Downtown Topeka Inc. is preparing for a festive holiday season! Its 2024 holiday window-decorating contest is back, with voting kicking off Dec. 1. Meanwhile, Topeka’s Miracle on Kansas Avenue parade is set to return downtown on Saturday, Dec. 7 for a spectacular evening of holiday cheer and memorable moments, including special performances and the official arrival of Santa. The parade-day fun will kick off early this year, with inflatables and carolers along the avenue in the afternoon for families to enjoy.
Downtown businesses, from restaurants to retailers, are encouraged to take part in downtown’s holiday window-decorating contest, which is now in its fifth year. They may do so by creating festive window displays for the community and visitors to vote on through the first half of December. Businesses should email Claire.Thomas@TopekaPartnership.com to lock in their participation before the end of November. By participating in the contest, businesses will have the chance to win $500 and special promotion on DTI’s social media. Once the contest kicks off on Dec. 1, customers and community members can text the names of participating businesses to 877-881-6181 to cast their ballots for the best displays. One vote per phone number, per day will count toward the results. Voting is expected to close Dec. 20, with a winner announced the same day.
As for Miracle on Kansas Avenue, exciting new features will mark the parade’s 29th year. The “One Giant Celebration,” made possible by presenting sponsor Giant Communications, is expected to feature up to 200 floats, high school marching bands from across Kansas, red-carpet performances, an updated parade route and mainstage livestream, food trucks and vendors along the parade path, and more. Topeka native and Broadway star Antwayn Hopper will offer a memorable performance during the parade of an original Christmas rendition arranged by Grammy and Tony award winner Charlie Rosen, a talented musician and composer. Nominations have also opened for parade grand marshal (an adult), junior grand marshal (chosen from grades 9-12), and cheer meister, which is new this year. Cheer meister will be the parade’s youngest honoree, chosen from grades 1-8. Nominations can be made online HERE. The deadline to nominate is Nov. 18.
“I’m eager to see downtown come to life with the spirit of the holidays,” said Sean Dixon, interim DTI president. “I encourage Topekans to shop downtown and vote for their favorite holiday window displays curated by local businesses. Then, join us Dec. 7 for a Miracle on Kansas Avenue to remember! Bring the kids early, invite your family from out of town, and get ready to experience holiday cheer in downtown Topeka like never before.”
The parade will kick off at 6 p.m., following the Mayor’s Christmas Tree lighting at Evergy Plaza—but the fun starts even earlier! At 4 p.m., inflatables, food trucks, carolers, and activities for the whole family will be set up on Kansas Avenue between 6th and 7th streets. Parade goers are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the new additions and kick off an evening of joy.
Parade floats this year may enter for a $25 fee and should register in advance HERE. Float staging will begin at 3 p.m. on parade day. Attendees are also encouraged to stick around at Evergy Plaza after the parade for photo opportunities with Santa. More information about Miracle on Kansas Avenue and Topeka’s upcoming winter fun can be found online at VisitTopeka.com.
“We’re excited to be organizing some incredible holiday fun this year for Topeka and northeast Kansas,” said John Koop, VP of experiences and engagement for the Greater Topeka Partnership. “Join us downtown for the festivities, and get ready to make new memories with your friends, family, and loved ones. This holiday season is going to be special.”