Every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, WaKeeney’s downtown transforms into the “Christmas City of the High Plains.” This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Tree Lighting Festival, a celebration rooted in nostalgia, community pride and display that has brought families together for generations.

Christmas City magic

The tradition began in 1948 when two local businessmen designed an ambitious downtown light display. By 1950, the first version of WaKeeney’s iconic Christmas tree stood in the center of Main Street. It was originally built around a tall telephone pole and decorated with fresh greenery.

“We’ve been using these decorations for 75 years,” says Lynelle Shubert, WaKeeney Travel & Tourism director. “It’s very nostalgic. It’s small-town America at its warmest.”

Today, that original frame still anchors the celebration. Volunteers wrap it each year to create a 35-foot live greenery tree topped with a four-foot star. A canopy of blue lights stretches across the town square and handcrafted wreaths, bells and garlands line the four-block downtown. WaKeeney still uses traditional bulbs rather than LEDs, a choice Shubert says preserves the familiar glow visitors remember.

“It’s comforting and makes your heart warm,” Shubert says. “That's what people come back for.”

The surrounding experience has grown over the years. The day begins with a craft bazaar, followed by holiday activities at the Trego County Historical Society Museum and ornament-making at the public library. By late afternoon, downtown is filled with horse and wagon rides, strolling carolers, warm treats and a chance to meet reindeer.

At 6 p.m., Santa will arrive in a restored 1948 coupe in honor of the festival’s earliest days. This year, the vehicle will feature a recreated 1950 police badge from WaKeeney's original police chief. When Santa lights the tree, the entire square glows as it has for three-quarters of a century.

Traditions that endure

WaKeeney's Christmas celebration lasts because the town protects what makes it special. Many original decorations are still used and the event continues to grow without losing its roots.

“New things pop up, but the heart of it never changes,” Shubert says. “Santa always lights the tree. That’s one tradition we don’t change.”

New traditions have joined the old. A Christmas tree mascot greets children early in the evening and the Grinch makes an appearance each year. Local shops turn into “Santa’s Downtown Workshops” with crafts and treats. North Pole Park stays open year-round, giving families a place to take festive photos even in the summer.

Generations of families return each year, some even traveling back to WaKeeney despite no longer having relatives in town.

“People come home for this,” Shubert says. “Some don't have family here anymore, but they still come back because it feels like home.”

Plan your visit

Tree Lighting Day is Nov. 29 this year. WaKeeney sits conveniently just off I-70, halfway between Kansas City and Denver, making it an easy stop for travelers and families planning a weekend getaway.

Lodging fills quickly and visitors are encouraged to arrive Friday night to enjoy WaKeeney's Black Friday downtown event with extended shopping hours and holiday activities.

Dining options include a long-running VFW Auxiliary soup, festive downtown treats and the newly opened Table 529, which offers elevated chef-crafted dishes. Shiloh Vineyard & Winery provides an additional stop for those wanting to explore the area.

Whether you come for the music, the reindeer or the iconic tree lighting, WaKeeney's 75th celebration offers a weekend filled with nostalgia and holiday warmth.

As Shubert says, "How do you describe magic? You really can’t — you just have to be here to feel it.”

On Nov. 29, step into the glow of Kansas’ Christmas City of the High Plains and experience the magic that has endured for 75 years.

Learn more here.

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