Happy holidays, Johnson County!
After the presents are unwrapped and the family finishes up their dinner, you might want some places to go to take in some holiday splendor or just get out of the house. In that case, we have some suggestions for events around the area.
Beyond the culinary festivities, there’s a lot going on in Johnson County to keep you and your loved ones entertained while you celebrate the holiday season.
Here’s where you can find some festive fun in Johnson County:
Luminary Walk and “The Night Tree” at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, located at 8909 W. 179th St., will offer its 26th Annual Luminary Walk, which leads people through illuminated garden paths, gnome and fairy villages and features live music and photos with Santa.
For those with sensory or mobility issues, it also offers “Electric Glow,” a special limited, electric lights-only version of its Luminary Walk with no music or crowds.
Both events are open until Tuesday, Dec. 30, and tickets are limited. Tickets can be ordered here.
In addition, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, the arboretum will host its annual “The Night Tree” event that includes crafting unique ornaments for woodland animals and gathering around a designated “Night Tree” adorned with the newly-crafted ornaments. Participants will receive hot chocolate during the event.
Tickets for “The Night Tree” can be purchased here.
Holiday Lights at Farmstead Lane
The electric holiday paradise at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Road in Overland Park, will continue through Wednesday, Dec. 31.
At this free event, people can tune their radios to 90.5 Rose FM to hear their favorite holiday songs and movie music as they watch the spectacular show dance across the barn and front entryway of Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.
Visitors are encouraged to bring some cocoa, cookies and blankets as they view the lights.
It is free and open to the public.
The Ice at Park Place in Leawood
If you’re looking to get people moving, The Ice at Leawood’s Park Place will have patrons strapping on their skates and taking to the ice.
Running through March 3, the outdoor ice rink is open every day, including on holidays.
Hours are: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $12. Skate rental is $4 per person. Children 4 and younger are free. No reservations are required.
Sar-Ko Aglow in Lenexa
From 6 to 11 p.m. nightly, people can check out Lenexa’s massive lights display at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park at 87th Street Parkway and Lackman Road.
Featuring miles of strands of holiday lights, the display invites people to take a stroll around Rose’s Pond to catch the spectacle and its reflections on the water.
The display is free and open to everyone. It will close on Jan. 19.
“Hometown Holidays” at the Johnson County Museum
Families can experience both history and the holidays at The Johnson County Museum, at 8788 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park.
In addition to its award-winning “Ripples: Water, Community, and You” exhibit, the museum will also have the all-electric house decked out for the “Home for the Holidays: A Homemade Christmas” exhibit. It will be on display until Saturday, Jan. 3.
The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
