Dec 04, 2024

Christmas festival events begin Friday, parade Saturday

Posted Dec 04, 2024 10:30 AM
Light Up Hutch 2024
Light Up Hutch 2024

Downtown Hutchinson and Hutch Rec

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Downtown Hutchinson, in a partnership with Ad Astra Radio, Hutch Rec, Hutchinson Zoo, and DCI, invite residents to celebrate the holiday season with the Light Up Hutch Christmas Parade and Festival taking place Dec. 6 & 7. Residents of all ages will enjoy various activities throughout the festival, including:

Friday, December 6:

Holiday Happy Hour at the Hutchinson Zoo from 6-9 p.m.

(For Adults 21 yrs and older; ticketed event)

Spend an evening strolling through the Hutchinson Zoo with a drink in hand, enjoying holiday festivities, music, delicious food and beverages, as well as animal experiences. Tickets include complimentary beverages and gourmet snacks throughout the event. A variety of food options and non-alcoholic and adult beverages will be available.

Tickets are $40/person ($30 for Zoo members) and are available for purchase here. Proceeds support the Hutchinson Friends of the Zoo.

Saturday, December 7:

Hutch Rec’s Gingerbread House Decorating at Memorial Hall from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (FREE)

This free event is Hutch Rec’s gift to the community and includes free gingerbread house decorating for all ages, along with visits with Santa, interactive games, and more. Carriage rides will also be provided outside of Memorial Hall from 10 a.m. to noon.

Spread the Light Holiday Park at DCI Park (2nd & Main) from 4-6 p.m.

Before the Christmas parade, visit 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 charities while making a difference this holiday season.

Ad Astra Radio’s Light Up Hutch Christmas Parade (Main St from Avenue B through 7th Avenue) at 6 p.m.

The festive weekend concludes with the 2nd annual Light Up Hutch evening Christmas Parade in Downtown Hutchinson. Ad Astra Radio is accepting parade registrations. Entries will be judged by a local celebrity panel in various categories.

The parade will start at Avenue B and head north through 7th Avenue on Main Street.

Pedestrian-only viewing will take place from Avenue B through 3rd & Main, where there are no parked vehicles allowed. 

Car viewing spaces are available from 3rd Avenue through 7th Avenue. Residents may park their vehicles in the open designated parking spaces on Main Street.

Look for hot chocolate and coffee stops along Main Street, and pop into our great Downtown restaurants for a delicious meal or treat before or after the parade!

Downtown Holiday Shopping (hours vary)

Throughout the day, enjoy holiday shopping at several Downtown Hutch stores while dining at restaurants. Several businesses will remain open through 8 p.m.

Follow the community partners on social media for continued updates, event maps, and the final line-up of activities.