By Charissa Graves
Hutchinson Tribune Staff
HUTCHINSON—With the community tree lighting in DCI park happening on Nov. 20, the Christmas season has officially begun in Hutchinson. Be sure to take advantage of the many celebratory activities available this month.
2025 Evening Aglow Free Christmas Concert; 6709 W State Road 61
On Friday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m., Stuzman’s Greenhouse will be transformed into a “winter wonderland” for the “Evening Aglow Free Christmas Concert.” The lineup consists of the gospel and bluegrass band Color Green, Hutchinson High School Harmonics and Expressions, Buhler High School and Sterling College Singers. Each group will have an hour-long performance slot. This is a family-friendly event, and light refreshments will be served. There will also be complimentary transportation taking guests from the parking lot to the front door.
Nights Before Christmas “Holiday Happy Hour”; 6 Emerson Loop
The Hutchinson Zoo is continuing its Prairie Nights Happy Hour event series with “Nights Before Christmas” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. Guests 21 and older are invited to enjoy food, beverages, music and festivities with the animals after hours.
“Get the group together, dance the night away, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Zoo at night.”
The Drunken Duck will serve holiday cocktails, accompanied by craft beer from Sandhills Brewing, eggnog donated by Dillons Food Stores and hors d’oeuvres from Holly’s Sweet Treats.
For zoo members, tickets will cost $32 in advance or $36 at the gate. General admission will cost $40 in advance or $45 dollars at the gate. Designated drivers may purchase tickets in advance for $25 dollars, or pay $30 at the gate. Tickets for zoo members come with drink tickets, and all attending will be provided with food. Ticket proceeds support the Friends of the Zoo.
“A Christmas Story, The Musical”; 310 N. Main St.
Family Community Theatre is in its second week of performances of “A Christmas Story, The Musical” at the Flag Theatre. On Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5, the show will begin at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7 it will begin at 3 p.m.
For all shows, doors will open an hour before, and tickets can be purchased online. The cost is $15 per adult, $12 per youth or senior, and $7 per child, with additional service fees on online purchases.
Hutch Rec Gingerbread House Decorating; 100 S. Walnut St.
Hutch Rec invites people to bring their whole family to Memorial Hall on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the annual Gingerbread House Decorating event taking place during the Light Up Hutch Christmas Festival.
“Build your sweetest creation, enjoy festive tunes, and soak in the magic of the season…all for FREE!”
The stage will be decorated for photos with Santa Claus, and carriage rides will be available directly outside.
Photos with Santa at the Clayworks!; 1125 N. Main St.
The Clayworks will have three opportunities this month to get a picture with Santa. The first will be during their Christmas Market Reception on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. He will also be there on Dec. 18 and Dec. 22.
“Bring the family out and tell him what is on your Christmas wish list.”
2025 Light Up Hutch Christmas Parade & Festival; Downtown Hutchinson
“Bring out the family and get in the Christmas spirit!”
Beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, Downtown Hutch and Ad Astra Radio will host the “Light Up Hutch” Christmas Parade and Festival. The route will begin at Avenue B, heading north on Main Street through 7th Avenue.
Holiday Activity Night at the Hutchinson Public Library; 901 N. Main St.
From 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 11, the Hutchinson Public Library will have activities for youth, teens and adults at their Holiday Activity Night.
“You can even grab a hot chocolate and sit down with your favorite book by the tree. Check out the book displays for timely recommendations, or ask library staff to help you find a cozy book fit for the season.”
The event lineup, additional details and future library events can be found on the library’s website and Facebook page.
Murder in the Mine ‘Holiday Edition’ – It’s a Wonderful Knife; 3650 E Ave. G
Strataca will be hosting another murder mystery dinner on Dec. 12 and 13 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., this time with a holiday twist inspired by the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“Step into a hilariously sharp parody of a cherished classic, where George, Mary, Clarence and a few dangerous twists remind us that life, family, and even cutlery matter.”
Tickets cost $80 per person or $560 for a table for eight and may be reserved online. Attendees must be 18 or older, and at least 21 to take advantage of the cash bar. Dinner will be locally catered, and there will be a 50/50 raffle to fundraise for the museum.
Nights Before Christmas; 6 Emerson Loop
Hutchinson Zoo will be holding its 10th Annual Holiday Light Show, “Nights Before Christmas 2025” from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 13.
The event will also take place on each Friday and Saturday until the end of the month.
13 Days of Christmas; 1100 N. Plum St.
From Dec. 12 to Dec. 24, The Cosmosphere will be celebrating with the 13 Days of Christmas Event. Because of this, they will be switching to their holiday hours until Jan. 4, so they will now be open from Monday to Sunday, opening at 9 a.m. and closing at 7 p.m. Exceptions include Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when they will close at 3 p.m., and Christmas Day, on which they will be closed.
Each day will feature a different Christmas movie in the Justice Planetarium, Christmas Camp Activities for children and families and come-and-go activities throughout. “The Polar Express” will be shown every day in the Carey Digital Dome Theater at 7 p.m., until Christmas Eve when it will be shown at 3 p.m.
Select days will also feature visits from Santa, and possibly a surprise visit by the Grinch. A full list of activities can be found online.
Prairie Nutcracker; 18 E. 1st Ave.
Prairie Nutcracker will hold its 16th season on Dec. 12 through Dec. 14 at the Fox Theatre, produced by the Prairie Nutcracker Foundation of Hutchinson..
The show is an adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” with an 1869 Kansas twist, and features the iconic music as adapted by Boston composer Rick Kuethe.
“You won’t want to miss this delightful and wonder filled holiday gift for the whole family.”
Showtimes are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $32 per adult and $18 per child on Friday and Saturday, $10 per child on Sunday. There is a convenience fee of $5.50 for tickets purchased online, and the show is not recommended for children younger than 4 years old.