With 24 years of history, the Luminary Walk continues to shine brightly, embodying wonder, charm, and the magic of tradition. The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, illuminated with miles of electric lights and holiday spirit, welcomes guests every winter to kick off their holiday season. This festive walk through the gardens serves as a beloved and longstanding tradition for the community. The Luminary Walk is one of seven key fundraising events for Friends of the Arboretum, a division of The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park, and they are grateful for the community support.
“The Luminary Walk is the highest attended and biggest impacting fundraiser of the year for FOTA! This year, we are excited to offer three special experiences to choose from: Luminary Walk, two Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll nights and Electric Glow weeknights.,” noted Brit Waye, Community Engagement Manager.
The traditional Luminary Walk is full of festive family fun for all ages where a lighted walk through the gardens includes magical Gnome and Fairy Villages, Marder Garden by candlelight, photos with Santa, the colorful Children's Garden, complimentary hot cider, and musical performances to enjoy throughout. The gardens are bright with color while the walkways through quiet woods are lit with candles. Trees, buildings, and bridges are all part of the show, with thousands of lights aglow. Cafe Celeste will be open in LongHouse selling hot beverages and snacks, as well as adult beverages.
The Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll is for those looking for a quieter experience that still features the glow of candles through the woods, dazzling light displays, live musical performances and enchanting gnome houses, all without children. Wine and hot adult beverages will be available for purchase.
Interested in a less crowded experience? Electric Glow is a low-key version of the Luminary Walk where only the electric lights are on, and attendance is much more limited, making them ideal for wandering through the lighted gardens and studying the intricate gnome and fairy houses.
Tickets can be purchased online at opabg.org for select nights from November 24 - December 20.