What to do in Wichita this weekend: Christmas, concerts, shopping

It’s almost Christmas, and Wichita has another busy weekend in store.

Here’s a list of some of the activities being offered, both holiday-themed and not.

Wichita’s last ‘Nutcracker’

Friday-Sunday, Century II Concert Hall, 225 W. Douglas

The last of Wichita’s several productions of the classic Christmas ballet “The Nutcracker” happens this weekend when Ballet Wichita puts on its 48th annual presentation on Friday through Sunday at the Century II Concert Hall. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25-$55 and are available at selectaseat.com, by calling 316-755-7328 or in person at the Century II box office or at the Select-A-Seat box office inside Intrust Bank Arena.

Drag Queen Christmas

9 p.m. Sunday, Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway

“A Drag Queen Christmas,” a holiday show featuring several queens made famous on the show “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” returns to Wichita for the second straight year and will take the stage at 9 p.m. on Sunday at The Orpheum Theatre. The show is open to all ages, but crowds should expect adult comedy. Tickets are $41-$85 at www.selectaseat.com, by calling 316-755-7328 or in person at the Select-A-Seat box office inside Intrust Bank Arena.

Last chance for Christmas Express

Friday through Sunday, O.J. Watson Park, 3022 S. McLean

Wichita has one last weekend to ride the Watson’s Christmas Express at O.J. Watson Park, which will open Friday, Saturday and Sunday and then close for the season. A local re-creation of “The Polar Express” experience, the event allows visitors to ride Watson Park’s miniature train to a simulated North Pole. Visitors can register in advance at www.wichita.gov/ParkandRec/WatsonPark for VIP rides that run between 5 and 8:15 p.m. and include extra attractions. They also can get general admission tickets at the door on a first-come, first-served basis between 5 and 6:30 p.m. VIP tickets are $18 a person. General admission tickets are $12 with s’mores and hot chocolate available for an extra $4.

Tom Petty Tribute

7:30 p.m. Friday, The Cotillion, 11120 W. Kellogg

Those who miss the late rocker Tom Petty can catch a tribute show by a group called Insider on Friday at the Cotillion. The show, which will be opened by a classic rock group called Vinyl Drive, starts at 7:30 p.m., and doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 at thecotillion.com

Last chance for Crown Christmas show

Friday-Sunday, Crown Uptown Theatre, 3207 W. Douglas

This weekend marks the final performances of “A Crown Holiday Spectacular” at the Crown Uptown Theatre. The show, which has been running since mid-November, wraps up with performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. It’s a Rockettes-inspired show that features a seven-piece band plus singers, dancers and comedic acts. Tickets are $25-$30 for adults, $23-28 for seniors and members of the military and $10 for students. They’re available at www.crownuptown.com/

A country Christmas show

8 p.m. Wednesday, TempleLive, 332 E. First St.

Country group Diamond Rio will bring its harmony-filled Christmas show called “Holiday & Hits” to Wichita’s TempleLive venue on Wednesday. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. All ages are welcome, and tickets are $35-$59 at ticketmaster.com

Christmas flea market

Saturday and Sunday, Farha Sports Center, South Wichita YMCA, 3405 S. Meridian

The final Wichita Flea Market of 2022 happens this weekend, just in time for people to wrap up their holiday shopping. The event will feature more than 200 vendor booths and will happen from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The Grinch and Santa will visit the market on Saturday afternoon, and Christmas Minnie Mouse and Santa will be there on Sunday. Tickets are $3 for a one-day pass and $5 for a two-day pass. Children 12 and under are admitted free. The market is at the Farha Sport Center at the South Wichita YMCA.