The Bricks in Downtown Hays
Christmas magic is arriving a little early in Downtown Hays this October, and Santa is getting in on the fun.
The Christmas Magic on Main Street Committee, a volunteer-led committee of The Bricks in Downtown Hays, has established a dedicated fund through the Heartland Community Foundation for the first time.
The new Christmas Magic on Main Street Fund is participating in Heartland Community Foundation’s 2026 Give Fest, a community-wide giving event culminating October 7. Early online giving begins October 1, giving donors a full week to support the fund and help it benefit from Give Fest’s $110,000 matching pool.
The Christmas Magic on Main Street Fund supports the holiday decorations, lights and installations that transform Downtown Hays each Christmas season. The Christmas Committee hopes to continue adding lights and new lighted structures downtown while also supporting the ongoing installation and reinstallation of existing displays.
Christmas Magic on Main Street is an initiative of The Bricks in Downtown Hays, brought to life with the help of a dedicated committee of local volunteers who give their time throughout the year to create a festive downtown where families can make Christmas memories together
“When we started building Christmas Magic on Main Street, we hoped Downtown Hays would become a place where every family could feel the season, with no ticket required. Watching kids climb into the Clydesdale wagon and tell Santa what they wish for is what keeps our volunteers and donors coming back each year, and the lights are what set that scene. Every gift to this fund helps us keep the glow on Main Street, and we are grateful to everyone who gives,” said Sarah Cearley-Windholz, chair of the Christmas Magic on Main Street Committee.
While the Christmas Magic on Main Street season includes free community events and activities, those experiences are supported separately through event sponsors. The new fund is specifically focused on the decorations and lighting that create the backdrop for the season, from the glow along Main Street to the displays families enjoy year after year.
Community members can give online October 1–7 or make their gift in person at Give Fest on Wednesday, October 7, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hays Recreation Main Gym, 1105 Canterbury Drive.
Those interested in supporting the Christmas Magic on Main Street Fund can give online during Give Fest at www.heartlandgivefest.org by selecting Christmas Magic on Main Street (Hays).
And for anyone who needs a little extra incentive to get into the Christmas spirit early, Santa Claus himself will make a special appearance at the Christmas Magic on Main Street booth during a portion of the day.
Give Fest brings together organizations from Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties for a celebration of giving. Donations to participating organizations will share proportionally in a $110,000 matching pool, helping community gifts go even further.
Whether it’s $10, $100 or more, every gift is an opportunity to help create the glow, traditions and memories that make Christmas in Downtown Hays special.
For additional information about Christmas Magic on Main Street, contact The Bricks in Downtown Hays at 785-621-4171.
About The Bricks in Downtown Hays
The Bricks in Downtown Hays is the operating name of Downtown Hays Development Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the economic and cultural vibrancy of Downtown Hays as the heart of the community. Through events, beautification, business support, partnerships, and community programming, The Bricks works to preserve and promote Downtown Hays as a welcoming destination for residents and visitors.