Celebrate the Holiday Season in Abilene!

Join us in celebrating the holiday season! Below please find your guide to holiday activities in Abilene... and there is a lot! Activities are listed in chronological order.
Small Business Saturday

Stop by the Abilene Travel Information Center, 201 NW 2nd, from 10 am - 2 pm to pick up a special Small Business Saturday surprise*!

*Quantities limited. 
Makin' Magic - 25 Years of Fun

Makin' Magic
25 Years of Fun
November 29 - December 15

A new musical revue created by Mitchell Aiello and Layne Roate celebrating 25 years as an Equity Theatre in Abilene, KS. Arranged mostly in medleys, a group of 8 performers delights with a sampler of the music from past GPT shows over the last 25 years as well as a peek into future seasons. Performers when not singing and dancing will join the on-stage band for an entertainment that has something for everyone.

Rated PG

Museum Store Sunday

On Sunday, December 1, 2019, over 1,200 Museum Stores representing all 50 states, 18 countries, and 5 continents will offer relaxing, inspired shopping inside your favorite museums and cultural institutions. Museum Store Sunday offers a special shopping experience in one-of-a kind stores, showcasing broad assortments of highly curated, unique, mission-specific gifts. From books to jewelry to children's products to home accessories and gourmet food, there is something for everyone. Shop knowing you are supporting the missions and programs of each participating museum and cultural institution.


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Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum

SHOPPING DISCOUNT - 12.1.2019 ALL DAY
Receive a 25% discount on gift shop purchases both in our store and online! Use code "BeaPatron" at the ILikeIkeStore.com to receive your 25% discount on Sunday, December 1.

MOVIE SCREENING - 2 P.M.
"National Treasure" special 15th anniversary screening at 2 p.m.
Christmas Brunch

Arts Council of Dickinson County
Saturday, December 7
Beginning at 10:30
Tickets: $20

The Arts Council of Dickinson County is pleased to host their Annual Christmas Brunch. The annual event is the perfect occasion to kick start the holiday season. The event will be held at the elegant courtyard of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, 200 SE 4th Street, Abilene, with a tasty brunch catered by Amanda's Bistro & Bakery. 

The First Infantry Division Band from Ft. Riley will be the entertainment. The six piece woodwind ensemble will be playing festive tunes for Christmas, patriotic, and a number of tunes. Also performing will be young violinists of the ACDC Strings Program. Instructor Carolyn Graves will lead the students while they play background music.

The Christmas Brunch will be Saturday, December 7, 2019 beginning at 10:30. There are a limited number of tickets available. Be sure to get yours. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at West's Country Mart and the Arts Council 785-263-1884. Please call the Arts Council to purchase tickets by credit card.

Reservations are required, and tickets must be purchased by December 4th.
Christmas with Ginger

Christmas Afternoon Tea Party
Saturday, December 7 
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum

Enjoy photos with Santa and Ginger, holiday treat bags for kids and more! 
Christmas Afternoon Tea Party

Christmas Afternoon Tea Party
Saturday, December 7 
11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

Visit Abilene's Victorian Inn for their 9th annual afternoon party. 

Each tea party lasts 2 hours and includes 12 food items and 3 different teas.

Cost: $35 + tax per person.

Fresh lemon curd is also available for sale in the gift shop.

Reservations required. Call (785) 263-7774 for more information.
2019 Holiday Homes Tour

2019 Homes for the Holidays Tour

Tickets are $10 (all ages) and will be available at the Abilene Visitors Center, 201 NW 2nd and West's Country Mart, 1900 N Buckeye Ave.

For more information, contact the Abilene CVB at (785) 263-2231.
Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 7
9-10 am
Abilene Civic Center

Ticket Cost: $5.00 per person regardless of age.

Breakfast will include a cinnamon roll and juice. There will be a coloring and craft table, story time, and of course your chance to visit with Santa Claus. 

