Luminary Walk
Visitors wander through botanical garden pathways adorned with sparkling lights and follow luminary-lined trails through candlelit woods. The experience features whimsical gnome and fairy villages, model trains running in the Train Garden, and visits with Santa. Guests can also stop by fire pits to warm up, enjoy live musical performances, and sip complimentary hot apple cider.
What to Expect
Features candlelit woods, live music, gnome villages, and complimentary hot cider.
Event Details
Duration
Allow 1 hour to 90 minutes at a comfortable pace.
Ages
All ages (Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll is 18+)
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park
Food & Drink
Luminary Walk and Candlelight Stroll nights offer complimentary hot cider in the Train Garden, plus food, drinks, snacks and adult beverages from caterers and vendors that vary by night; Café Celeste is open on Electric Glow and Cart Glow nights, and Glow Cart Tour riders receive complimentary cider. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families seeking an outdoor holiday light walk
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: Parking is free, but onsite parking is limited; when lots are full, drivers may be directed to offsite parking with shuttles.
- Accessibility: The walking route follows paved sidewalks with some slopes, and accessible restrooms and limited free loaner push wheelchairs are available.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed; service animals are permitted.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online in advance, because time slots can sell out, and you have to enter within the half hour after your ticket time.
- Allow extra time to park and walk to the entrances on Luminary Walk and Candlelight Stroll nights, because onsite lots fill and overflow drivers are shuttled in.
- Text LUMINARY to 888777 for alerts on delays and cancellations, because tickets aren’t refunded for weather but can be exchanged if severe weather cancels a night.
- For a Glow Cart Tour, get to the south exit of LongHouse near the Kopperman Garden 15 to 20 minutes early, because carts leave exactly on time.
- Children 5 and under get in free, but they still need a free ticket to reserve their entry slot, so add them when you book.
Special Events & Promotions
- Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll (18+) on Dec. 3, 10 and 17, with candlelit woods, live music, light displays and gnome villages.
- Electric Glow on Dec. 16, 20–23 and 26: a limited-capacity, electric-lights-only, low-sensory night with no Santa, candles, musicians, free cider or trains.
- Glow Cart Tours on Nov. 29–30 and Dec. 1–2, 6–7 and 9: staff-driven 3- or 5-seat carts for guests with mobility needs, booked per group, with fleece blankets and hot cider.
- Any-Time tickets let you enter at any point that evening, whichever time slot you chose.
- Friends of the Arboretum members get a discount on Luminary Walk, Candlelight Stroll and Electric Glow tickets.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of the four experiences is right for us?
The Traditional Luminary Walk is the family night, with Santa photos, candlelit woods, live music and trains. The Candlelight Stroll is for adults 18 and over only. Electric Glow is a quieter, low-sensory night with electric lights only. Glow Cart Tours are staff-driven rides for guests with mobility needs.
How long should we allow for the walk?
The path through the woods and gardens is about 1.5 miles, and there are a few ways to shorten it. To see it all at a comfortable pace, allow 1 hour to 90 minutes.
What is there to eat and drink?
On Luminary Walk and Candlelight Stroll nights, Jack Stack Catering and Storia Catering serve a holiday menu with adult beverages in the Vision Room at LongHouse, the Leatherwood Depot in the Train Garden, and inside the EEC. Louisburg Cider Mill hot cider is free in the Train Garden. Food trucks change from night to night. On Electric Glow nights, Café Celeste is open in LongHouse. Outside food and drink aren’t allowed.
What should we wear?
The whole walk is outdoors, and it gets much colder after sundown. Wear a hat, gloves and warm walking shoes, and all-weather boots if there’s snow. On Luminary Walk and Candlelight Stroll nights, the LongHouse gift shop sells hand warmers and hats.
Is the walk wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The route follows the Arboretum sidewalks, with some uphill and downhill stretches, and there are wheelchair-friendly restrooms. A few push wheelchairs can be borrowed free, first-come, first-served, but bring your own if you can.
More Christmas Events Near Overland Park
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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