By Charissa Graves
Hutchinson Tribune Staff
HUTCHINSON—As the holidays draw nearer, Hutchinson has fully embraced the spirit of the season. This month boasts a packed calendar, with a variety of activities for children, adults and the entire family.
Murder in the Mine Holiday Edition: It’s a Wonderful Knife
Strataca will host another murder mystery dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 13, 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
The Hutchinson Zoo will hold 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
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
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.
2025 Midway Movie Night Series at the Kansas State Fair “Christmas Vacation”
On Saturday, Dec. 13, the Kansas State Fairgrounds will be continuing their Midway Movie Night Series with a showing of the 1989 film, National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation.”
Updates may be found on the State Fair’s Facebook page.
Pictures with Santa
From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Kelsey Rae Photography will be at Imperial Nutrition to allow families the opportunity to purchase photos of their children with Santa.
Photos will cost $10 per child, which includes a couple photos each, as well as a group photo for families with multiple children. Slots are first come, first served.
Harley Holidays Biker Bazaar
Salty Cycles will be hosting their Annual Harley Holidays event, with a new addition called the “Biker Bazaar.”
Starting at 10 a.m. on Dec. 13, the event will include a special entrance from Santa at 11 a.m., Salty Cycles sales, goodie bags, local vendors and a spread of finger foods and drinks.
Admission is free, and vendors include Pinkies Sewing, Cookies Leather, Salt City Candle Works, Gussy Marie’s Menagerie and more.
Sweets With Santa
“Bring the kiddos, your holiday cheer, and maybe grab a sweet treat while you’re here!”
Santa will be at Holly’s Sweet Treats from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 13, and available for a chat and a free picture. There is no sign-up or RSVP required.
Kris Lager Holiday Party
The Red Shed Music Venue will host Nebraska musician Kris Lager for a seasonal concert on Saturday, Dec. 13, starting at 8 p.m.
General admission costs $20 per person, with additional fees when purchasing tickets online.
Season of Lights at Strataca
Until Jan. 4, Strataca tours will include “dazzling displays of Christmas lights that transform the mine into a glowing winter wonderland.
“From twinkling tunnels to festive photo spots, every moment is designed to capture the spirit of the season.”
Christmas Film Series: “It’s A Wonderful Life”
Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre will kick off their Christmas Film Series with a showing of the classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 15.
Admission is $5 per person, sold at the door only, and doors open 45 minutes before showtime.
Christmas Film Series: “Gremlins”
“Gremlins” is the second installment of the Fox Theatre’s Christmas Film Series, showing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Admission is $5 per person, sold at the door only, and doors open 45 minutes before showtime.
Christmas Film Series: “A Christmas Story”
On Dec. 17 at 7 p.m., the Fox Theatre will show “A Christmas Story” as the third film in its Christmas Film Series.
Admission is $5 per person, sold at the door only, and doors open 45 minutes before showtime.
December Third Thursday: Shop Downtown for the Holidays
Third Thursday returns on Dec. 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., encouraging people to come Downtown and shop local for the holidays. As usual, the night will also feature local artists, vendors, musicians and other performers.
Additional information will be added to the Third Thursday Facebook page as the event approaches.
Christmas Film Series: “Hook”
The fourth installment of the Christmas Film Series at the Fox Theatre will be “Hook,” showing on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.
Admission is $5 per person, sold at the door only, and doors open 45 minutes before showtime.
Christmas in the Courtyard
The Reno County Museum invites people for come to their courtyard on Dec. 19 to “enjoy some holiday spirit.”
“Celebrate the season with twinkling lights, festive cheer, and holiday magic in the museum courtyard.”
Christmas Film Series: “Elf”
“Elf” starring Will Ferrell will show at the Fox Theatre at 7 p.m. on Dec. 19 as the fifth installment in the Christmas Film Series.
Admission is $5 per person, sold at the door only, and doors open 45 minutes before showtime.