It’s the most wonderful time of year to soak up the sights, sounds, and sensational feelings of the holiday season! With some old favorites to keep up the festive family traditions and some new additions to have yourself the merriest little Christmas, there’s no place like our neck of the woods to celebrate with some good old-fashioned pop-up bars, musicals, festivals, workshops and so much more!
Here are my 2023 holiday season recommendations to have a magical end to the year!
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
8909 W 179th St - @oparboretum
Luminary Walk
Nov 24 & 25, Dec 1 & 2, 7-9, 15 & 16, 5-9 pm (last entry at 8 pm)
Take a stroll along the lit pathways to experience the magical Gnome and Fairy Villages, Marder Garden by candlelight, the colorful Children's Garden, and enjoy musical performances throughout. Families will enjoy photos with Santa, trains running in the Train Garden, and complimentary hot cider.
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane - Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
13800 Switzer Rd - @drcfarmstead
Nightly, Nov 23-Dec 31, 5-10 pm
Experience for free the enchantment of the season from the warmth of your car as you enjoy your favorite holiday tunes and watch a spectacular light show dance across the front entranceway of Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.
Nutcracker Tea Party - Fiorella’s Event Center
9000 W 137th St - @fiorellaskc
Saturday, Dec 2 - Parties at 12 pm & 4 pm and Sunday, Dec 3 - Parties at 11:30 am & 3:30 pm
Enjoy a family-friendly, one-hour version of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker Ballet, performed by Crescendo Conservatory, along with a delightful tea party. Dress up in your holiday best, shop the Nutcracker Boutique, nibble on delicious tea-party fare, and take in a magical holiday experience, all while raising funds for the Friends of Overland Park Arts.
Winter Skies - Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center
2345 McGee St - @skieskansascity
Located on the 42nd floor, “Winter Skies” will transform the iconic former Skies restaurant into a winter forest theme. An extensive and festive winter wonderland cocktail menu will be offered in partnership with Kansas City’s Restless Spirits distillery. Beer, wine, and a complete dinner menu of entrees and dessert offerings will also be available.
Holiday Market - Overland Park Farmers' Market
7950 Marty St - @opfarmersmarket
Saturday, Dec 2, 8 am-12 pm
Take advantage of an opportunity to shop at the Overland Park Farmer's Market for holiday gifts and goodies. Discover unique holiday gifts and delicious local treats while enjoying farm-fresh farmers' market finds.
Nov 25 - Dec 17
Crown Center welcomes The Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair’s 13th Annual Holiday Swing to Crown Center Square. Shop the Midwest’s top craft fair for handmade gifts from over 75 local makers and creators.
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
Nov 7 - Dec 31 at The Coterie Theatre
Back by popular demand, the beloved television classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Rudolph and his friends, Clarice, Hermey the Elf, and Yukon Cornelius learn what makes you different makes you special. Coterie Theater
Nine Zero One Igloo Bar - The Fontaine Hotel
901 W 48th Pl - @ninezeroonekc
Nov 20 - Feb 18
Discover the enchanting winter wonderland atop Kansas City's most sought-after holiday destination: Nine Zero One's rooftop Igloo Bar. Our Igloos and Glamping Lounge are back and more spectacular than ever this year, promising an unforgettable seasonal experience. When you reserve your spot, you'll step into a world of themed ambiance, expertly crafted cocktails, delectable seasonal fare, and picture-perfect moments.
Saturday, Dec 10 am-12 pm
Meet Santa and take a photo with the jolly guy. Write a letter to Santa with help from RSVP in the Village to make sure he gets your list at The North Pole. Plus, get your whimsical caricature picture drawn and purchase hot cocoa and treats from Dolce Bakery.