Traditions you love. Memories you make

Published on October 24, 2025

The holidays in Lenexa are filled with sparkle, laughter and plenty of ways to make merry memories with family and friends. Whether your tradition is bundling up for twinkling lights, shopping for local gifts, or ringing in the new year before bedtime, you’ll find something holly jolly right here. Here’s what’s coming up this season:

Holiday Lights Tour

Dec. 2, 2025 | 4:30-9:45 p.m.

Hop on board for a magical evening touring Kansas City’s dazzling holiday light displays! Enjoy festive music, sing-alongs, and plenty of holiday cheer as we view lights at the Country Club Plaza, Crown Center, Union Station, and Longview Lake. Perfect for families and friends ages 8 and up with an adult age 50 or older. Meet at the Old Town Activity Center. Reserve your spot for this sparkling holiday adventure! Learn more and register

Sar-Ko Aglow + Lighting Ceremony

Lighting Ceremony: Dec. 5, 2025 | 6 p.m. | Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 8801 Greenway Ln.
Lights stay on dusk to dawn until Jan. 19, 2026

Each winter, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park transforms into a glowing wonderland with more than 17 miles of sparkling strands and thousands of twinkling bulbs. It’s snow wonder this is one of Lenexa’s brightest traditions. Be there on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. when Mayor Sayers flips the ceremonial switch and officially lights up the season. Learn more

Warmth Trees

Dec. 1–31, 2025 | Participating City facilities

Help us knit the community closer together this holiday season. Donate new or handmade hats, mittens, socks and scarves to one of our Warmth Trees and spread cozy cheer all month long. Your gift of warmth benefits SafeHome, Sunflower House and Shawnee Mission Area Council PTA Clothing Exchange. Learn more

Candy Cane Hunt

Dec. 12, 2025 | 9–11 a.m. | Old Town Activity Center, 9301 Pflumm Rd.

Start your morning with a sweet tradition. At 9 a.m. sharp, kids age 6 and under can dash across the lawn to collect candy canes. Then warm up inside with milk and cookies, crafts, story time and a sing-along with Mr. Stinky Feet. Free, no registration required. Learn more

Naughty or Nice Games

Dec. 12, 2025 | 6–8 p.m. | Lenexa Rec Center, 17201 W. 87th St. Pkwy.

Whether you’ve been more naughty or nice this year, this evening is packed with festive fun. Enjoy cookie painting, heart-growing crafts, grouchy games, a bounce house, snowball fights and more. Even our grumpy guest can’t resist the holiday cheer. $5 Rec Center members / $8 nonmembers. Learn more and register

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Dec. 13, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. | Lenexa City Center
Dec. 14, 2025 | 4 p.m. | Lenexa City Center

Every time this show is performed, an angel gets its wings. Step back in time with this 1940s-style radio broadcast of the holiday classic. With live sound effects, period costumes and timeless storytelling, it’s a tradition you’ll remember for years to come. Free admission. Learn more

Winter Water-land Bingo

Dec. 17, 2025 | 5–7 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market, 8750 Penrose Ln.

Make a splash with holiday fun at Winter Water-land Bingo. The whole family can play for prizes like Lenexa Public Market eGift cards and Lenexa Rec Center day passes. It’s shore to be a night of laughter, cheer and memories in the making. Learn more

Holiday Farmers Market

Dec. 20, 2025 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Lenexa City Hall, 17101 W. 87th St. Pkwy.

Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle over gift shopping — the Holiday Farmers Market has something for everyone on your list. More than a dozen local vendors will offer meats, pies, wine, jams, body care, pet treats and more. It’s the season of giving made simple and sweet. Learn more

Holiday Arts & Crafts Workshop

Dec. 22, 2025 | 1–3 p.m. | Lenexa Rec Center, 17201 W. 87th St. Pkwy.

Get creative with last-minute holiday gifts at this hands-on workshop! Kids ages 6–12 will make a festive canvas painting of a winter wonderland, a felt ornament and holiday cards. Bring your imagination and holiday cheer — snack included. Cost: $25. Reserve your spot in advance! Learn more and register

Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament

Dec. 30, 2025 | 5–7 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market, 8750 Penrose Ln.

Got family in town and looking for a fun, brain-teasing activity between the holidays? Grab your team of up to four and see who can finish the same 500-piece puzzle the fastest! You’ll have two hours to piece it together, and the fastest team takes home a $50 prize plus some festive Lenexa swag. Second place wins $25. Open to ages 12 and up. Cost: $40. Learn more and register

Noon Year’s Eve Pajama Party Countdown

Dec. 31, 2025 | 11 a.m.–noon | Lenexa Public Market, 8750 Penrose Ln.

Why wait until midnight when you can toast to the new year before naptime? Dress in your coziest pajamas for games, giveaways, a time capsule and a sing-along of “Auld Lang Syne” as we count down to noon. Learn more

However you celebrate, we invite you to make Lenexa part of your holiday season. From twinkling lights to cozy markets and candy-cane memories, this is where traditions shine and new memories are made.