From one-of-a-kind events to twinkling lights to shopping local for the whole family, Lawrence, Kansas, does the holidays right. Explore Lawrence this season with the Winter Wonder Pass, a digital pass that unlocks exclusive discounts and earns you points to exchange for unique holiday-themed prizes. It's festive fun for the whole family! Keep reading to learn about all the holiday cheer featured on the pass.
See
The holidays in Lawrence, Kansas, are truly a sight to see. Every tree along the famous Massachusetts Street in Downtown Lawrence is wrapped in spiraling strings of lights, creating a magical promenade of 7 full city blocks filled with the best shopping, dining, and entertainment around. With the Winter Wonder Pass, you can earn points that you can exchange for prizes just by visiting holiday attractions around the city. Check-in at South Park’s holiday lights display, visit Maceli’s Banquet Hall to view dozens of creatively decorated Christmas trees that have been donated to benefit the local children’s shelter, or spend an afternoon at one of Lawrence’s amazing free museums and galleries like the Watkins Museum of History, the Spencer Museum of Art, or the Lawrence Arts Center.
Event highlight: You’ll get even more points with the pass when you attend the 30th Annual Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade. It’s this Saturday, December 2nd, and it’s one of the most unique parades in the nation, with old-fashioned horse-drawn carriages and horseback riders all decked out in their holiday finest. Don’t miss the last carriage in the parade – you’ll see Santa Clause himself waving from his sleigh.
Shop
Lawrence is the destination to do your holiday shopping this year. The Winter Wonder Pass features dozens of local small businesses, and trust us when we say that there’s something for everyone! Plus, many of the stores on the pass offer special, exclusive discounts when you check-in at their location. Get 20% off your purchase at Brits, the Lawrence purveyors of British goods, souvenirs, kitchen accessories, gifts, and food. Head to Jungle House and pick out a unique house plant and cute pot for it to go in for 20% off. If you know someone who’s expecting, pick them up an adorable baby shower gift at The Bump Store for 10% off!
Event highlight: Saturday, December 9, brings the return of the Lawrence Holiday Farmers Market at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Over 40 vendors bring their goods, ranging from meats and produce to baked goods and wine, and even holiday arts & crafts!
Sip
Time to refuel? Pick up a peppermint latte from one of the many coffee shops featured on the pass. Want something a little stronger? Try some local wines at the Crescent Moon Winery Tasting Room, or relax over a pint at Fields & Ivy Brewery. Even stronger? Head to Dempsey’s Burger Pub for their Sippin’ Santa Pop-Up Bar, featuring colorful, festive cocktails. If you’re hungry, grab lunch at Great Harvest Bakery & Café, where if you buy one sandwich, salad, or café breakfast item, you can get a second one for 50% off.
Share
The holidays are a time to hold our loved ones close, and what better way to do that than to share in experiences together? While you’re exploring Lawrence with the Winter Wonder Pass, consider getting tickets for A Christmas Story: The Musical at Theatre Lawrence. Or, stop at Sunfire Ceramics for an afternoon of cozy vibes and ceramic painting. Paint an ornament, a dish, or go big with a Christmas Gnome lantern.
Celebrate
Now that you’re fully in the Christmas spirit, it’s time to exchange the points you’ve earned with the Winter Wonder Pass for special prizes. The big prize this year is a one-of-a-kind, limited-edition Holiday ornament that features beautiful South Park. It’s sure to dazzle on your tree, and remind you for years to come of all the fun you had when you visited Lawrence, Kansas. We can’t wait for you to visit.
