Your Guide to Holiday Activities in Johnson County

Happy holidays, Johnson County! With the 2024 holiday season officially upon us, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. The most wonderful time of the year offers plenty of opportunities to get out of the house and experience all our county has to offer.

The next family-friendly activity is just around the corner. In this guide to holiday activities, you’ll find a list of upcoming events and attractions across the county – from lights displays and brightly lit trees to candy cane hunts and farmers markets.

Festive Events for the Whole Family

A boy and girl in Christmas sweaters work on a craft

At the Dec. 16 and 20 Candy Cane Hunt events, children ages five and under can hunt for candy canes and also create a craft.

Johnson County is hosting a variety of fun and festive events throughout the holiday season. See what’s coming up from Johnson County Park and Recreation District as well as cities across the county.

Seussical the Musical

JCPRD’s Theatre in the Park is entering the world of Dr. Seuss this December with its indoor performances of Seussical the Musical. The performances will take place at Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center on Dec. 6-8, 13-15 and 19-23. The family-friendly musical extravaganza brings to life characters from The Cat in the Hat to Horton the Elephant. Learn more and purchase tickets online.

Gingerbread House Holiday Party

JCPRD invites you to a Gingerbread House Holiday Party on Dec. 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Meadowbrook Park’s Rosewood Room. At this all-ages event, make your own gingerbread house and enjoy a hot chocolate bar, all while singing your favorite tunes at a karaoke station.

Lanesfield School Christmas Concert

Experience an old-fashioned holiday at the Lanesfield Historic Site. The historic site, located in Edgerton, will host a 1904-themed holiday event Saturday, Dec. 14 from 1-5 p.m. The free program will feature a performance from the Edgerton Rainbow Connection Children’s Choir, followed by a visit from Santa.

Candy Cane Hunt

It’s time for a candy cane hunt. JCPRD is hosting Candy Cane Hunt events on Dec. 16 and 20 for children ages five and under with a parent/guardian. At these events, taking place Mill Creek Activity Center from 10:30 a.m.-noon, kids can create a craft, enjoy a snack, and hunt for candy canes hidden around the gymnastics floor.

Events in Johnson County Cities

View upcoming events through these cities as well: GardnerDe Soto, Edgerton, FairwayLeawoodMerriamMissionMission HillsMission WoodsPrairie VillageRoeland ParkShawneeSpring HillWestwood.

Holiday Attractions Across the County

Colorful aluminum trees outside the All-Electric House at the Johnson County Museum

The Johnson County Museum's "Home for the Holidays at the Electric House" is on display through Jan. 4, 2025.

Looking to get in the spirit of the season? In search of the perfect lights display? These all-ages attractions from JCPRD and Johnson County cities offer some of the holiday season’s most joyful and jolly experiences.

“Home for the Holidays at the All-Electric House”

This holiday season, the Johnson County Museum is celebrating the 65th anniversary of the iconic aluminum tree. The museum’s All-Electric House is decorated in a wonderland of vintage aluminum trees from the ‘50s and ‘60s. The exhibit runs Nov. 16, 2024 through Jan. 4, 2025 and is included with museum admission.

Shawnee Mission Park Tree Light Display

The next time you visit Shawnee Mission Park, be sure to check out the giant holiday tree at the park’s John Barkley Plaza, lit up for the holiday season. You can see the tree display at the Renner Road entrance to Shawnee Mission Park.

Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane

Your family can enjoy a holiday lights show at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead nightly through Dec. 31. The show runs continuously from 5-10 p.m. Tune in to 90.5 Rose FM to hear your favorite holiday and movie music set to the show.

Sar-Ko-Aglow

One of the best holiday light displays in the Kansas City metro, you can experience Sar-Ko-Aglow at the City of Lenexa’s Sar-Ko-Par Park Dec. 6, 2024 through Jan. 20, 2025. Take a stroll around Rose’s Pond to view the colorful lights adorning the park.

Luminary Walk

The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens’ 25th annual Luminary Walk takes place on select dates throughout December. You can choose between the traditional Luminary Walk, an adults-only Candlelight Stroll or a limited lights-only Electric Glow. Tickets range from $12-17.

Holiday Farmers Markets

Multiple Johnson County cities are holding holiday farmers markets, where you can shop for local food and homemade crafts for the holiday season. The City of Overland Park’s Holiday Market and Pavilion Farewell Celebration takes place Dec. 7 from 8 a.m.-noon. The City of Lenexa’s Holiday Farmers Market takes place Dec. 21 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Department:
Park and Recreation
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News