Christmas is right around the corner, so naturally there are plenty of holiday events taking place all over town. To make it easier on you, we’ve gathered some of the most festive events that will provide entertainment for every member of the family.
Read on for more information on FetchToto’s top 5 weekend picks. Make sure to also check out other Kansas events on FetchToto’s Events Calendar: http://events.fetchtoto.com/
1) Breakfast with Santa
Time: 9:00 AM
Date: Saturday, December 15
Where: Old Cowtown, 1865 Museum Blvd., Wichita
Cost: $12.95 Adults (age 16 & older), $7.95 Children (ages 4 – 15)
Info: http://aircapitalchorus.org/
Why you should go: If you’re looking for a kid-friendly event, this is probably the best bet for you. Old Cowtown’s “Breakfast with Santa” event will include a filling breakfast of pancakes, sausage, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits and fruit salad.
While you wait for Santa to arrive, other fun crafts will be provided including personalizing telegrams to Santa and making fun Christmas cards. Make a reservation by going to www.wichitatix.com or call Cowtown at 350-3323.
2) Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
Date: Thurs. – Sun., until December 23rd
Time: Thurs. – Sat. 8:00 PM, Sun. 2:00 PM
Where: The Forum Theatre, 147 S. Hillside, Wichita
Cost: $23 Thurs. – Sat., $25 Sun.
Info: http://www.forumwichita.com/upcoming-events.html
Why you should go: Charles Dickens’ spirited holiday musical, “A Christmas Carol,” is currently playing at The Forum Theatre every Thursday through Sunday, until December 23rd. The 90-Minute musical takes an original look at the Christmas story about Ebenezer Scrooge and his emotional transformation resulting in his visits from the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and yet to come.
The production of “A Christmas Carol” was one of the theatre’s most popular shows last season. Reprising their roles as Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Present are Paul Jackson and Wichita’s own Broadway sensation, Kayla Burns.
3) Jim Brickman
Time: 7:30 PM
Date: Tuesday, December 18
Where: Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway, Wichita
Cost: $64.50 VIP Orchestra, $49.50 Orchestra; $44.50 Lower Balcony (formerly the mezzanine), $34.50 Balcony
Info: http://www.wichitaorpheum.com/events/74/jim-brickman/
Why you should go: America’s Romantic Piano Sensation, Jim Brickman, is bringing his 2012 "On A Winter’s Night" tour to Wichita’s Orpheum Theatre. Brickman has been wowing audiences across the country for years with his romantic piano solos, making him known as the “best-selling solo piano artist of our time.”
Enjoy a night of dazzling piano solos, amazing vocals and humor in one of the country’s favorite annual holiday concert events. The concert will weave together contemporary and classic holiday favorites, along with all of Brickman’s hit songs. Expect to hear Brickman play audience favorites, including The Gift, Sending You A Little Christmas, Simple Things, Peace, FaLaLa and his newest single Merry Christmas Beautiful.
4) The Nutcracker – Friends University Ballet
Date & Time
Friday, December 14 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 15 – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 16 – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Friends University, Sebits Auditorium, 2100 W. University, Wichita, KS 67213
Cost: $15 Students & Seniors, $20 Adults
Info: http://www.friends.edu/finearts
Why you should go: Wichita Ballet and Friends University are teaming up for the production of “The Nutcracker”. The production will feature ballet majors, local dancers, and professional dancers from around the U.S. To purchase tickets to any of the three ballet performances call 316-295-5677 or go online at www.friends.edu/ticket-information.
5) The Nutcracker Ballet
Date & Time:
Saturday, December 15, 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 16, 2:00 PM
Where: Century II Concert Hall, 225 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita
Cost: $12.50
Info: http://www.century2.org/
Why you should go: This performance has been called the “Holiday Event of the Season.” Ballet Wichita will be presenting its 36th Annual Nutcracker Ballet for audience members all weekend at Century II. With a cast of over 100 Ballet Wichita company dancers, this is a holiday performance that you can add to your list of things to do. Expect to see toy soldiers, twirling ballerinas, extravagant stage props and backgrounds, and of course… the Nutcrackers.
The show will include traditional Nutcracker songs, such as “Sugar Plum Dance” and “Nutcracker March,” performed by a full orchestra, including members from the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. Get your tickets at www.WichitaTix.com.
6) Canta Carol Run
Time: 9:30 AM
Date: Saturday, December 15
Where: Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmont St., Wichita
Cost: $30 before race, $40 day of race
Info: http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=fa_canta&p=/Canta_Carol_Run/
Why you should go: Get rid of those holiday calories early by participating in the first annual Canta Carol 5K Run on Saturday. The funds raised in the “singing” 5K will support scholarships for Wichita’s aspiring opera singers.
Participants can choose to run or walk the 5K Canta Carol Run, which will take place on Wichita State’s campus. The race will take runners among WSU’s renowned sculpture collection, with Christmas carolers and a Santa Claus along the way. After the race, warm beverages and holiday goodies will be provided to race participants.
Parking:
Free parking is located on the WSU campus for race participants. Click the link for a map of available parking (areas marked in green are free to the public): http://webs.wichita.edu/depttools/depttoolsmemberfiles/fa_canta/RunParking.jpg
Schedule of Events
8:30 AM: Race day registration (cash or check only, no debit/credit cards). Located in the lobby of Duerksen Fine Arts Center
9:25 AM: Warm up at start line, The 12 Days of Christmas
9:30 AM: Race begins
10:00-11:00 AM: Post race food, drink, and music
10:45 AM: Awards Ceremony in Miller Concert Hall (overall and age categories)
