Here’s where you can find Lawrence Times coverage of all things holly, jolly, merry and bright in 2024.
Don’t forget to check our calendar for many more events, and to submit your own event for publication!
Coverage of the holiday season:
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Santa is saved once again; Lawrence townspeople celebrate
Much to the relief of the Lawrence community, Santa has been rescued from the rooftop of Weaver’s Department Store once again.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Festival of Trees to bring twinkly lights, creativity to downtown Lawrence
One of Lawrence’s prettiest fundraisers will soon return. The Festival of Trees, a fundraiser for O’Connell Children’s Shelter, will kick off public viewing hours on Friday.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
More holiday fun in Lawrence: Traditions, trivia, treats and more
Lawrence has no shortage of holiday events and traditions, ranging from old-fashioned to, um, very Lawrence. Here are a bunch of upcoming opportunities for festive fun.
Here are Lawrence-area restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving
We’ve reached out to more than 120 restaurants in Douglas County. Here are the ones that have confirmed that they’ll be open Thanksgiving day.
Holiday music in Lawrence: Where to hear the sounds of the season
The KU School of Music’s Vespers concert is celebrating a huge milestone: It’s turning 100 this year. That will be one of many opportunities coming up to hear the sounds of the holiday season in Lawrence.
Where to get a free Thanksgiving meal in Lawrence
Turkey Day is just around the corner. Here are some places to get a free meal in Lawrence.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to have enhanced patrols through Thanksgiving weekend
Extra Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies will be patrolling through Saturday, looking out for impaired and distracted drivers.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Closures, free parking, changes to transit service and more Thanksgiving holiday notes
Here’s info on when parking downtown is free, changes to trash pickup, what’s closed when and more for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Theatre Lawrence to feature beloved ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ this holiday season
Theatre Lawrence will invite the community into a world of pure imagination this holiday season with its production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence holiday markets: Where to shop for gifts that support local makers
Here are almost 20 Lawrence-area opportunities to shop local and support artists, farmers and small businesses this holiday season, starting with this weekend.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Young artists of Van Go to release newest works for annual Adornment art show and sale
The young artists of Van Go will soon welcome the community to their annual Adornment holiday art show and sale.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Annual downtown Lawrence holiday lighting, Santa rescue tradition set for day after Thanksgiving
Lawrence firefighters will once again rescue Santa Claus in downtown Lawrence this year with holiday lights aglow.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Last Lawrence Farmers’ Market of the season coming up; save the date for Holiday Market
The Lawrence Farmers’ Market’s regular season is winding to a close, but the annual Holiday Market will be coming up in mid-December.
Chloe Anderson/Lawrence Times
Where to see Santa in Lawrence this holiday season
Here are some opportunities for naughty, nice, and four-legged friends alike to visit with Santa and get photos taken in Lawrence this year.
Please help us update our festive map of holiday homes!
Our map of holiday homes has been a huge hit since we launched in 2021, but it’s due for a refresh, and we need the community’s help to do it!
Check our community calendar for more:

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