Gardner Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Kick off the holiday season with a magical walk through the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens' Luminary Walk. This beloved event transforms the gardens into a winter wonderland with thousands of sparkling lights, enchanting gnome and fairy villages, and candlelit pathways. Visitors can choose from four distinct experiences, including...

Join the community for Lenexa's cherished Sar-Ko Aglow Lighting Ceremony, a highlight of the Kansas City metro's holiday season. Mayor Sayers will officially ignite the park's festive illuminations, ushering in an evening of enchantment. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, delightful carols from the Dickens Carolers, and magical visits with Santa Claus....

Get ready for a dazzling holiday transformation with the Big Christmas pop-up experience, running from November 12th to January 4th across multiple locations. They're decking the halls for an unforgettable festive season, offering a magical atmosphere perfect for cozy date nights, family outings, or get-togethers with friends. Indulge in specially...

Welcome the winter holiday season at this festive community gathering. The event features the ceremonial lighting of the Mayor's tree and menorah, creating a magical start to the festivities. Attendees can enjoy s'mores, games, and the sounds of the season, all while browsing the offerings of the Mission Market vendors....

The Evergy Plaza Lights in Kansas City is a spectacular 15-block holiday display, a tradition cherished for over 90 years. The event kicks off with a lighting ceremony on Thanksgiving night, after which the lights shine daily from 5 pm to 3 am through mid-January, transforming the Country Club Plaza...

Union Station Kansas City invites visitors to 'Home for the Holidays' with its spectacular 'Holiday Reflections' event. This immersive experience features a massive indoor holiday tree, a walk-through village with dazzling lights and decorations, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy classic holiday movies, planetarium shows, and a festive mini train ride. It's...

Step back in time at the Strawberry Hill Museum for their enchanting Olde World Christmas event. This historic Victorian museum transforms into a festive wonderland, showcasing intricate holiday decorations. Visitors can embark on guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays to discover the museum's rich ethnic exhibits and learn about local...

Experience the heartwarming Lee's Summit Magic Tree lighting ceremony at Paragon Star. This cherished tradition offers a beautiful and unique photography setting, symbolizing hope, goodness, peace, and love. Visitors are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to support Operation Toy Soldier, a charitable initiative providing gifts for the children of...

Discover a festive marketplace brimming with unique holiday gifts, apparel, home decor, and artisanal crafts. The KC Holiday Boutique offers a one-stop shopping experience with over 300 vendors, daily live entertainment, and opportunities to find delicious treats. Don't miss the exclusive VIP Shopping Night for early access and special perks.

Discover unique, handcrafted holiday gifts at the JCDS Emerging Artists Holiday Sale. This event showcases the incredible talent of artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering a diverse selection of paintings, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and more. Support these passionate artists and find truly special pieces for your loved ones.

Discover a festive wonderland at the Lawrence Holiday Extravaganza & Artisan Fair. This vibrant event showcases over 100 local artisans offering unique, handcrafted gifts and holiday decorations. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with live demonstrations of traditional crafts and engaging family activities. It's the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind...

Experience the charm of the Inclusive Winter Market, a delightful event featuring a wide array of local artisans. Discover unique, handmade gifts and seasonal treasures while enjoying a festive atmosphere. It's the perfect place to find special holiday items and support local creators.

Experience the magic of the holidays in Lawrence, Kansas, with the Winter Wonder Pass. This free digital pass unlocks exclusive discounts at local shops and restaurants, and earns points towards festive prizes. Discover unique events, enjoy dazzling lights, and find the perfect gifts while creating lasting family memories. Don't miss...

Experience fifteen years of holiday magic at The 15th Annual Holiday Swing, Kansas City's original outdoor, European-style Christmas market. This beloved event invites you to shop, sip, and get into the holiday spirit with the city's favorite makers. Discover unique handmade goods from talented artists and enjoy festive food trucks,...

Step into a magical winter wonderland at KC Wine Co's Jingle Bar Pop-Up. This 21+ only event transforms the Black Barn into a festive escape, offering specialty holiday cocktails, hard cider flights, and delicious vineyard snacks. Capture festive photos and soak in the holiday cheer with seasonal tunes and dazzling...

