Nights Before Christmas
holiday_light_displays

Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Nights Before Christmas

Step into a magical winter wonderland at the Hutchinson Zoo's 10th annual 'Nights Before Christmas' holiday light show. This beloved event transforms the zoo into a dazzling spectacle of twinkling lights and festive cheer, perfect for the whole family. Visitors can look forward to enchanting light displays, delightful treats like hot cocoa and cookies, and special appearances by Santa and his reindeer, complete with photo opportunities. A charming holiday train ride adds to the enchantment, making it an unforgettable seasonal outing.

What to Expect

10th annual holiday light show with Santa and train rides

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $$
  • Pets: Service animals welcome

Other Christmas Events Near Hutchinson

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and couples

Vibe

Festive and magical

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Special Events & Promotions

  • Buy three get one free ticket offer
  • Tickets purchased in advance guarantee your spot
  • Online ticketing closes at 5pm on the day of the event

Tags

holiday light displaysSanta visitstrain ridesfamily friendlyfestive foodholiday cheerseasonal activitiescommunity celebration

Location

Hutchinson Zoo
6 Emerson Loop E
Hutchinson, KS
67501

Event Details

Duration

Varies by event date

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Hutchinson Zoo

Food & Drink

Hot cocoa and holiday cookies available, food trucks and beverage vendors on-site

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Purchase tickets in advance online to guarantee your spot, as they can sell out. Online sales close at 5 PM on event days.
  • Consider attending the 'Holiday Happy Hour' on December 5th for a potentially less crowded experience before the main light show dates.
  • Dress in warm layers and wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking around the zoo grounds to enjoy the light displays.
  • Bring your camera for plenty of photo opportunities with Santa and the dazzling light installations.
  • Take advantage of the 'Buy three get one free' ticket offer for groups or families.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included with the ticket price?

Tickets include access to the zoo's holiday light show, cookies, cocoa, pictures with Santa, and a holiday train ride.

Are tickets refundable?

No, tickets are non-refundable. The event is held rain or shine.

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

Yes, tickets can be purchased at the gate, but purchasing in advance online is recommended to guarantee entry.

What are the dates for the event?

The main Holiday Lights are on December 12th & 13th, and 19th & 20th. There's also an 'Encore Lights Presentation' on December 26th & 27th, and a 'Holiday Happy Hour' on December 5th.

Is there parking available?

Parking information is not explicitly detailed, but it is recommended to arrive early as it is a popular event.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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