HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Celebrate the season at the annual Light Up Hutch Christmas Parade & Festival this weekend, with events starting Friday, December 5 and continuing through Saturday, December 6.
Light Up Hutch Christmas Parade & Festival is hosted by community partners Ad Astra Radio, Hutch Rec, Downtown Hutchinson, City of Hutchinson, Hutchinson Zoo, United Way, and DCI.
Residents and visitors of all ages will enjoy various activities during the Light Up Hutch Christmas Parade & Festival, including:
Friday, December 5:
- Prairie Nights Happy Hour: Holiday Lights at the Hutchinson Zoo from 6-9 p.m.
An adults-only evening to sip, savor, and socialize. Stroll though a sparking preview of the holiday lights display while enjoying drinks and amazing animals at the Hutchinson Zoo. Tickets are $40/person in advance ($32/person for Hutchinson Zoo members) and are available for purchase online. Proceeds support the Hutchinson Friends of the Zoo.
Saturday, December 6:
- Hutch Rec’s Gingerbread House Decorating at Memorial Hall from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
This free event is Hutch Rec’s gift to the community and includes free gingerbread house decorating for all ages, along with Santa visits, interactive games, and more. Carriage rides will be provided outside of Memorial Hall from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Downtown Holiday Shopping and Dining – All Day
Throughout the day enjoy holiday shopping and dining at several downtown businesses. Many businesses will be running specials during the day; follow their social media pages for more information. - “A Christmas Story: The Musical” with Family Community Theatre, 3 p.m.
Enjoy the Family Community Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story: The Musical” featuring local and regional talent. Tickets range from $8.00-$16.50 and can be purchased online. - Spread the Light Holiday Park at DCI Park (2nd and Main) from 4-6 p.m.
Before the parade, visit the United Way of Reno County’s Spread the Light Holiday Park to support local non-profits and give back to our community. Groups will provide festive activities and give visitors the chance to connect with local nonprofits while making a difference this holiday season.
This year includes the addition of a food and treat court, located on 2nd street adjacent to DCI Park (in between Main St. and Washington Ave).
- Ad Astra Radio’s Light Up Hutch Christmas Parade (Main Street from Ave B through 7th Ave) at 6 p.m.
The festive weekend concludes with the 3rd annual Light Up Hutch Christmas Parade in Downtown Hutchinson, starting at 6 p.m. Parade entries will be judged by local celebrity panel in various categories.
The Parade will start at Avenue B and head north though 7th Avenue on Main Street. Pedestrian-only viewing will take place from Avenue B through 3rd and Main, where there are no parked vehicles allowed. Car viewing spaces are available from 3rd Avenue though 7th Avenue. Residents may park their vehicles in the open designated parking spaces on Main Street in these areas.
Parking areas and additional details are available on the parade event web page.
