What to do in Wichita this weekend: Nutcracker season starts, Victorian Christmas arrives

It’s December, meaning that Wichita’s various “Nutcracker” shows are starting, and Old Cowtown Museum is going all Victorian Christmas.

Many of the events being put on in Wichita this weekend are holiday related, from concerts to markets. Here are some of the entertaining options being offered:

Victorian Christmas

Friday and Saturday and Dec. 10-11, Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 W. Museum Blvd.

The Old Cowtown Museum is once again putting on its annual Victorian Christmas event, which allows visitors to see the museum decorated for the holidays and enjoy hot chocolate, carolers and Victorian dancers. The event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday and for Dec. 10 and Dec. 11. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 but kids 4 and under and Cowtown members get in free. Tickets can be purchased at oldcowtown.org.

Short & Suite Nutcracker

2 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday, Wichita Center for the Performing Arts, 9112 E. Central

Midwest Dance Mechanix is again putting on its condensed version of “The Nutcracker,” which it calls “Short & Suite Nutcracker.” The show will be an interactive experience with classical holiday ballet. Those who attend will also be able to see Santa, visit the “Land of Sweets Shoppe,” and shop for gifts. There will be four shows: at 6:30 p.m. on Friday; at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday; and at 4 p.m. on Sunday. All shows will take place at Wichita Center for Performing Arts at 9112 E. Central. Tickets are $25 for adults ages 17 and up and $15 for children. They can be purchased at dancemechanix.biz/nutcracker

Christmas concert

7 p.m. Thursday, Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway

Christian rock artist Zach Williams will bring his “I Don’t Want Christmas to End” tour to the Orpheum Theatre on Thursday. Williams is best known for his songs like “Chain Breaker” and “There Was Jesus.” The show starts at 7 p.m., and the opening act will be Anne Wilson. Ticket prices range from $36.25 to $68.50, and higher priced VIP packages are also available. Tickets can be purchased at selectaseat.com, by calling 316-755-7328 or at the Select-A-Seat box office at Intrust Bank Arena.

Art Museum open house

2-4 p.m. Sunday, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd.

The Friends of the Wichita Art Museum are putting on their annual Holiday Open House on Sunday. Mr and Mrs. Claus will make appearances to hear Christmas wish lists and will be accompanied by one of their reindeer. Dancers from Kelcy’s Dance Studio will perform, and the Andover High School singers will be performing Christmas carols. “Glitter Elf” will share a Christmas story, and there will also be crafts, cookies, punch and hot spiced tea from the Spice Merchant. The open house is from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Wichita Art Museum. Admission is free.

Toyland on Stage

10 a.m. and noon Friday and Saturday, Crown Uptown Theatre, 3207 E. Douglas

Wichita Children’s Theatre & Dance Center is putting on a children’s show called “Toyland” this weekend. The Christmas show, which is for ages 2 and up, will feature actors from the Wichita Children’s Theatre adult acting company, who will perform two shows on both Friday and Saturday at the Crown Uptown Theatre. The first show will start at 10 a.m., and the second will be at noon. There will be pizza available in between the shows at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $9. Make reservations by calling 316-262-2282.

Flatland Cavalry in concert

8 p.m. Friday, Wave, 650 E. Second St.

Country and Americana band “Flatland Cavalry” will be performing songs from its new album “Homeland Insecurity” at an indoor show at Wave this weekend. Some of the band’s most popular songs include “A Life Where We Work Out” and “Missing You.” The doors for the show will open at 7 p.m. and the concert will start at 8 p.m. on Friday. Tickets are $17 and can be purchased at waveict.com.

Indian Art Market

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Mid-America All-Indian Museum, 650 N. Seneca

The Mid-America All-Indian Museum will be home on Saturday to an Indian Art Market that will include all kinds of original art from local native artists. Visitors are also welcome to take a look at the museums’ new “Bring the Bosins Home” exhibit and the gift shop. The art market will start at 10 a.m. and go until 3 p.m.. Admission is free.