Lenexa is here to make your holidays happy and bright. From festive shopping events and seasonal displays to entertaining events and activities for the kids, we’ve got plenty of cheer to spread around. Invite your friends, delight your guests or just take in the season.
Everybody fun:
Lighting ceremony: Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, 6–7 p.m.
Nightly viewing: through Jan. 15, 2024, 6–11 p.m.
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 87th Street Parkway and Lackman Road
Sar-Ko Aglow is one of the region’s favorite light displays. Mayor Boehm will flip the ceremonial switch one last time on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. Santa Claus will hear children’s holiday wishes until 7 p.m. Warm up with hot cocoa and coffee as the Dickens Carolers sing classic holiday tunes. Once the lights brighten up the park, you can enjoy them on a stroll around Rose’s Pond each night through Jan. 15.
Free admission.
Adapted by Joe Landry
Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, 6:30–8 p.m.
Lenexa City Hall, 17101 W. 87th St. Pkwy.
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters playing multiple roles to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.
Free admission.
Kid fun:
Naughty or Nice Games
Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, 6–8 p.m.
Lenexa Rec Center, 17201 W. 87th St. Pkwy.
Enjoy an evening of holiday-themed activities featuring a special grumpy, green guest. We’ll have story time, cookie painting, heart-growing holiday crafts, grouchy games and more. Fun for ages 4 and up.
Cost is $5 per child of Rec Center member or $8 per child of nonmember.
Register in advance
Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, 9–11 a.m.
Lenexa Community Center, 13420 Oak St.
Gather candy canes on the lawn at 9 a.m. and then come inside to warm up and enjoy milk and cookies, story time, winter crafts and a special performance by Mr. Stinky Feet. For ages 6 and under.
Free admission.
Need more fun for the kids? Check out Winter Break Camps.
Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, 11 a.m.–noon
Lenexa Public Market, 8750 Penrose Ln.
Come dressed in your comfiest pajamas to count down to the new year. This family-friendly countdown (at 12 p.m. noon, instead of 12 a.m. midnight) will feature prizes, giveaways, a time capsule activity and more.
Competitive fun:
Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament
Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, 5–7 p.m.
Lenexa Public Market, 8750 Penrose Ln.
Looking for something fun to do with family or friends during winter break? Form a team of four or fewer people and compete against others to assemble a 500-piece puzzle. Time limit is two hours. First place team will win a $50 prize plus Lenexa-themed swag. Second place team will win a $25 prize.
Cost is $40 per team.
Register in advance
Shopping fun:
Dec. 16, 2023, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Lenexa City Hall, 17101 W. 87th St. Pkwy.
This is the perfect place to find thoughtful gifts and plan your holiday meals. Lenexa Farmers Market vendors and artists will offer a variety of locally raised, grown and made products.
Updated Nov. 20, 2023