Get ready for a night of festive fun at the TSOS "Do Good" Foundation's Christmas Karaoke Fundraiser! Hosted by the energetic Mr. Juice Jamz, The Royal Chief, this event promises an unforgettable evening. Sing your heart out for a chance to win the grand prize of $500, all while supporting...

Step into a world of wonder with Kansas City Ballet's 'The Nutcracker,' a cherished holiday tradition. Follow Clara's magical journey from a Christmas Eve party to the Land of the Sweets, encountering a Nutcracker Prince, a Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. This enchanting performance boasts dazzling costumes, breathtaking...

Prepare for an unforgettable holiday spectacle as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to T-Mobile Center with their acclaimed 'The Ghosts of Christmas Eve' tour. This electrifying production blends rock, classical, and theatrical elements, promising a dazzling display of pyrotechnics, lasers, and compelling storytelling. The show also features a special second set...

Olathe invites you to celebrate the holiday season with its Hometown Holidays event series. Experience the enchanting Olathe Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, a dazzling spectacle that kicks off the festive spirit. Children can send their wishes to Santa through special mailboxes located at City Hall, Olathe Community Center, and...

Experience the magic of the season with Olathe's Hometown Holidays! This festive celebration offers a variety of events, from 'Cookies With Santa' to the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting. Send letters to Santa at designated mailboxes across the city and enjoy dazzling holiday light displays at local parks and the library....

Embark on a festive adventure with The Great Candy Cane Hunt and other 'Hometown Holidays' events in Olathe. Families can send letters to Santa, enjoy 'Cookies With Santa' sessions, and witness the magical Olathe Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting. Explore dazzling holiday light displays scattered throughout Stagecoach Park, Downtown Olathe, and...

Bring the family to Olathe for a heartwarming "Cookies With Santa" event. This festive gathering offers a magical opportunity for children to meet Santa Claus, share their holiday wishes, and enjoy delicious cookies. Several "Cookies With Santa" sessions are available, ensuring families can find a convenient time to create lasting...

Join the annual Candy Cane Hunt for a delightful morning of holiday fun! Children aged 6 and under can search for candy canes on the lawn before heading inside for milk, cookies, engaging crafts, and captivating story time. A special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus might even make the...

Join Santa Claus for a delightful morning of holiday cheer! This event features a delicious pancake breakfast, engaging games, and fun holiday crafts. It's a perfect opportunity for children to meet Santa and create lasting Christmas memories. Early registration is highly recommended as the event historically sells out.

Join the City of Merriam for their cherished annual tradition, Christmas in the Courtyard. This magical evening features the ceremonial flip of a switch to light up Merriam Municipal Plaza, accompanied by a special visit from Santa Claus. Enjoy live music from local elementary students, engaging crafts, and delightful treats,...

This beloved parade, now in its fourth decade, offers a unique and heartwarming way to begin the holiday season. Witness the spectacle of authentic horse-drawn carriages, adorned with festive garland and jingling bells, as they make their way down Massachusetts Street. It's an ideal opportunity to embrace the true holiday...

Join the Grandview community for the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. This magical event marks the official start of the holiday season, featuring a special visit from Santa Claus and delightful carols performed by local school choirs. It's a cherished tradition for families to gather and celebrate.

Prepare for a cherished holiday tradition with "Christmas at Resurrection," a spectacular event that has become a Kansas City favorite. This immersive experience features a 120-voice choir, a full orchestra, and the Kansas City Dance Collective, guiding you on a musical journey from the local zoo to the manger in...

Lace up your skates for a quintessential winter experience at the Crown Center Ice Terrace. Celebrating over 50 years, this beloved outdoor rink offers fun for all ages from early November through early March. Enjoy gliding across the ice under the open sky, with convenient skate rentals available on-site. It's...

Join the excitement as the Crown Center Ice Terrace, Kansas City's beloved outdoor skating rink, opens for its 53rd season. Celebrate opening day with a special free skate session from 6 am to 9 am. Enjoy complimentary coffee and hot chocolate while you glide across the ice, marking the festive...