Tickets must be purchased by Monday, December 2. Purchase your tickets at the Abilene Community Center or by calling the office (785) 263-7266.
Christmas Magic

Holiday Activities & Treats throughout Downtown Abilene
Saturday, December 7
 3 - 8 p.m. 
Attendees are invited to pick up their goodie bag and program map of scheduled activities at Cowork Abilene, 300 N Cedar.
Old Abilene Town Christmas 
Saturday, December 7, 4-10 pm
Sunday, December 8, 1-9 pm
Visit the Alamo Saloon and enjoy hot chocolate. See the Christmas lights and visit the Clock Shop - Old Abilene's Town "winter wonderland".


Downtown Carriage Rides
Saturday, December 7
3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Little Ike Park 
Sponsored by Community Foundation of Dickinson County.


Mayor's Holiday Tree Lighting & Visits with Santa
Saturday, December 7
6:00 p.m.
Abilene Civic Center
*Photos with Santa provided by Keller Photography*
(Free digital download)


Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce Turkey Toss
Saturday, December 7
7:00 p.m.
KABI Radio Station
Kris Kringle Market 

Saturday, December 7
4:00 - 8:00 pm
300 Block of Broadway
Downtown Abilene

Roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst and hot spiced wine, music in the air, kids playing, sounds of laughter and holiday cheer, this is the authentic German style Kris Kringle Market atmosphere! Visitors can explore Historic Downtown Abilene, visit our local retailers, vendor's with German food, crafts, food, warm wine, while listening to great Christmas music. 

Abilene Municipal Band Holiday Concert 

Sunday, December 8, 2019
2:00 - 4:00 pm

Come enjoy the sounds of the season as the Abilene Municipal Band performs classic and modern Christmas pieces! Bring the family and enjoy this free concert at the Eisenhower Visitor's Center auditorium!

A Very Prairie Christmas

Sunday, December 8
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Dickinson County Historical Society

Enjoy a live Nativity presented by the  Abilene Faith Lutheran Church in the historic Prichard Barn.
 
Special presentations will be given by period re-enactors, b ringing to life stories of Dickinson County ancestors.
 
Cookies, hot chocolate, and punch will be served.  Santa will be available to see children. 
 
Luminaries , music, vintage activities and merry displays will  showcase the wonders of Christmas on the Kansas prairie!
 
Come and enjoy a festive evening!
Holiday Trolley Tour

Friday, December 13
Saturday, December 14
Friday, December 20
Saturday, December 21

Departures at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Cost: $5 per person ages 3 and older.  Cash or check only. 

Reservations:  Please call Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad at 785-263-1077 

Pickup and drop off at the Abilene Civic Center, 201 NW 2nd. 
Santa Train

Sunday, December 14, 2019
Abilene & Smoky Valley Train Depot
Noon  - FULL
1:00 pm - FULL
2:00 pm - FULL

Buy your tickets early! Seats are limited. The Abilene Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a holiday train ride with the Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad Association. Santa always enjoys the ride with everyone. He also enjoys seeing old and new faces. The train ride is approximately 45 minutes long. It travels from the historic Abilene Depot to one mile west of Enterprise and back. The passengers will ride in the enclosed heated car with Santa. Ms. Cheryl from the Abilene Children's Library will be aboard. Santa will be available to listen to your Christmas wish list and you may have your picture taken with him. 

You must pre-register for this train ride. There will be no tickets sold the day of the train ride! No exceptions!  Purchase tickets online or by calling the office (785) 263-7266.
Cowboy Christmas

Sunday, December 14, 2019
Noon - 4:00 pm

Join us for chili and cinnamon rolls in the Alamo
Saloon!

Take a sleigh ride and warm up with some hot chocolate!

Get your stocking stuffers at the General Store and enjoy the holiday spirit at Old Abilene Town!

Seelye Mansion Holiday Tours

Abilene's historic Seelye Mansion is exceptionally beautiful during the holiday season.

Tours Daily!

Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m



Business Events and Specials

The holiday events don't stop here! Check out these other great business events and specials in the Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce's newsletter.



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