photo by: Mike Yoder

Driver Liz Rombach, of Lawrence, drives her 22 year-old miniature horse at the 2023 Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in downtown Lawrence.

The sounds of Christmas in downtown Lawrence aren’t always coming from a caroler or a brass horn. On one Saturday a year, it is a click and a clop — and an occasional whinny, too.

Indeed, horses — and decorated carriages and wagons — will take center stage on downtown Lawrence’s Massachusetts Street for the 31st annual Lawrence Old Fashioned Christmas Parade.

This year’s parade is set for 11 a.m. on Dec. 7. The event bills itself as one of the most unique parades in the county because it shuns motorized vehicles, and instead features carriages, wagons, coaches and other vehicles from yesteryear that are pulled by horses.

The event got started in 1993 with 21 entries but has grown as large as 70 entries, according to information on the event’s website. This year, look for about 50 entrants, said Marty Kennedy, one of the lead organizers of the nonprofit event.

“It is going to be a good one,” Kennedy said. “We already have a good lineup of carriages and wagons. We have some new people, and a bunch of old ones coming back too.”

The parade draws participants from long distances. Kennedy said one participant comes in from Wyoming. A Colorado entrant is included in this year’s list, and there’s always a fair number from Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri, in addition to many from across Kansas.

National television cameras also have been drawn to the parade. RFD-TV, a national cable channel, has filmed the parade in the past, and Kennedy said it is scheduled to do so again this year. The network often broadcasts the parade later in the holiday season, giving some national exposure to Lawrence and its historic downtown.

Of course, the best way to view the parade is in person. Traditionally, more than 10,000 spectators descend upon downtown for the parade. Prime viewing locations are anywhere along Massachusetts Street from Seventh to 15th streets. Kennedy said a particularly good area to view the parade is in South Park, just south of 11th and Massachusetts streets. The city places bleachers in the park for parade-watchers, and spectators can easily hear the parade announcer from that location.

Along other parts of Massachusetts Street, spectators often bring lawn chairs or blankets, or some who plan ahead and have an empty belly will snag a spot in one of the many outdoor dining locations that often are right along the street’s edge and provide a prime view of the parade.

People who are looking for a little less crowded area might choose to catch the parade from an East Lawrence street. The horses are stabled at the Douglas County Fairgrounds near 19th and Harper in far eastern Lawrence. The horses, wagons, and carriages travels along East Lawrence streets to get to the start of the parade, and also take those city streets to get back to the fairgrounds. The area near 7th and New Jersey streets — is near the Amtrak depot — is a spot nearly all the parade participants travel through as they are making their way to the parade.

As for what you’ll see once you arrive, look for a variety of horses and many wagons and carriages that range from traditional pieces of farm equipment to specialty outfits. Parade entries were still being finalized at press time, but past parades have included many historic and authentic frontier wagons, ranging from Wells Fargo stagecoaches to funeral hearses to covered wagons. Special mounted groups such as the Nicodemus County Buffalo Soldiers and various military and law enforcement units and their horses also have been part of past parades.

Here’s a look at several other standout events that are scheduled for the Lawrence and Douglas County area this holiday season:

Santa’s Rescue

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Nov. 29

Event Details: Come be part of the crowd that watches Santa Claus get rescued from the roof of Weaver’s Department store. The longtime downtown department store partners with the Lawrence Central Rotary Club and the city of Lawrence to execute a rooftop rescue that involves a fire engine and big ladder. This longstanding event often features much merriment on the ground and is a great way for people to see the extensive holiday light display in downtown Lawrence. Additionally, the event marks the beginning of an extended stay for Santa at Weavers. Santa will be available for children to meet on weekends, running through Christmas.

Historic Lecompton’s Annual Christmas Tree Display

Time: Wednesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Date: Wednesdays through Sunday through Jan. 5

Location: Territorial Capital Museum, 640 E. Woodson Ave., Lecompton

Event Details: This event is now in its 20th year, and has grown to more than 240 Christmas trees decorated in the theme “Christmas through the Ages.” Many trees are decorated in a classic Victorian style, and they are displayed in one of the more historic settings in Douglas County. The Territorial Capital Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places for the role Lecompton played during the Bleeding Kansas period of the U.S. Civil War. Nearby are several other historic sites related to the Civil War and Kansas’ statehood.

