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.
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.
Strolling Santa and Carollers - Park Place
11549 Ash Street - @parkplaceleawood
Saturdays: 11/18, 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, & 12/23, 11 am-4 pm
Visit with Santa on Saturdays leading up to Christmas and enjoy our Dickens carolers as they create a nostalgic holiday shopping and dining experience. Bring your kids, pets, friends, and family for this free holiday fun! While you’re here, make a day of it at The Ice at Park Place (open daily mid-Nov - Feb 26), check out our shops, and dine at so many fun or fine restaurant dining options.
Nutcracker Nights - Strang Reserve
8020 Marty Street - @strangreserve
Dec 7, 6-9 pm
Start your holiday season in festive Downtown Overland Park with Nutcracker Nights at Strang Reserve! Ticket ($50 per person) includes one drink, light hors d'oeuvres, interactive stations and a night you will not forget!
Winter Wonderland - KC Pumpkin Patch
13875 S Gardner Road - @kcpumpkinpatch
Friday, Nov 24, 5:30 pm - Tuesday, Dec 17, 9 pm
KC Pumpkin Patch & KC Wine Co’s ROCKIN’ holiday light experience is back and better than ever! Join us for some “walkin’ in a winter wonderland” at the farm where you’ll take in the sights and sounds of the holidays this year.
Jingle Bar Christmas Cocktail Pop-Up - KC Wine Co
13875 S Gardner Road - @kcwineco
Nov 24 - Dec 17, Fridays 4-9 pm, Saturdays 4-9 pm, Sundays 4-9 pm
Join us as we transform the NEW Black Barn into a magical winter experience. Sip on specialty cocktails like Jingle Juice, snap share-worthy photos and indulge in tasty vineyard snacks.
Sippin’ Santa Holiday Tiki Pop Up - J. Rieger & Co.
2700 Guinotte Ave - @jriegerco
Nov 20 - Dec 30, 4-9 pm
You better watch out – it’s the holiday tiki pop-up you don’t want to miss! Sippin’ Santa is coming to the Hey! Hey! Club, as our most intimate space is transformed into a swanky tropical holiday oasis. Make your reservations now to visit this enchanting and whimsical beach bar extravaganza, open all season long.
