Great Bend Glows.
The Santa Fe Trail isn't the only famous trail running through this charming Central Kansas town. During the holiday season, the Trail of Lights makes Great Bend glow. Over five million lights illuminate the town. Hit the Trail with your family and friends for a memorable holiday experience. Your group will love the lights and the Midwestern hospitality. The Trail of Lights was one of the American Bus Association's Top 100 Events for the Year 2000!

In the News

This website was featured on NBC news Dec 2003.

Great Bend's Trail of Lights was featured on A&E Holiday Town USA on Dec 18, 2003. More info.

Christmas City of Kansas
The glow of hand-crafted, animated light displays fills the city's parks, businesses, and neighborhoods. Christmas in Great Bend is all about beautiful lights and much more. Music, ice-skating, craft mall, living nativity, and some of the best shopping, dining, and lodging you'll find anywhere. From the weekend before Christmas until the end of December, visitors from all over the Midwest hit the trail to Great Bend, Kansas.

Wild Lights
The hand-crafted animated displays are a marvel. Hopping kangaroos, bathing elephants, jumping dolphins, and the Tunnel of Lights are just a few of the delights that await you in this free drive-through display. Look for this year's new animal. Enter Wild Lights through the Williams Street entrance one block west of Main on the south side of the Park. Donations are appreciated. more info

Lights at the Lake
The Train winds through Veteran's Park on the west side of town. The Twelve Days of Christmas and the beauty of lights reflected on the lake make this a lovely drive. These newest additions to the Trail of Lights provide a stunning display you won't want to miss!  Santa's elves can also be found here. They play baseball, hang wreaths, and shoot out of cannons. Enter this free drive-through at the north entrance to Veteran's Park off McKinley Street. more info

Jack Kilby Square
The charming Courthouse Square on Main Street glows with elegant lighted arches and snowflakes. There is plenty of free parking and quaint shops are open late during the holidays.  After visiting the Courthouse Square and Skating Rink on Main Street, be sure to stop in at Willow Creek Deli and warm up with some coffee.

Iceless Skating Rink
Started in 2001 from an idea by the Great Bend Youth Academy. The surface stays solid even when temp is above freezing because it is not made of  ice. It is a product called SuperGlide made by Florida Skating Productions. Open Dec - Feb. Free for kids. Located at Jack Kilby Square/Courthouse on Main Street. The only rink of it's kind in Kansas. Read NBC story and watch video.

Christmas Fantasy Village
Christmas has a home at Christmas Fantasy Village three miles south of Great Bend on Main Street (Highway 281). The Village is the premiere private light displays in Kansas. A 58-foot snowman and gigantic Christmas tree greets visitors at the final stop on the Trail. Carolers, fudge, reindeer, a visit with Santa, a train ride for the kids, shopping, and wonderful lights await you in the Village. Enjoy the beautiful Fontanini chapel or stop for snacks and hot drinks. Admission of $2.00 per person is charged at the gate. Special rates available for motor coach.  more info

Santa World
Santa is the star at 24th & Kansas  Street. Twelve life-sized Santas from around the world are gathered to charm you with their stories and traditions. Enjoy their beautiful costumes and one-of-a-kind faces. Santa World features life-sized International Santas, handcrafted by noted local artist, Loretta Miller. Admission is $1.00 per person.  more info

Lighted Nativity
Seasonal inspiration at 10th Street and K-96 Highway.