Lawrence Festival of Trees

Time: Various times

Date: Nov. 29 through Dec. 8

Location: Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering, 1031 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence

Event Details: For more than 30 years, this has been the event to see Lawrence’s most elaborately — and sometimes whimsically — decorated Christmas trees. And they are all for sale, benefiting the nonprofit O’Connell Children’s Shelter. The trees are designed and decorated by local businesses, families and organizations who come up with themes ranging from the traditional to one-of-a-kind. Your chance to buy a tree comes at the grand gala auction, which is set for 7 p.m. (get there early to get your bidding number) on Dec. 6 at Maceli’s. This year, the group also plans to have additional events during its festival week, including: a Breakfast with Santa on Nov. 30 and Dec. 7: Cookies with Santa on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3; Cocktails and Carols on Nov. 30; and a Holiday Trivia and Ugly Sweater contest on Dec. 4. For more details check the website at oconnellchildrensshelter.org.

Bizarre Bazaar

Time: Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Date: Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30

Location: Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence

Event Details: This longtime Lawrence tradition frequently attracts more than 100 area artists showing and selling their unique creations. the show is run by artists for artists and focuses on items that convey a sense of community. Expect a festive atmosphere with musical performances frequently part of the event.

Lawrence Lights: Making Spirit Bright

Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Date: Nov. 30 to Dec. 27

Location: Youth Sports Complex, 4911 W 27th Street, Lawrence

Event Details: The show, which winds through the sports complex near the Clinton Lake Dam, features many synchronized light displays and a variety of holiday scenes. Organizers request that that people reserve a time to view the display in order to minimize traffic issues. Reservations can be made at lawrence-lights.com. The admittance fee is used to help support more than a dozen local nonprofits. The Lawrence Board of Realtors Community Foundation, the Sertoma Club of Lawrence and the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department organize the event, and then distribute funds to a variety of local groups that provide social services in the community.

Eudora Holiday Market & Christmas Tree Lighting

Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Date: Nov. 30

Location: Eudora Recreation Center, 1630 Elm Street, Eudora

Event Details: Local vendors with a variety of crafts, food and other merchandise will be on hand with special holiday items. The market serves as a warm-up for an evening event where the Eudora mayor will preside over a Christmas tree lighting. Look for food trucks and other entertainment to be part of the free event.

Van Go Opening Night Adornment Art Show and Sale

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Nov. 30

Location: Van Go, 715 New Jersey Street

Event Details: Adornment is Van Go’s holiday art sale that features work made by student artists enrolled in the nonprofit’s art and work programs. The show historically has featured screen printing, blacksmithing, fused glass, painting, leatherwork and more.

Shop Small Saturday Shop Hop

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Date: Nov. 30

Location: Downtown Baldwin City

Event Details: More than 40 local vendors will be spread out among five shops in downtown Baldwin City. Look for the balloons to identify the locations where vendors have set up shops.

Pet Photos with Santa

Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Date: Dec. 1

Location: Lawrence Humane Society

Event Details: Here’s a chance for your pets to have their photo taken with Santa. The Lawrence Humane Society will take care of the picture-taking, and will send you a digital photo package a few days after the event. This is a fundraiser to help support the operations of the nonprofit humane society, which cares for about 6,500 animals each year.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Dec. 4

Location: Lied Center of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence

Event Details: Acrobatics and aerial feats all performed in a holiday setting will be on full display at the Lied Center. The show will feature plenty of live holiday music too, and is designed for the entire family.

Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol: A Radio Play

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Dec. 5-7

Location: Rice Auditorium, 404 Eighth Street, Baldwin City

Event Details: The theater department at Baker University is bringing a world premiere to Douglas County for the holidays. An original adaptation by Director of Theater Trevor Belt centers on a group of actors recording a radio version of the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol.” But the night becomes a little too real for the actors as Ebenezer Scrooge and a whole cast of characters help remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Time: Various times

Date: Dec. 6-8; Dec. 12-15; Dec. 19-22

Location: Theatre Lawrence, 4660 Bauer Farm Drive, Lawrence

Event Details: Willy Wonka will be part of Lawrence’s holiday scene this season, as Theatre Lawrence presents this family-friendly musical about the Chocolate Factory and its cast of characters. This adaptation of the 1971 film includes favorite songs like “Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination,” along with several pieces of new music.

