Christmas came early in Topeka. Here's where to see the most extravagant holiday displays.

Evert Nelson, Topeka Capital-Journal
·6 min read
Traveling from their homes in Meriden to see some of the light display around Shawnee County, the Well's family stops in front of the Evans Christmas Lights, 4300 S.E Michigan Ave., Monday evening to enjoy the sights and sounds from their car.
Traveling from their homes in Meriden to see some of the light display around Shawnee County, the Well's family stops in front of the Evans Christmas Lights, 4300 S.E Michigan Ave., Monday evening to enjoy the sights and sounds from their car.

Since October, holiday decorations have been transforming the urban landscape around Topeka.

Halloween brought in "spooky season" with haunting decor and pumpkins taking the main stage of front steps. Next came Thanksgiving, which kept the pumpkins and added an encore of fall foliage to the mix.

Now with December right around the corner, local decorators are presenting their grand finale for the holiday season in the form of extravagant lights and their own winter wonderlands.

For those looking to take a gander for themselves, there are plenty of places in the area to check out the events and displays. Most are free to view.

Here's a look at a few of the most notable displays and how you can see them.

Downtown Topeka

Lit wreaths and trees wrapped in lights are seen at Evergy Plaza while a lone skater takes to the ice at the CoreFirst Ice Rink Monday evening.
Lit wreaths and trees wrapped in lights are seen at Evergy Plaza while a lone skater takes to the ice at the CoreFirst Ice Rink Monday evening.

When: Lights come on at sunset

Where: S. Kansas Avenue between 6th Street and 10th Street

Price: Free

Look no further for holiday decorations than right in the heart of Topeka.

Taking a walk on Kansas Avenue will yield many festive sights, including the annual Christmas tree and newly constructed CoreFirst Ice Rink at Evergy Plaza.

Lit trees and decorated walkways are also a sight to see. Many of the local businesses have also decorated their window fronts as part of Downtown Topeka Inc. holiday window-decorating contest, so don't forget to look up.

More:Downtown Topeka ice rink rings up holiday cheer

Evans Christmas Lights

Evans Christmas Lights, 4300 S.E Michigan Ave., show a vibrant change of pace to traditional displays by using programmed lights and monitors to show unique graphics synchronized to music.
Evans Christmas Lights, 4300 S.E Michigan Ave., show a vibrant change of pace to traditional displays by using programmed lights and monitors to show unique graphics synchronized to music.

When: 5-10 p.m. nightly

Where: 4300 S.E Michigan Ave.

Price: Free

Synchronization and high-tech lighting configurations set this display apart in the neighborhood. Those who stop by for the show should tune their FM radio station to 88.7 to experience the full effect.

A Facebook page for the Evans Christmas Lights gives updates and information for those interested in learning more.

TARC's Winter Wonderland

When: Every evening through Dec. 31. Gates are open 6-10 p.m.

Where: 3435 S.E. Edge Road at Lake Shawnee

Price: Suggested donation of $10 vehicle or $20 bus

A staple in Topeka, Winter Wonderland is celebrating its 25th year of creating memories through the drive-through light display. During the two-mile loop through the campground,s you'll see many classic Christmas-themed characters and effects with synchronized lights.

The annual event is TARC's largest fundraiser, raising money for the nonprofit service organization that supports those with intellectual, developmental and related disabilities and delays in the area.

Peace Family Christmas Light Show

Almost every bit of yard, and most of the trees, at the Peace Family Light Show, 655 S.W. Westchester Road, are illuminated while synchronized music creates a roadside attraction for passersby.
Almost every bit of yard, and most of the trees, at the Peace Family Light Show, 655 S.W. Westchester Road, are illuminated while synchronized music creates a roadside attraction for passersby.

When: 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5:30-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: 655 S.W. Westchester Road

Price: Free

The show features lights, figurines and motion graphics to take viewers on a musical holiday-themed journey right by Gage Park. Tune in to FM radio station 99.9 for the accompanying music.

Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade

When: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 3

Where: Downtown Topeka

Price: Free

The 27th Miracle on Kansas Avenue parade features a variety of holiday-themed floats and festivities with the official arrival of Santa bringing in the holidays.

New this year is the Topeka Performing Arts Center Stage at Evergy Plaza at S. Kansas Avenue and 7th Street with a live broadcast of the parade streamed for those not able to attend.

While you're downtown, check out the annual Mayor's Christmas Tree and newly constructed CoreFirst Ice Rink also at Evergy Plaza. Taking a walk along S. Kansas Avenue will also yield festive results as businesses compete in the Downtown Topeka Inc.'s holiday window-decorating contest.

