
Tom Shine is KMUW's director of news and public affairs and the host of The Range. "I think the world's going to be a better place. "2021, I think, will be a better year," Santa said assuredly.

But since we had Santa on the phone, we figured we’d ask him for a present: a kinder, gentler year to come. There’s no question that 2020 has earned a spot on the naughty list. The grand opening of Botanica’s Illuminations is November 18th through Jan 1st Bring your whole family to experience the enchanted Christmas holiday display. "If I’m in Walmart or something, you know, they'll go ahead and say, 'Mom, Mom, I think that’s Santa standing there,'" Little Santa said.

He keeps his bushy white beard year-round, which he said can lead to interesting comments from children when he’s out shopping in his street clothes. restless because I can't wait till Christmas comes around," he said. "I enjoy Santa and when it comes around … to December or, well, actually June, July, I'm getting all. Little Santa said he starts looking forward to the holidays during the heat of the summer. Claus' heart to see all these kids."Īnd kids aren’t the only ones who can’t wait for Christmas. "That sparkle in their eye, the gleam, the excitement. He said that transaction hasn’t changed much over the decades. He estimates he has had thousands of children sit on his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. Both of them wear custom, handmade outfits that were sewn by Santa’s mom. Claus and is by his side when makes appearances. Santa got started when his wife made an offhand comment 30 years ago when his hair and beard quickly transformed from gray to white: "You’re starting to look like Santa," she said. Claus and myself could make just a little bit of happiness for a child at this time of the year, that's what we want to do." "I tried to see as many kids as I can," Santa said. And he said he never charges for his services because it doesn’t feel right.ĭespite the limitations brought on by the pandemic and a reduction in the number of appearances he made this month, he said his goal remains the same. Botanica Illuminations tickets go on sale Thursday the first day of the annual light show starts Nov. Santa said he has a special affinity for special needs and underprivileged children. You got to stay your distance and all this stuff." "That's what is a little bit hard for me this year because I can't really visit with the kids. "I love to see the kids," said Little Santa, who has donned his red suit for 12 years. The worst part of the pandemic, they both said, was it interrupted their interaction with children, which is the reason for their season. Group rates and tours can be arranged by contacting Kelsey Webb at 31.Credit Courtesy Botanica Little Santa says social distancing brought on by the pandemic is disappointing, but necessary. Admission is $3.00 for all ages on Thursdays.ĭiscounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Now Open: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm and Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 8pm.Īdmission Rates: Adult- $7.00, Senior (62+)/Military- $6.00, Youth (3-12)- $5.00, Children under 3 admitted free. With ever-changing scenery, educational classes for young and old, and special events to entertain and amuse, we invite you to visit Botanica often and take advantage of all that the Gardens have to offer! Located a short distance from downtown Wichita. See the Gardens glow with thousands of lights during our holiday event, Illuminations.

Enjoy the rich, autumnal colors of our Chrysanthemum Display from late September-November.Discover winged wonders in our Butterfly House from June-September.See Kansas' largest tulip display bloom in early April.Visit the Downing Children's Garden, a safe and engaging environment where children can be surrounded by plants and discover the joys of being in a garden!.Seasonal exhibits add enjoyment and excitement to the Gardens: Explore the Gardens and take home inspiration for your own backyard. Twenty-six themed display gardens such as the Butterfly Garden, Woodland Bird Garden, Shakespearean Garden, Sensory Garden, Wildflower Meadow and the all-new Downing Children's Garden combine with more than 30 sculptures and multiple flowing fountains to create a visually stunning atmosphere. This botanical paradise on the plains is comprised of over nine acres of stunning gardenscaping that features more than 4000 species of plants both native and new to the region.
