Santa Rescue and Holiday Light Ceremony
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Santa Rescue and Holiday Light Ceremony

Join the beloved Lawrence tradition of the Santa Rescue and Holiday Light Ceremony. Watch as Santa Claus is dramatically rescued from the roof of Weaver's Department Store by the local fire department. Once Santa is safely on the ground, the countdown begins, illuminating downtown Lawrence with a spectacular display of holiday lights, officially kicking off the festive season.

What to Expect

Santa's dramatic rooftop rescue by firefighters.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Other Christmas Events Near Lawrence

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and community members

Vibe

Festive and community-oriented

Energy Level

Low

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

High

Special Events & Promotions

  • Official kick-off to the holiday season
  • Large crowds gather for the tradition
  • Downtown bursts with holiday lights after the countdown

Tags

tree lightingSanta visitscommunity celebrationholiday traditionfamily friendlyfestive atmosphereholiday cheer

Location

Weaver's Department Store
901 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS
66044

Event Details

Duration

2 hours

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Lawrence

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Downtown Lawrence Inc.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for Santa's rescue, as large crowds are expected.
  • Dress warmly in layers, as the event takes place outdoors in late November.
  • Bring your camera to capture the exciting moment of Santa's descent and the subsequent lighting ceremony.
  • Check the weather forecast beforehand and bring an umbrella if rain or snow is expected.
  • Consider using public transportation or carpooling, as parking in the downtown area may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Santa Rescue and Holiday Light Ceremony start?

The event begins at 5:30 PM.

Where exactly does Santa get rescued from?

Santa is rescued from the roof of Weaver's Department Store.

Who produces the event?

The event is produced by Central Rotary Club and promoted by Downtown Lawrence and Explore Lawrence.

Is there a cost to attend?

Admission to the Santa Rescue and Holiday Light Ceremony is free.

What happens after Santa is rescued?

After Santa is safely on the ground, the countdown is completed, and the downtown area bursts with holiday lights.

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 30, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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