Manhattan holiday festivities to feature open house, parade and special events
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Downtown Manhattan will host a series of holiday events throughout November and December, beginning with a Holiday Open House on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 409 Poyntz Ave.
The Holiday Open House kicks off the holiday season by encouraging people to eat, drink and shop local with participating downtown businesses. Visitors can enjoy sales and treats at participating establishments and holiday ensembles from the Manhattan Symphony Orchestra throughout the neighborhood.
The celebration continues with the 12 Drinks of Christmas Slow Crawl, running Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 13-18. The event allows participants to enjoy holiday-inspired beverages from participating downtown establishments at their own pace. Complete information, including passport details, will be available soon through Downtown Manhattan's office.
Two major events conclude the holiday programming. The Festival of Lights takes place Friday, Nov. 28, at 7 p.m., featuring what organizers describe as the tallest tree in Kansas. The event will light up Blue Earth Plaza with thousands of lights and is free and open to the public.
The 24th Annual Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade follows Friday, Dec. 5, at 5:30 p.m. The parade route runs along Poyntz Avenue from Third Street to City Park. Organizers recommend arriving early for the best viewing spots along the parade route.
The parade will feature beautifully lit floats, marching bands and other displays bringing holiday cheer to downtown Manhattan. Street closures will begin prior to the parade, and those parked along Poyntz Avenue at the start of the parade will need to remain in place until the parade passes.
Applications for parade participation are available through Downtown Manhattan Inc.'s website. The organization encourages floats and lighted displays to participate in the annual celebration.
All events are organized by Downtown Manhattan Inc., which describes itself as a destination location for shopping, dining, entertainment and business services located in the heart of Manhattan.
The Holiday Open House hours are subject to individual business hours, with details regarding participating businesses to be added soon. Passport information for the 12 Drinks of Christmas will be available for purchase soon, with participants able to enjoy each location's festive drink at their own pace over the course of a month.
Upcoming Holiday Events
Holiday Open House
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 8
- Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Location: 409 Poyntz Ave. and participating downtown businesses
- Details: Sales, treats, and Manhattan Symphony Orchestra performances
12 Drinks of Christmas Slow Crawl
- Dates: Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 13-18
- Details: Holiday-inspired beverages at participating establishments; passport information coming soon
Festival of Lights
- Date: Friday, Nov. 28
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Location: Blue Earth Plaza
- Details: Lighting of Kansas' tallest tree; free and open to public
24th Annual Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade
- Date: Friday, Dec. 5
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Route: Poyntz Avenue from Third Street to City Park
- Details: Floats, marching bands, holiday displays; arrive early for best viewing
For more information about the holiday events or to apply for parade participation, visit downtownmhk.com/events or contact Downtown Manhattan Inc.