Abilene Tourism Advocate
December 2, 2021
Celebrate the Holidays in Abilene, Kansas!
Abilene is the place to be December 4-5, 2021, and residents, businesses, and organizations are busy preparing to welcome visitors.
7 Things You Need to Know About a Cowtown Christmas
1. Holiday Guide
We're working hard to keep everything you need to know in one concise location. For questions about the weekend's activities, visit www.AbileneKansas.org/Christmas. We are continuously updating this list with the latest information to make your visit successful, so save the link and reference the guide during your visit.

What you'll find inside... 

  • Special activities at the Dickinson County Heritage Center and Old Abilene Town
  • When to peek inside the Historic Sunflower Hotel to view their special Christmas decoration displays
  • Where to enjoy a New Orleans-style brunch
  • Why the Historic Seelye Mansion is especially beautiful during the holiday season
2. Holiday Light Tour
Regardless of what Google or some defunct event website says, we do not have a "Christmas Traditions" Trolley Tour. We're sorry, we really are. We've tried to contact the powers that be for help removing these inaccurate listings, with no such luck. But -- what we do have is a SUPER AMAZING drive yourself Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown featuring 20 entries (some are entire neighborhoods!). 

So why is Abilene's light contest the best around? Our prizes are the best in the state! Thanks to the generosity of Solid Rock Audio Video, Almost Home Reality, JRI Hospitality, Inc., Ingermanson Farms, Salina Country Club, and The Farmhouse we have $3,900 in prizes to award to the best Griswold-inspired decorations! 
3. Heritage Homes Association's Homes for the Holidays Tour
If you love decorating, the workmanship demonstrated in historic homes, or just like to snoop, you won't want to miss the 44th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour! Not only does this tour feature some of Abilene's most beautiful and historic homes, but it also showcases creativity in reimagined historic spaces. With new homes featured each year, we promise you'll enjoy this can't-miss tour!
4. Elf - The Musical at Great Plains Theatre
Celebrate the holidays with everybody's favorite oversized elf! This energetic musical based on the classic Christmas film will have you pouring syrup all over your spaghetti this year. "Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?!"And don't forget, season tickets to Great Plains Theatre make the perfect holiday gift! 
5. The REAL Santa
We've paid careful attention to ensure our Santa is top-notch! Spot him around town or at the Mayor's Holiday Tree Lighting on Saturday at 6 pm at Little Ike Park, 324 N Spruce St.

Also at Little Ike Park:

  • Turkey Drop (for adults)- 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! *Sponsored by First Bank Kansas and Pinnacle Bank
  • Snowball Drop (for kids)- No 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. *Sponsored by Bennington State Bank
  • AHS Singers will perform some of our favorite holiday carols
 
6. Shop Small All Season Long
Many Abilene businesses are staying open late and offering specials. Make sure to stop by, you'll never know what you will find! See a list of business hours and specials in... you guessed it... our 2021 Holiday Guide.

 
7. Fireworks
Come early and stay late! Yes, we're ending the night with a spectacular downtown fireworks display (weather permitting, of course)! The fireworks display will be at the Civic Center's east-end parking lot at 201 NW 2nd Street.

After the fireworks show, head to Old Abilene Town for an acoustic show with Dallas Pryor at the Alamo Saloon from 8-11 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door and drinks will be available.

Speaking of staying late, make it a weekend and stay in Abilene! Check out these great places to spend the night. 
201 NW Second St.
Abilene, Kansas 67410
785-263-2231
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday : Closed