Cowtown Christmas Holiday Itinerary in Historic Abilene, Kansas
Abilene’s much-anticipated Cowtown Christmas is this weekend, and we have an itinerary to help you plan your visit to USA TODAY's Best Historic Small Town!
Saturday
9:00 a.m.
Kick off your Cowtown Christmas adventure with a delightful brunch Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro to energize for the day ahead.
10:00 a.m.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting history of Abilene by joining the first tour of the day at the Historic Seelye Mansion. Marvel at the beautifully decorated rooms adorned with hundreds of poinsettias and nutcrackers while learning about the dynamic story of the mansion's former residents and restoration.
12:00 p.m.
Head downtown for some holiday shopping at the Craftsman’s Gift Market at Sterl Hall or Sand Springs Venue’s Country Christmas.
1:00 p.m.
Experience a Cowboy Christmas at Old Abilene Town, where you can savor homemade chili, delectable cinnamon rolls, and hot chocolate at the Merchants Hotel. Don't forget to explore the Christmas Store at the Viola Building.
2:00 p.m.
Treat yourself to a matinee performance of Meredith Willson’s Miracle on 34th Street – The Musical at Great Plains Theatre.
5:00 p.m.
Indulge in an early dinner at Legacy Kansas – Munson’s Prime Steaks or Brookville Hotel’s fried chicken.
6:00 p.m.
Spread the holiday cheer by dropping off canned food or a monetary donation at the Abilene Area Food Bank (409 NW 3rd Street). Pick up a Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown Ballot and embark on a festive journey through Abilene to discover the most spectacular holiday decorations.
7:30 p.m.
Return your completed ballot to Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro and head to Little Ike Park at 8:00 PM for a magnificent fireworks display reminiscent of a warm and fuzzy Hallmark movie moment.
8:30 p.m.
Follow Christmas Tree Lane (NW 3rd Street and Buckeye Avenue) and admire all the lights on your return to your hotel, motel, bed and breakfast or Airbnb for the evening.
Sunday
11:00 a.m.
Begin your Sunday with a scrumptious brunch at M&R Grill or Joe Snuffy’s Old Fashioned Grill.
1:00 p.m.
Embark on a tour of beautifully decorated historic homes during the Heritage Homes Association’s 46th Homes for the Holidays Tours.
3:00 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the magic of an Old Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Heritage Center. Enjoy live Christmas music, witness a living nativity, and experience the holiday spirit.
The festive holiday lights and greenery will transport you to a Christmas wonderland. You can listen to live Christmas music, ride the historic 1901 steam carousel, and shop in the old-time Burklund store. Kids can make a craft in the one-room schoolhouse. Santa will visit with children and hear their Christmas wishes in the museum. Visit the log cabin and learn about Christmas on the prairie. Be sure to vote for your favorite decorated Christmas tree. The county 4-H clubs vie for cash prizes sponsored by Pinnacle Bank.
You can listen to lively seasonal tunes from the Talmage Quartet (note the changed date from Saturday to Sunday), Hiebert’s Dulcimers and The Brigade Band on Sunday night. Sunday evening will also feature a living nativity presented by Abilene’s Faith Lutheran Church. Listen to Christmas music while you browse the bazaar in the museum. Enter the opportunity drawing for the barn quilt.
7:15 p.m.
Conclude your Cowtown Christmas experience with a memorable ride on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad's Cowtown Santa Express! Revel in the warmth of a heated train car adorned with holiday lights, meet Santa, savor cookies and hot chocolate, and bask in the magic of the season aboard the festive train.
Abilene's Cowtown Christmas is a fun-filled weekend with much to offer. See a full schedule of events to help you plan your own itinerary at www.AbileneKansas.org/Christmas.