The Kansas City Holiday Season is just about underway here in the area! This time of year always presents lots of fun things to do with the family! Here are a few events to look forward to as the 2013 winds down to the New Year:
- Downtown Kansas City Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: This annual community event will be held on Friday, November 22nd, with festivities beginning at 4:00 PM. This annual tradition will be located in Downtown Kansas City near the first floor of City Hall on 7th & Barnett. There will be fun activities for the whole family, with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with appearances by other holiday characters. There will also be entertainment put on by local school and community groups, a neighborhood group tree decorating contest and, if weather permits, a hot air balloon night glow! Mayor Holland will wrap up the celebration by lighting the Mayor’s Christmas Tree at 7:00 PM.
- Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Overland Park: If you live closer to Overland Park, be sure to visit this grand holiday event on Friday, November 22nd in Downtown Overland Park at the Clock Tower. The celebration begins at 5:30 PM and will go until 7:30 PM, with Mayor Gerlach lighting the tree at 6:00 PM. Along with the tree lighting, there will be visits from Santa, hayrides, entertainment and snacks! This is sure to be a fantastic family event!
- 24th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Run and Family Stroll: Join your friends and other families the morning of Thanksgiving Day to work up an appetite on this enjoyable family run! This annual holiday event will be held at the Sprint Campus in Overland Park and will begin at 9:00 AM. Guests who pre-register are guaranteed a long-sleeve t-shirt to commemorate this fun event, and the first 500 registered participants will receive a pair of socks! This will be a timed event, with awards being given in a number of age groups. Online registration wraps up on Sunday, November 24th at 11:59 PM, and packets can be picked up at Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Town Center Plaza in Leawood on November 26th from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, as well as on November 27th from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Be sure to register today!
- Holiday Luminary Walk: After the holiday feasting, go for a walk through gardens and woods illuminated by candlelight at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. This is sure to be a relaxing way to kick off the holiday season with carolers, festive lights, wagon rides drawn by horses, snacks and visits from Santa. This outdoor holiday event will take place on Friday, November 29th – Saturday, November 30th and will run from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM each night.
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving holiday and that you are able to get out and enjoy some of these exciting activities!