The holidays around Topeka

Michelle Boltz

There are a number of activities and events that are happening both on and off campus for the upcoming holiday season. There are dropboxes on campus for Toys for Tots donations, 2 of which are located inside of the Memorial Union. There are also various locations in which one could donate gifts for the Angel Tree. For your holiday enjoyment, there are a few concerts at White Concert Hall, starting with the Percussion Concert on December 2nd at 7:30pm. There is also a Jazz Concert during that same time. On December 3rd, there is a Wind Ensemble Concert at 7:30pm. The Lady Blues Holiday Classic took place on November 27th and 28th.

On December 2nd, the Washburn Bookstore will have their “Home for the Holidays” Open House from 1 to 2:30pm. Their Holiday Extravaganza will also take place from 8am to 6pm on December 4th, which is open to the public. It would be a great time to find that perfect gift for your favorite Ichabod on your Christmas list! December 3rd, The Washburn School of Business is holding a Holiday Open House from 1:30 to 3:30pm. That same evening at 7pm, Morgan Spurlock will be at the White Concert Hall.

On December 5th will be the Mulvane Merriment from 10am to 4pm at the Mulvane Art Museum. There will be a Holiday Shop that features jewelry, clothing, art, glass ornaments, all which will be available for purchase. There will also be a silent auction takes place that will feature works from 19 artists who have donated items for the event. Items can be viewed from November 3rd through 2pm on December 5th. The silent auction is an annual fundraiser for the Mulvane Women’s Board. Proceeds from the auction will help support the museum’s exhibition and educational programs.

November 28th was the annual Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade which took place in Downtown Topeka. The 11th Annual “Winter Wonderland” is located at Lake Shawnee, and is sponsored by TARC. Families and friends can drive through 2 miles of lights and delight! Winter Wonderland is from 6 to 10pm until December 31st. Donations are $5/car or $7/van. The Festival of Trees will take place from December 3rd through 6th at the Kansas Expocentre, and is $3/person.

December 4th is the Cookie Walk sponsored by Ronald McDonald House. Cookies and Candies will be sold for $5/pound. Cakes, pies and breads will be priced individually. Donated goods will be accepted the day before the event. Ronald McDonald House is located at 825 SW Buchanan. December 3rd through the 5th is the Old Time Holiday Happenings at Old Prairie Town, where one could experience the holidays from a long-gone era.