It’s the time of year for traditions. Many families bake cookies. Some families embrace Black Friday together. And some – okay, a lot -- of families pack themselves into the car and drive around to look at holiday lights. When the sun sets by 4:00 pm and the world turns dark, holiday lights bring a certain magic in the air. Here is your guide to all the holiday lights in Overland Park. Bundle up, pack the blankets, and enjoy the lights of OP.
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane at Deanna Rose Farmstead
Thanksgiving -- First week of January
5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Admission: FREE
The Farmstead is closed, but the holidays are alive at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead! Bring some cocoa, cookies, and blankets as you view the lights and hear the music from the warmth of your car in the Farmstead’s parking lot. The display is at the main entrance of the Farmstead.
Tune in to 90.5 Rose FM to hear your favorite holiday songs and movie music as you watch the spectacular show.
Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum by Candlelight
Weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas
5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: Tickets must be purchased in advance; 5 and under FREE
Kick off your holiday season with a festive family walk through the lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens! Stroll along the lit pathways to experience the magical Gnome and Fairy Villages, serene winter woods by candlelight, and the colorful Children's Garden. Enjoy musical performances in four different locations and visit with Santa in his Woodland Depot.
The gardens are bright with color - while the quiet woods are lit with candles lining the walkways. Trees, buildings, and bridges are all part of the show, with thousands of lights aglow.
Mayor’s Christmas Tree at Thompson Park in Downtown Overland Park
Thanksgiving - New Year Day
8045 Santa Fe Dr., Downtown Overland Park
Admission: FREE
Head to Thompson Park where the Overland Park Parks and Recreation crews have decked out the park. You won’t miss the Mayor’s Christmas Tree! It’s a real, living tree. Perfect for a family photo op! Then take a walk through the Hallmark-movie-adorable Downtown Overland Park. If you stop by before Christmas, drop a letter to Santa, include a return address and he'll write you back! The North Pole mailbox is located under the clocktower.
Altasciences Holiday Light Display
Late November through Christmas
103rd & Metcalf
Admission: FREE
The Atlasciences light display includes more than 200,000 LED lights synchronized to music. The best viewing is sitting in your car across the street in the parking lot of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Tune into 99.5 FM to enjoy from the warmth of your car. Don’t forget blankets, cookies, and hot cocoa!
Christmas on Bradshaw
Late November through December 25
13800 block of Bradshaw Street
Admission: FREE
This is one neighborhood that does Christmas lights right. Head to the Forest Glen subdivision off 135th and Pflumm to see an entire cul-de-sac and street decorated with holiday lights set to music. Tune into 99.9 FM to enjoy the show from your car.
Christmas Place
Late November through New Year’s Day
131st & Antioch Road
Admission: FREE
This sweet little double cul-de-sac is 23 homes that turn into an extravagant, dazzling light display. It’s not a secret though; the homes that have nicknamed themselves “Christmas Place” have been getting together to create a magical drive-thru for the past 29 years.
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