Queens of Country Christmas

Time: 8 p.m.

Date: Dec. 6

Location: Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence

Event Details: This fundraiser for the ALS Association will get the holiday started with a bit of twang as Betsy O & The Hollaback Boys present beloved country classics from great female artists such as Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline and more.

Lawrence Parks and Recreation Holiday Extravaganza

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Date: Dec. 7

Location: Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Lane, Lawrence

Event Details: This show routinely brings vendors from across Kansas to sell their artistic and craft creations. Located inside the city’s biggest recreation center, the event is protected from the weather, and there is no admission charge to enter.

Tails & Traditions Holiday Festival

Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Date: Dec. 7

Location: Watkins Museum of History, 1047 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence

Event Details: It is a morning in the museum for the kids and those who are kid-like. This event features holiday-themed crafts and activities, with one of the most popular being what the staff calls its Watkins Hobby Horses. The event also features an “Ellie on the Shelf” scavenger hunt. The event is a great way to spend some time in downtown Lawrence right before the Old Fashioned Christmas Parade begins.

Baldwin City Festival of Lights Parade

Time: 5 p.m.

Date: Dec. 7

Location: Downtown Baldwin City

Event Details: The Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce and other organizers put together a unique event each year that combines the favorite sights of Christmas decorations and parades. Floats draped with lights make their way through downtown Baldwin City, which is adjacent to the historic campus of Baker University. Traditionally there is a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the end of the parade, and Baldwin City’s Lumberyard Arts Center has works on display.

12th Annual Gingerbread House Party

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 pm. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Date: Dec. 7

Location: Lumberyard Arts Center, 718 High Street, Baldwin City

Event Details: If you have ever wanted to try your hand at creating a gingerbread house, this event is your chance. House-building will happen inside the Lumberyard Arts Center in downtown Baldwin City from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. While there, participants can check out the various art offerings at the nonprofit community center, which includes its own gift shop, Lucy’s Corner. Then your gingerbread creations will be on display from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m..

Kiddie Candle Dipping

Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Date: Dec. 7

Location: Waxman Candles, 609 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence

Event Details: Here’s a chance for kids to learn how to make their own candles from the longtime creatives at Lawrence’s Waxman Candles. Kids will actually get to dip their own free candle to take home with them.

KU Vespers

Time: 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Date: Dec. 8

Location: The Lied Center of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Drive.

Event Details: This is a big one. It is the 100th anniversary for KU’s Holiday Vespers by the university’s school of music. The event is always one of the top performances of holiday music in Lawrence. This year, it will feature a pair of world premieres — one symphony piece by James Barnes, a professor emeritus in the KU music school, and a choir and piano piece written by current faculty member Forrest Pierce. Both pieces were created specifically for this 100 year celebration. Also special this year is a performance by a KU alumni choir. The event also will feature performances by the Lawrence Children’s Choir and the KU Trumpet Ensemble.

Holiday Homes Tour

Time: noon to 5 p.m.

Date: Dec. 8

Location: Various homes across Lawrence

Event Details: Lawrence’s Habitat for Humanity loves showing off holiday homes. Up to eight homes will be on this year. Tickets for the event, which benefit the nonprofit in its efforts to provide affordable housing, can be purchased on the organization’s website, lawrencehabitat.org, or stop by the organization’s retail location, Habitat ReStore at 2108 W. 27th St.

Baker University Christmas Candlelight Vespers

Time: 2 p.m.

Date: Dec. 8

Location: Rice Auditorium, 404 Eighth Street, Baldwin City

Event Details: Candlelight Vespers is a Baker University tradition. Hear both orchestra and and choir music from some of the top musicians at the private liberal arts college — the oldest in Kansas — in southern Douglas County.

KU Jazz Vespers

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Dec. 11

Location: Lied Center of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Drive

Event Details: One vespers show isn’t enough to capture all the talent at KU’s school of music. For people who like their holiday music with a pep in its step, KU is hosting Jazz Vespers. The show will feature a variety of holiday favorites both with a jazz and pop theme. KU’s award-winning Jazz Ensemble I will perform, along with special guest musicians.

Candy Construction

Time: 4 p.m.

