Plan your festive season in Olathe with ease! Our guide has all the best holiday events and activities.
One highlight is the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting, where the city's central park transforms into a luminous wonderland. Experience the enchanting light displays and beautifully lit pathways at the Holiday Luminary Walk. And Christmas in the Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its vibrant holiday decorations and cheerful atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Olathe
- Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting
- Enchanted Forest
- Downtown Olathe Christmas Parade
- Gingerbread House Contest
- Breakfast with Santa
Olathe Holiday Light Displays
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Official tree lighting by the mayor
Description:
Olathe's holiday season ignites with the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. This cherished tradition brings the community together as the mayor illuminates a towering evergreen, symbolizing unity and hope. Spectators can join in caroling led by local choirs, their voices rising in harmony. The event traces its roots back to 1910 when the first official tree lighting took place in Olathe. Embrace the spirit of giving by bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to local charities.
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Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting
Olathe Other Holiday Activities
Enchanted Forest
What to Expect:
Decorated trees by local organizations
Description:
Olathe's Enchanted Forest showcases a collection of uniquely decorated trees, each sponsored by a local organization or business. The forest springs to life with creativity, featuring themes ranging from whimsical to elegant. This community-driven event began in 1998 as a fundraiser for local charities. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree, with proceeds benefiting the winning organization's chosen cause. The air fills with the scent of fresh pine as you explore the diverse array of holiday expressions.
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Downtown Olathe Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Parade floats made entirely of recycled materials
Description:
Downtown Olathe's Christmas Parade stands out with its eco-friendly focus, featuring floats constructed entirely from recycled materials. This innovative approach began in 2018 as part of the city's sustainability initiative. Marvel at the creativity on display as everyday objects transform into dazzling holiday scenes. Local schools compete for the "Green Star" award, given to the most impressive and environmentally conscious float. The parade route winds through historic downtown, showcasing Olathe's architectural heritage alongside its forward-thinking spirit.
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Downtown Olathe Christmas Parade
Gingerbread House Contest
What to Expect:
Architectural-themed gingerbread creations
Description:
Olathe's Gingerbread House Contest elevates the traditional holiday activity with an architectural twist. Participants recreate famous buildings and local landmarks in edible form, combining baking skills with structural knowledge. This unique competition began in 2005 in collaboration with the local architectural society. Witness intricate replicas of Olathe's historic structures, rendered in gingerbread, frosting, and candy. You can attend workshops to learn advanced gingerbread construction techniques from professional bakers and architects.
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Breakfast with Santa
What to Expect:
International breakfast menu inspired by Christmas traditions worldwide
Description:
Olathe's Breakfast with Santa offers a culinary journey around the globe with an international menu inspired by Christmas traditions from various cultures. This unique twist on the classic event began in 2012 to celebrate the city's growing diversity. Sample dishes like Swedish saffron buns, Mexican tamales, and Australian pavlova alongside familiar favorites. Santa arrives in style, wearing outfits representing different countries throughout the morning. You can learn about holiday customs from around the world while enjoying a delicious and educational meal.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Luminary Walk (Overland Park)
What to Expect:
Candlelit paths through botanical gardens
Description:
Overland Park's Arboretum transforms into a luminous landscape during the Holiday Luminary Walk. Thousands of candles flicker along winding paths, guiding visitors through the botanical wonderland. Stroll beneath twinkling trees and discover hidden art installations that celebrate nature's winter beauty. This event began in 1999 as a way to showcase the arboretum's diverse plant collection in a new light. You can warm up with spiced cider while listening to live music performances scattered throughout the gardens.
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Christmas in the Park (Lee's Summit)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display with animated scenes
Description:
Lee's Summit's Christmas in the Park dazzles with a mile-long drive-through light extravaganza. Animated displays bring holiday scenes to life, from playful elves to soaring reindeer. The event started in 1987 with just a few thousand lights and has grown to include over 500,000 twinkling bulbs. Tune your car radio to a special station for synchronized holiday music as you cruise through the illuminated wonderland. Keep an eye out for the towering Christmas tree, a focal point visible from across the park.
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Sar-Ko Aglow (Lenexa)
What to Expect:
Interactive light displays in a public park
Description:
Lenexa's Sar-Ko Aglow transforms Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park into an interactive light experience. Visitors can control certain displays, changing colors and patterns with the push of a button. The event showcases cutting-edge lighting technology while honoring the park's Native American heritage. Wander through illuminated tunnels and discover light-up swings that respond to your movements. This modern twist on holiday lights began in 2015 and has quickly become a local favorite.
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WinterFest (Kansas City)
What to Expect:
Ice skating rink with skyline views
Description:
Kansas City's WinterFest centers around a sprawling ice skating rink with breathtaking views of the city skyline. Glide across the ice as the urban landscape twinkles in the background. The event pays homage to Kansas City's rich jazz heritage with live performances by local musicians. Try your hand at ice sculpting workshops led by professional artists, creating your own frozen masterpiece. WinterFest began in 2010 as part of an initiative to revitalize the downtown area during the colder months.
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Prairie Village)
What to Expect:
Tree decorated with handmade ornaments from residents
Description:
Prairie Village's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony features a community-decorated tree adorned with handmade ornaments from local residents. This heartwarming tradition began in 1951, shortly after the city's incorporation. The tree serves as a testament to the town's close-knit spirit and artistic flair. Admire the diverse array of ornaments, each telling a unique story of its creator. You can contribute your own ornament to be added to the tree, becoming part of Prairie Village's living history.
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Old Town Holiday Event (Lenexa)
What to Expect:
Living history performances in a historic district
Description:
Lenexa's Old Town Holiday Event transports visitors to Christmases past with living history performances throughout the historic district. Costumed interpreters bring the 19th century to life, demonstrating traditional crafts and sharing stories of holidays long ago. This immersive experience began in 1990 to preserve and celebrate Lenexa's rich heritage. Participate in authentic Victorian-era games and activities that children would have enjoyed over a century ago. The event takes place in beautifully preserved buildings, allowing you to step back in time.
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Holiday Lights Tour (Overland Park)
What to Expect:
Guided tour of historic homes decorated for the holidays
Description:
Overland Park's Holiday Lights Tour provides a curated experience of the city's most spectacular residential light displays. This guided excursion focuses on historic homes, combining architectural appreciation with holiday cheer. The tour originated in 1995 as a fundraiser for local preservation efforts. Learn about the architectural styles and history of each featured home as you admire their dazzling decorations. You can vote for your favorite display, with the winning homeowner receiving a donation to their chosen charity.