Spirit of the Holidays in Manhattan, KS
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Spirit of the Holidays in Manhattan, KS

Manhattan, Kansas, truly shines during the holiday season with the 'Spirit of the Holidays' celebration. Visitors can immerse themselves in festive cheer with dazzling light displays throughout Downtown, including a towering tree in Blue Earth Plaza. The event offers a wide array of activities, from ice skating and holiday markets to special Santa visits and festive parades, making it a memorable experience for all.

What to Expect

City-wide holiday celebration with diverse events.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE

Other Christmas Events Near Manhattan

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families, couples, holiday shoppers

Vibe

Festive, cheerful, community-oriented

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Special Events & Promotions

  • 12 Drinks of Christmas at Downtown restaurants & bars
  • Miracle on Moro at the Hi Lo
  • Small Business Saturday promotions
  • Wine & Hot Cocoa with the Mean One at A&H Farm
  • Family New Year's Eve at Flint Hills Discovery Center

Tags

seasonal activitiesholiday traditionfamily friendlycommunity celebrationfestive foodholiday shoppinglight displaysice skatingSanta visitsparades

Location

Various Locations
Manhattan, KS

Event Details

Duration

Multiple Dates

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Manhattan

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Visit Manhattan

Food & Drink

Sample delicious meals and delightful treats at our eateries.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Check the 'Spirit of the Holidays' schedule frequently, as new events are added throughout the season.
  • Plan your visits to take advantage of the extended ice skating season at City Park, running from November through February.
  • Consider visiting on a weekend to experience events like 'Breakfast with Santa' or the 'Kansas Holiday Market'.
  • Explore the various downtown restaurants and bars participating in the '12 Drinks of Christmas' promotion for unique seasonal beverages.
  • Don't miss the 'Festival of Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony' on November 29th to officially kick off the holiday festivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main attractions during the Spirit of the Holidays?

Key attractions include the twinkling lights throughout Downtown Manhattan, the tall tree in Blue Earth Plaza, ice skating at City Park, Santa visits, holiday markets, and a lighted parade.

Are there specific events for children?

Yes, there are several family-friendly events such as 'Breakfast with Santa', 'Skate with Santa', and 'Santa's Luminary Trail' at Sunset Zoo.

Where can I find holiday shopping opportunities?

You can shop at specialty stores across town, the 'Kansas Holiday Market' at the Flint Hills Discovery Center, and the 'Holiday Art Market' at The MAC.

Is there a cost to attend the Spirit of the Holidays events?

Many of the events are free, including viewing the light displays and attending the tree lighting ceremony. Some specific activities like ice skating or ticketed performances may have associated costs.

When does the holiday season officially begin and end in Manhattan?

The 'Spirit of the Holidays' officially kicks off with the 'Festival of Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony' on November 29th and continues with various events through January, with the City Park Ice Rink open until February 8th.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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