Date: Dec. 11

Location: Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont Street

Event Details: The staff at the Lawrence Public Library will have all the candy and other supplies for youth to make a small gingerbread house. This free event is open to children 5 to 18 years in age. Space is limited, so the library recommends you register in advance on its website or by calling 785-843-3833.

‘The Nutcracker: Kansas Ballet’

Time: Various times

Date: Dec. 13 through Dec. 15

Location: Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence

Event Details: This is the Lawrence Arts Center’s twist on the classic “Nutcracker” ballet. It has become a holiday tradition all its own. This adaptation is set in Kansas during the Civil War. It involves a lot of “magic and wonder” as a cast of characters battle a Mouse King and attempt to liberate the Nutcracker. Most days offer a matinee and evening performance; get times and ticket details at the Lawrence Arts Center or its website, lawrenceartscenter.org.

Big Band Christmas

Time: 8 p.m.

Date: Dec. 14

Location: Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence

Event Details: The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra will be featured at this event that is full of fun and dancing as people come together for one of Kansas Public Radio’s largest fundraisers of the year. The event has been known to sell out, so inquire about tickets at Liberty Hall or its website.

Holiday Farmers Market

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Date: Dec. 14

Location: Open Pavilion, Douglas County Fairgrounds, 1930 Harper Street, Lawrence

Event Details: The growers and producers who provide fresh produce at downtown Lawrence’s farmers market during the spring and summer shift gears and locations for the holidays. Historically, more than 40 vendors make the move to the Douglas County Fairgrounds for this one-day event. Look for hot food, artisan crafts, locally grown produce, gifts, box sets and more.

Lawrence Mountain Bike Club Tour de Christmas Lights

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Date: Dec. 14

Location: Dad Perry Park, 1200 S. Monterey Way, Lawrence

Event Details: Bring your bike and bring your fresh legs for an approximately 5-mile ride through Lawrence neighborhoods to see some Christmas lights. Organizers promise the pace of the ride will be easy, and bikes of any type will handle the terrain. Participants are encouraged decorate their bike and be prepared to hang around afterward for an afterparty.

‘Drunken Christmas Carol’

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Dec. 14 through Dec. 16

Location: Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire Street

Event Details: Longtime director Ric Averill puts a comedic and adult twist on the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol.” Audience members serve as singers and other participants in the act. The show is recommended for those 18 and over. The show includes cocktail service.

Organ Vespers 2024: Christmas Lights

Time: 5 p.m.

Date: Dec. 15

Location: First Methodist Church, 946 Vermont Street, Lawrence

Event Details: Professional organist Tandy Reussner will present the 27th edition of Organ Vespers in downtown Lawrence. This candlelight concert will also feature professional harpist Erin Wood, a French horn chorus and soloist Genee Figuieras.

Ashley Davis Winter Solstice Celebration

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Dec. 18

Location: Lied Center of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Drive

Event Details: A concert by Lawrence native Ashley Davis has become a bit of a local holiday tradition. Davis is one of the country’s leading performers of Celtic music, and this year she will be joined by Dublin harper Cormac De Barra and multiple other Irish musicians.

Songs of the Season: Group Singing with Kelley Hunt

Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Date: Dec. 19

Location: Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont Street

Event Details: Here’s your chance to join longtime touring artist Kelley Hunt for a sing-along. Hunt will share a few tips on how to sing and take care of your voice. After that, Hunt and the crowd will start tackling a host of holiday favorites. Open to all levels of singers. Registration is required by logging onto the the library’s website or calling 785-843-3833.

Inclusive Holiday Market

Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m.

Date: Dec. 21 and Dec. 22.

Location: Lied Center of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Drive

Event Details: Last year more than 100 local artists filled the Lied Center. For many, it was their first time being a vendor as the marketplace puts an emphasis on finding makers, artists and small businesses who are still emerging or haven’t had as many opportunities to show their work.

Community Hanukkah Celebration

Time: 5 p.m.

Date: Dec. 26

Location: Lawrence Public Library

Event Details: The entire community is invited to enjoy food, celebrations and activities for children and families as the Lawrence Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah. The event is organized by Chabad at the the University of Kansas, an organization that serves the Jewish community at and around the KU campus, plus conducts outreach services throughout Lawrence.