Washburn's Winter Walk

From Yager Stadium to the bell tower and Memorial Union, buildings and sculptures at Washburn University are covered in lights as part of the Winter Walk seasonal event happening now through Feb. 6, 2023.
From Yager Stadium to the bell tower and Memorial Union, buildings and sculptures at Washburn University are covered in lights as part of the Winter Walk seasonal event happening now through Feb. 6, 2023.

When: Lights turn on at dusk daily till Feb. 6, 2023

Where: Washburn University

Price: Free

Visitors to Washburn University are invited to take a stroll through campus to see buildings, sculptures and the iconic bell tower lit up for the holidays.

Zoo Lights

A tunnel of lights guides guests through the Topeka Zoo during Zoo Lights.
A tunnel of lights guides guests through the Topeka Zoo during Zoo Lights.

When: 5-9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Dec. 28, and 5-10 p.m. week of Dec. 19-25

Where: Topeka Zoo, 635 S.W. Gage Blvd.

Price: $9 for children under 12; $12 for adults Sunday to Thursday and $14 Friday and Saturday

Back for the third year, Zoo Lights brings visitors an impressive experience while they roam the zoo grounds. Santa will be on site for photos during the event and he brought along a few reindeer, which can be seen daily until 7:30 p.m.

For those wanting more of a personalized experience, igloos are available for rent with food and beverage options. Group rates and event space are also advertised on the zoo's website.

More:Vote means 'lots of good things on horizon' for Gage Park, Topeka Zoo, Discovery Center

Potwin Place

This home at 323 S.W. Greenwood Ave. in the historic Potwin Place neighborhood is one of many decorated for the holidays.
This home at 323 S.W. Greenwood Ave. in the historic Potwin Place neighborhood is one of many decorated for the holidays.

When: Nightly until Jan. 7, 2023

Where: Potwin Place neighborhood

Price: Free

The tradition is said to have begun in the 1970s when a neighbor put up wooden Christmas decorations in the circle roundabouts lining the historic neighborhood. This year, the tradition continues with a theme titled "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

Viewers can tune in to FM radio station 96.9 FM for accompanying music throughout the eight blocks that begins at S.W. Greenwood Avenue from 4th Street and goes north.

Cortez Holiday Light Show

A vehicle passes by the Cortez Light Show at 3119 S.E. 30th Terrace as programmed lights covering the property move to synchronized music.
A vehicle passes by the Cortez Light Show at 3119 S.E. 30th Terrace as programmed lights covering the property move to synchronized music.

When: 6-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 6-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Jan. 1, 2023

Where : 3119 S.E. 30th Terrace

Price: Free

Ever since Louie Cortez decided to add a music light show to his home in 2008, the Cortez Holiday Light Show has dazzled Topekans for a free holiday experience close to Lake Shawnee.

Tune in to FM radio station 102.5 FM in your vehicle or listen through the mounted speakers outside. Just be courteous to the neighbors by dimming your lights and not parking in front of the display or blocking driveways.

Glotzbach Family Display

Classic lighted characters and displays follow the driveway to the Glotzbach Family Display at 2100 S.E. Croco Road.
Classic lighted characters and displays follow the driveway to the Glotzbach Family Display at 2100 S.E. Croco Road.

When: Seasonally

Where: 2100 S.E. Croco Road

Price: Free

Byron and Sandy Glotzbach have been decorating their yard for the holidays since the couple married in 1992. The nostalgic figurines, some one of a kind, with their colored lights line the property adjacent to Croco Road and I-70 where passersby can catch a glimpse.

Other noteworthy locations

A collage of holiday, Christmas and North Pole inspired decorations fill up the yard at 3032 S.W. Staffordshire Road while music plays from outside speakers.
A collage of holiday, Christmas and North Pole inspired decorations fill up the yard at 3032 S.W. Staffordshire Road while music plays from outside speakers.

  • 3032 S.W. Staffordshire Road.

  • 3518 and 3600 N.W. Topeka Blvd.

  • 1719 N. Kansas Ave.

  • Kingman Christmas Village, 1935 N.W. Polk St.

  • 5123 N.W. Sterling Chase.

  • Southboro Subdivision, 4300 S.E. Michigan Ave.

  • National Lampoon’s Christmas Display, 1828 S.W. Moundview.

  • Seabrook Avenue, 1733 S.W. Seabrook.

  • 3340 S.W. Skyline Parkway/4805 S.W. Burnett Court.

  • Candy Cane Lane, S.W. 8th and Fairlawn.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Where to find the top Christmas light displays in Topeka 2022