Carriage rides, Kris Kringle, and a train ride with Santa are among the seasonal treats coming up this week and later in the Christmas season as well.
Carriage rides, at $5 each, will be offered by Emporia Main Street on Thursday, from 5 to 8 p.m. Ticket sales will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Farmers Market kiosk in the parking lot at Seventh Avenue and Merchant Street.
Kris Kringle’s Kids’ Shoppe, 725 Commercial St., will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Children who attend can shop with the Main Street Elves for gifts priced at $10 or less. Free gift wrapping will be available and children will be treated to a visit from the original Jolly Old Elf himself.
Santa will visit the Sertoma Miniature Train from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, to visit with children and give free train rides at Soden’s Grove. More information may be had by calling 342-2493.
The Emporia school district’s annual music program will be held tonight and Tuesday, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in W.L. White Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with no one admitted after the program begins. The cost is $2 per person, with the exception of preschool children, who will be admitted at no charge. Flash photography will not be permitted at the performances.
Other entertainment, meetings, and activities for the week ahead include:
Wednesday
- Emporia State University vs. Central Christian, W.L. White Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Thursday
- Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, Lee Beran Recreation Center, 313 W. Fourth Ave., 3- to 5-year-olds making cookies, pre-registration required, 1 p.m., 340-6300 for information.
Friday
- Taco Feed Fundraiser, Chi Omega House, 1519 Merchant St., begins 4 p.m., $5 for adults, $2 for 10 years and under, 342-1687 for information.
- K-177 Bluegrass Pickin’, acoustic jam session, Emma Chase Cafe, 317 Broadway, Cottonwood Falls, 7:30 p.m. dinner at cafe from 5 to 8 p.m.; smoke- and alcohol-free, 273-6020 for information.
Friday
- Public reception for Fifth Judicial District Magistrate Judge John Conklin, Chase County Courthouse, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
- Handbell Christmas Concert by the Jubilee Ringers, First United Methodist Church, 823 Merchant St., desserts and coffee provided, 4 p.m., 342-6186 for information.
- “The Christmas Attic,” Christmas dance production with narrated story; ballet, tap and jazz; free to the public, Albert Taylor Hall, Emporia State University, 343-2456 for information.
- Granada Theatre Free Christmas Concert, by Emporia Municipal Band, donations for next summer’s performances will be appreciated but not mandatory, 7 p.m., 342-1063 for information.
Sunday
- “Santa Paws” photo session, pets with Santa, $5 per photo, sponsored by Humane Society of the Flint Hills at L&L pets, 621 Commercial St., all dogs must be on leash and all cats in carriers for their safety, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Christmas Concert, Emporia Municipal Band, Granada Theater, 7 p.m.