Get excited Lawrence! If there’s one place I like to be during the holiday season, it’s a quirky small town. You want craft fairs? Glamorous big band events? Christmas displays lighting up the sky like the Fourth of July? We’ve got it all. You’ve been warned, this post is OVERFLOWING with holiday spirit. Peruse our hometown happenings below, and be sure to catch the “other events to keep on your radar” at the end of the article.
White Christmas
Theatre Lawrence | December 5-7, 11-14, 18-21
We all have our favorite holiday productions, but no one’s going to argue that White Christmas is among the best there ever was. We were thrilled to learn that Theatre Lawrence is taking on the beloved classic from Irving Berlin this year, with performances spread over three weekends. This is a family-friendly affair for those in the mood for a feel-good musical. You can learn more about the cast and purchase tickets at their website.
Festival of Trees
Maceli’s | Now through December 7
Our first stop on the holiday tour of Lawrence always lands us at Festival of Trees. This has become a can’t-miss event for families in Lawrence, primarily because it’s created by the community. There’s a good chance you or someone you love have had a hand with constructing one of the many trees on display over the years (if you haven’t, just give it some time and you will). These community creations get put up for auction at the event, which raises money for O’Connell Children’s Shelter.
Lawrence Lights: Making Spirits Bright
Youth Sports, Inc. Complex (4911 West 27th Street) | Now through December 30
When this event fired up a few years ago, we were thrilled. It seems every town has some sort of eye-catching holiday light display that you can drive through, and Lawrence was in dire need of this as well. Lo and behold, Lawrence Lights: Making Spirits Bright declared it so, and now it’s a can’t-miss event. This is especially fun on those super cold days where you don’t want to drag the kiddos out of the car. This is a popular event, so be sure to grab your tickets at http://lawrence-lights.com/.
The Nutcracker: A Kansas Ballet
Lawrence Arts Center | December 12 – 14
We consider this one of those can’t-miss holiday events in Lawrence. Every year, the Lawrence Arts Center puts its own spin on the Nutcracker by making it more of a Kansas (specifically, Lawrence) version (shoutout to the Toy Shop cameo in the beginning of the production). Where else are you going to see dancers donning flower petals AND a performer dressed as John Brown fighting a bear? Get your tickets early, this event tends to sell out.
Inclusive Winter Market
Lied Center | December 13 -14
If you’ve never been to the Inclusive Winter Market, make this the year you finally make it out. More than 100 artists spread out across the very picturesque Lied Center for this event, which focuses on handmade crafts from a variety of cultures present here in Douglas County. Bonus: the yummy treats at the West end of the Lied Center (because shopping is hard work, duh).
KPR Big Band Christmas
Liberty Hall | December 13
We love a good retro holiday season, and the retro vibes are always in style in a town like Lawrence. If you’re looking to celebrate the season with a more glamorous affair, head straight to Liberty Hall on December 13. This is where you’ll find folks dressed to the nines dancing along, sometimes ballroom style, to the big band onstage. It’s all just so elegant and we can’t get enough. If you’re not much of a dancer, this is really just the best event to people watch as well.
Holiday Spectacular with The Dead Bettys
The Bottleneck | December 13
By far, one of the most exciting experiences to come out of the music scene this year is The Dead Bettys. The local, many-membered ska band is a happiness factory. Combining originals with covers of pop favorites, their status as one of Lawrence’s favorite bands of 2025 is well-deserved.
It all started last year with their explosive holiday fundraiser at The Bottleneck. This year, they’re back at the holiday merriment again with a fundraising concert for Just Food. You can expect a lot of glitz, glamor, and dancing at this show. No need for a sitter, this one is all ages.
