Traditions you love. Memories you make

Published on November 02, 2026

Girl in coat and hat talks with Santa at Sar-Ko Aglow with holiday lights in background

The holidays in Lenexa are packed with sparkle, laughter, tasty treats and plenty of ways to make merry memories. Whether you're shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts, chasing twinkling lights, keeping the kids entertained or raising a glass with friends, there's something to make your season bright.

Mark your calendar and get ready to sleigh the season!


Markets, mistletoe and merry making

Sip, Mingle & Jingle

Nov. 20, 2026 | 5–9 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market 

Make a night of it! Grab dinner, sip a festive drink and shop local craft vendors for unique gifts that'll make your holiday list — and your favorite people — very merry. Learn more

Holiday Farmers Market

Nov. 21 & Dec. 19, 2026 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Lenexa City Hall

Shop local for the holidays. Stock up on fresh ingredients for your festive feasts and find handcrafted gifts, art and other treasures from Lenexa Farmers Market vendors and artists. Learn more

Holiday Kid Makers Market

Dec. 5, 2026 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market 

Little makers, big holiday spirit. Shop handmade treasures created by local youth and find a one-of-a-kind gift with a story behind it. Plus, Santa’s taking a break from the workshop to make an appearance. Learn more


Holiday Magic for Kids

Naughty or Nice Games

Dec. 11, 2026 | 6–8 p.m. | Lenexa Rec Center

“Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store.”  Get your holiday cheer on with grouchy games, cookie decorating, heart-growing crafts, a bounce house, snowball fights and a special grumpy guest. Register in advance. $5 for Rec Center members; $8 for nonmembers. Learn more and register

Candy Cane Hunt

Dec. 18, 2026 | 9–11 a.m. | Old Town Activity Center

Ready, set, candy cane! Kids ages 6 and younger can hunt for sweet treats outside at 9 a.m., then warm up with milk and cookies, crafts, stories and music with Mr. Stinky Feet. A parent or guardian must accompany children. No registration required. Free. Learn more

Kids Night Out 

Dec. 18, 2026 | 5–9 p.m. | Old Town Activity Center 

Kids get gym games, ornament making and a holiday movie while grown-ups get a few hours to themselves. It's a win-win for everyone's holiday plans. For children in kindergarten and older. Registration required. $25. Learn more and register

Crafty Kids Workshop

Mondays, Nov. 30–Dec. 14, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Old Town Activity Center 

Little hands, big holiday surprises! Sign the kids up to create a handmade holiday craft that's perfect for gifting. Registration required. $35. Learn more and register


Lights, music and holiday cheer

Holiday Lights Tour

Dec. 1, 2026 | 4:30–9:45 p.m. | Meet at Old Town Activity Center

Let someone else do the driving while you soak up the sparkle. Tour dazzling holiday displays across Kansas City with festive music and sing-alongs. For ages 50 and older with their families, ages 8 and up. Registration required. $44. Learn more and register

Sar-Ko Aglow Lighting Ceremony

Dec. 4, 2026 | 6 p.m. | Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, 8801 Greenway Lane

Help Mayor Sayers flip the switch on holiday magic. Watch thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the park. Then warm up with hot cocoa, carolers and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The lights shine from dusk to dawn through Jan. 18. Free. Learn more

City Center Live: Mandolin Orchestra of Kansas City

Dec. 12, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. | Lenexa City Hall

String together a little holiday cheer. Enjoy an evening of live music with the Mandolin Orchestra of Kansas City and let the sounds of the season set the mood. Free. Learn more

Warmth Trees

Dec. 1–31, 2026 | Participating Lenexa facilities

Help knit the community closer together this holiday season. Donate new or handmade hats, mittens, socks and scarves to a Warmth Tree. Your cozy contributions benefit SafeHome, Sunflower House and Shawnee Mission Area Council PTA Clothing Exchange.


Eat, play and be merry at the Market

Santa at the Market

Dec. 6, 13 & 20, 2026 | 12:30–2 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market

Santa travels the globe in one night. You can do it over lunch. Take your taste buds on a world tour with flavors from the Market's diverse food merchants. Then visit Santa, snap some photos and share your wish list. Before you dash away, swing by Cardboard Corner Cafe's build-your-own hot chocolate bar for a sweet holiday treat! Learn more

Winter Water-land Bingo at Family Night

Dec. 16, 2026 | 6–8 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market 

Bingo, bites and family fun? That's a full house. Join Lenexa Parks & Recreation Aquatics for winter-themed bingo and a chance to win prizes, including Lenexa Rec Center day passes. You can also purchase your outdoor pool membership now and save. Learn more

Noon Year's Eve Pajama Party Countdown

Dec. 31, 2026 | 11 a.m.–noon | Lenexa Public Market 

Why wait until midnight to celebrate? Roll out of bed in your coziest PJs and ring in the new year at noon. Grab a special lunch with our merchants and then stick around for giveaways, a time capsule activity, a balloon drop and a sing-along of “Auld Lang Syne.” It's a party for the whole family — with bedtime still on schedule. Learn more


Keep the holiday fun going

Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament

Dec. 28, 2026 | 5–7 p.m. | Old Town Activity Center 

Piece out, holiday stress. Gather a team of four or fewer and race to complete the same 500-piece puzzle. Will your crew claim the title of Lenexa's Puzzle Masters? Registration required. $40 per team. Learn more and register

Trivia Night for Bookworms

Dec. 29, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market

Know your Shakespeare from your Rowling? Put your literary smarts to the test with “Meet the Authors: From Hamlet to Hogwarts,” hosted by the Lenexa Arts Council. Play solo or bring a team of six or fewer. Registration required. $5 per person. Learn more and register


However you celebrate, there's room for more merriment in Lenexa. From local shopping and festive food to twinkling lights and family-friendly fun, make time for the traditions you love — and discover a few new ones along the way.