Holiday happenings in Hutchinson

JUDD WEIL
Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Evening holiday events in Hutchinson will be plentiful on Thursday, Dec. 15.  

Starting at 5 p.m., the Reno County Museum will hold Christmas in the Courtyard.  

“This [Christmas in the Courtyard] has been going on for several years, it’s just a fun, festive way for us to kick off the holiday season, and a good way for the Reno County Museum to give back to the community,” Penny Bettles, Reno County Museum Event Coordinator, said. “What is new this year though, is that we will have reindeer.”  

The live reindeer are sponsored by Bretz Injury Law.  

At Christmas in the Courtyard, people can expect family activities like cookie decorating, ornament decorating, make-and-take crafts, a hot cocoa bar, and photo opportunities with the reindeer, as well as Santa Claus.  

“It’s free to attend, we will have donation boxes set up,” Bettles said. “It’s suggested donation only, certainly not mandatory or required, but that just kind of helps us offset the cost of the event.”  

Bettles said Christmas in the Courtyard has been a tradition in Reno County for many years, and it is their way of giving back to the community during the holidays.  

Those seeking a Biblical activity that Thursday evening, can visit Eagle Media Center Park for a Live Nativity.  

“We have actors that will be coming from Crossroads Christian Church, and so they will be out on our lawn there,” Nancy Swain, Eagle Media Hutchinson General Manager, said. “We have live animals that will be there. We have three camels, a donkey, a calf, and several sheep.”  

The Christmas story from the Bible will be told every 30 minutes at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. 

“It just gives people a chance to sit on a straw bale, and just really reflect on the meaning of Christmas, “Swain said. “It’s in a quiet little area, where it’s tucked away from all the craziness going up and down Main Street.”  

There will also be hot chocolate provided by Spangles, at the Live Nativity.  

Additionally, Christmas light tours around Hutchinson, courtesy of Reno County Area Transportation (RCAT), will be available to people once they are done experiencing the Live Nativity.  

Of course, people can also spend their evening, Dec. 15 in downtown Hutchinson for Third Thursday.  

Downtown Hutchinson turns into a celebration of local art, music, and community, starting at 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.  

People can stroll the streets of Downtown Hutchinson and take in the local music and art scene while shopping, dining, and enjoying December’s featured activities and events.  

Reno County Museum is located at 100 S. Walnut St. For questions about Christmas in the Courtyard, call (620) 662-1184. 

Eagle Media is located at 825 N. Main St. For questions about the live Nativity in Eagle Media Center Park, call (620) 662-4486. 

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