Buddy the Elf is echoing in my head this year as I drive through town. The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear! I think it is safe to say we are doing our part to spread as much Christmas cheer as possible this year!
I think we can all agree that 2020 has taken a lot from us, but one of the things it has not taken is our spirit! This is evident as you drive around town this year. Manhattan, KS has always been a town that loves to celebrate, but this year we have taken it to a new level and I LOVE it!
I don’t think you can go anywhere in this town without seeing the lights and decorations of some kind. As in tradition, we have the Festival of Lights at Blue Earth Plaza which is always fantastic, but driving through our neighborhoods is truly spectacular! In Northwest Manhattan, you will see the homes lit with all the colors under the rainbow!
Inflatables always take center stage on Browning Ave in Manhattan, KS and this year they have throughout the town!
Located on Browing Ave. Located in NW Manhattan, KS
A local tradition is, the “Blue House.” The blue house used to be located in Sharingbrook, a neighborhood in West Manhattan and at night you would see cars lined up, just waiting for their turn to drive by just to awe at the glow! When the homeowners decided to move we wondered if they would continue with their tradition at their new home? Joking around at the real estate office, we also wondered if the people who bought their home knew what the town would be expecting from them! Much to our pleasure, they both have! Now we have two homes decked out although, the “Blue House” is now located off Kauffman Drive! It is a must-see while you are out and about.
The infamous “Blue House” is located on Kauffman Drive in Manhattan, KS. As you are driving past make sure you take in the view from the end of the cul de sac!
Driving through the “State Streets,” you will see the strands of bright white Christmas lights strung through the trees which is a long-standing tradition for the neighborhood! For as long as I can remember the neighborhood has done this every year for the entire community to enjoy! Unfortunately, my pictures don’t do the lights justice, I hope you will drive and see for yourself!
The “state street” neighborhood strings Christmas lights through the trees in Manhattan, KS for all to enjoy as the drive-thru. It is a tradition going back as long as I can remember!
The State Streets Lights are strung through the trees It is a tradition for the neighborhood
There really are so many neighborhoods that you can drive around and enjoy the lights from here to Wamego, Ks. If you do make it to Wamego you will definitely want to make sure that you go via the Zeandale Road and HWY 99 to see the two homes that are out that way. Then enjoy your trip through Wamego and their City Park, the annual light show there is gorgeous with the pond, windmill, and all the lights above as you drive through the park!
One of the best resources for Christmas lights from Manhattan, KS to Wamego, KS is located on one of my business partner’s sites. An interactive map can be found at Bria’s Taddiken-Williams website, www.buymanhappiness.com. Select 2020 Christmas Lights and it will provide addresses and is also powered by Google Maps!
Sharingbrook neighborhood Colbert Hills
One of the best resources for Christmas lights was created by one of my business partners and MKS Web Design. They created an interactive map of homes located from Manhattan to Wamego so that you have not only the addresses but the mapping software as well to guide you from location to location. You can find the interactive map at Bria’s website, www.buymanhappiness.com, and select 2020 Christmas Lights.
As this year draws to a close, I wish you all the best and hope that you find some time to enjoy the lights and sights of the season.
Best,
Tara
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