Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the festive wonders of Gardner with our comprehensive event guide. For those who call Gardner home and those who wish they did, this guide is your holiday roadmap.
Popular events this season include the dazzling Evergy Plaza Lights, where the streets come alive with vibrant colors and festive displays. Another highlight is the Trans Siberian Orchestra, known for its unique blend of rock and classical music that captivates audiences. And the Holiday Reflections is something you definitely don't want to miss as it offers heartwarming seasonal displays that evoke the spirit of the holidays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Gardner Holiday Light Displays
Luminary Walk
- What to Expect
- Illuminated garden paths and gnome villages.
- Description
- Take a stroll through the illuminated garden paths and gnome and fairy villages at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Enjoy live music and photos with Santa, making it a perfect family outing. The event also features a peaceful, kid-free evening with candlelit woods and enchanting light displays ideal for a tranquil date night. A limited electric lights-only version is available for those with low-sensory needs.
- Where
- Overland Park | More Info : Luminary Walk
Mayor’s Tree Lighting / Christmas in the Park
- What to Expect
- Community tree lighting with school children's music and Santa's arrival.
- Description
- Join us at Cornerstone Park for the 33rd Annual Christmas in the Park, featuring the Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy seasonal music performed by area school children, a Christmas-time message from Mayor Todd Winters, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. A lucky individual will flip the switch to turn on thousands of beautiful lights throughout the park. Following the festivities, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa's Workshop.
- Where
- Gardner | More Info : Mayor’s Tree Lighting / Christmas in the Park
Evergy Plaza Lights
- What to Expect
- Synchronized lighting display on historic Spanish-inspired buildings.
- Description
- The Evergy Plaza Lights are a 15-block holiday spectacle on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, featuring thousands of glimmering lights illuminating every dome, tower, and window.
- Where
- Kansas City | More Info : Evergy Plaza Lights
Holiday Reflections
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experience with virtual reality sleigh ride and model train exhibit.
- Description
- Holiday Reflections at Union Station features sky-reaching lights, decorated trees, and a model train gallery, immersing visitors in the holiday spirit with brilliant sights and sounds.
- Where
- Kansas City | More Info : Holiday Reflections
Gardner Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Laser Holiday Magic XL Shows
- What to Expect
- Vibrant laser choreography to holiday tunes.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season with Laser Holiday Magic XL at the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium. This show features a selection of favorite holiday tunes brought to life with gorgeous laser choreography. Vibrant animations and abstracts dance above your heads, taking you away from the hustle and bustle. The event is suitable for all ages and may contain flashing lights and mild strobe effects.
- Where
- Kansas City | More Info : Laser Holiday Magic XL Shows
Knights of Lights: A Renaissance Christmas Extravaganza
- What to Expect
- Private igloo dinners and special events for parties and weddings.
- Description
- The Knights of Lights at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival is a festive event featuring twinkling lights, shopping, food, and entertainment. Visitors can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Barbie the Christmas Elf amidst the sights, scents, and sounds of the festivities.
- Where
- Kansas City | More Info : Knights of Lights: A Renaissance Christmas Extravaganza
A Magical Cirque Christmas
- What to Expect
- World-class acrobats and aerialists performing to favorite holiday music.
- Description
- A Magical Cirque Christmas is a variety show filled with nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music, featuring acrobats, contortionists, and aerialists.
- Where
- Kansas City | More Info : A Magical Cirque Christmas
Trans Siberian Orchestra
- What to Expect
- Dazzling pyrotechnics and lasers in a high-energy performance.
- Description
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings an all-new, dazzling spectacle to the stage with pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling. Expect a high-energy second set featuring the group's greatest hits and fan favorites.
- Where
- Kansas City | More Info : Trans Siberian Orchestra