announced at 8:00 p.m. at Little Ike Park.
Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown Sponsors: Solid Rock Audio Video, Almost Home Realty, SK Designs
Feel free to decorate your ride and come enjoy a great Christmas Cruise!
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Judging for Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown
5:00 p.m. Cowtown Santa Express
The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad’s “Cowtown Santa Express” is a wonderful way to create magical holiday memories for your family in 2023! Riding a heated train decked out in holiday lights, meeting Santa, enjoying cookies and hot chocolate, and experiencing the glowing ambiance of Old Abilene Town truly make for a special Christmas outing. Remember to make advanced reservations to secure your spot on this festive journey departing from Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 5:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. It’s sure to be a memorable experience for kids and adults alike!
For ticket information for the Cowtown Santa Express Train click here.
6:30 p.m. Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting
Cowtown-Christmas-Abilene,KSAn annual tradition, visit Little Ike Park for the lighting of the Mayor’s Holiday Tree.
6:40 p.m. Santa Visits
Cowtown-Christmas-Abilene,KSVisit Santa Claus at Little Ike Park, and make sure to tell him what’s on your list! Visitors will enjoy free goodie bags from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
7:15 p.m. Snowball Drop* (for kids) - Little Ike Park
Cowtown-Christmas-Abilene,KSNo matter what the meteorologist says, we guarantee it will be snowing. See hundreds of snowballs flying through the sky. Find a special, brightly colored snowball and redeem it for Dickinson Dollars that can be used in Dickinson County businesses.
7:15 p.m. Cowtown Santa Express
The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad’s “Cowtown Santa Express” is a wonderful way to create magical holiday memories for your family in 2023! Riding a heated train decked out in holiday lights, meeting Santa, enjoying cookies and hot chocolate, and experiencing the glowing ambiance of Old Abilene Town truly make for a special Christmas outing. Make advanced reservations to secure your spot on this festive journey departing from Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 5:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. It’s sure to be a memorable experience for kids and adults alike!
7:20 p.m. Turkey Drop* (for adults) - Little Ike Park
Reminiscing to WKRP’s ‘Turkeys Away’, stand below as ten (stuffed) turkeys descend from the sky. Catch one, and you’ll receive a free holiday turkey!
7:30 p.m. All Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown ballots must be turned in front of Amanda’s Bakery and Bistro
7:30 p.m. AHS Singers perform at Little Ike Park
7:30 p.m. Meredith Wilson's Miracle on 34th Street at Great Plains Theatre
This musical version of the beloved Holiday classic follows a wave of love that is spread from the real Kris Kringle, melting even the most cynical of hearts. This heartwarming spectacle of a musical is the perfect Holiday treat. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
8:00 p.m. Winners of Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown announced
1st Place - $2,000
2nd Place - $1,000
3rd Place - $500
Mayor's Choice (4) - $100 each
Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown Sponsors: Almost Home Realty, Abilene Physical Therapy, Solid Rock Audio Video, JRI Hospitality, The Farmhouse, Original Grande, Salina Country Club and Ingermanson Farms.
8:00 p.m. Fireworks* Sponsored by Almost Home Realty
*Weather permitting, fireworks will be set off from the east end of the Civic Center Parking Lot.
Sunday, December 3, 2023
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Holiday Tours at Historic Seelye Mansion
Built in 1905 for $55,000, the Historic Seelye Mansion is beautiful anytime, especially during the holiday season. Tour the mansion and see beautifully decorated trees in every room, a collection of more than 750 nutcrackers, and hundreds of Poinsettias.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on the day of your tour. Please park in the parking lot behind the mansion and go to the Seelye Patent Medicine Museum behind the mansion to purchase a ticket. Tip: Tours run continuously, but the best times to join a tour are 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Heritage Homes Association’s 46th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour
You won’t want to miss the Heritage Homes Association’s 46th Homes for the Holidays Tour! Tickets are $10 and are available in advance at West’s Plaza Country Mart, SK Designs and Abilene Downtown Antique/Mud Creek Malls.
2:00 p.m. Meredith Wilson's Miracle on 34th Street at Great Plains Theatre
This musical version of the beloved Holiday classic follows a wave of love spread from the real Kris Kringle, melting even the most cynical of hearts. This heartwarming spectacle of a musical is the perfect Holiday treat. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
2:00 p.m. Abilene Municipal Band Christmas Concert
Join us as we perform our annual Christmas concert with traditional and beloved holiday tunes! We are excited to be back at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum's Visitors Center this year and cannot wait to see you!
4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Old Fashioned Christmas at Dickinson County Heritage Center
You will feel the spirit of the season at the Old-Fashioned Christmas held on December 2 and 3 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Dickinson County Heritage Center, 412 S. Campbell, Abilene. Admission is $5.00 per person and free for children under the age of 5.
The festive holiday lights and greenery will transport you to a Christmas wonderland. You can listen to live Christmas music, ride the historic 1901 steam carousel, shop in the old-time Burklund store. Kids can make a craft in the one-room schoolhouse. Santa will visit with children and hear their Christmas wishes in the museum. Visit the log cabin and learn about Christmas on the prairie. Be sure to vote for your favorite decorated Christmas tree. The county 4-H clubs vie for cash prizes sponsored by Pinnacle Bank.
Both evenings will feature live music presented by groups from across the county. Saturday night will feature The Fiddlers and the Talmage Quartet. Sunday night you can listen to Hiebert’s Dulcimers. The Brigade Band will be playing lively seasonal tunes. Sunday evening will also feature a living nativity presented by Abilene’s Faith Lutheran Church. Listen to Christmas music while you browse the bazaar in the museum. Enter the opportunity drawing for the barn quilt.
Step back in time and enjoy the wonder and beauty of Christmas. For more information, contact the Heritage Center at 785-263-2681.
5:00 p.m. Cowtown Santa Express
The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad’s “Cowtown Santa Express” is a wonderful way to create magical holiday memories for your family in 2023! Riding a heated train decked out in holiday lights, meeting Santa, enjoying cookies and hot chocolate, and experiencing the glowing ambiance of Old Abilene Town truly make for a special Christmas outing. Make advanced reservations to secure your spot on this festive journey departing from Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 5:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. It’s sure to be a memorable experience for kids and adults alike!
7:15 p.m. Cowtown Santa Express
The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad’s “Cowtown Santa Express” is a wonderful way to create magical holiday memories for your family in 2023! Riding a heated train decked out in holiday lights, meeting Santa, enjoying cookies and hot chocolate, and experiencing the glowing ambiance of Old Abilene Town truly make for a special Christmas outing. Remember to make advanced reservations to secure your spot on this festive journey departing from Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 5:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. It’s sure to be a memorable experience for kids and adults alike!
Is your event, activity, or sale missing? Are you hosting Griswold Family Photos, hot cocoa, ornament decorating, Gingerbread house classes, storytime with Santa, or other activities? Please send updates to [email protected].