Holiday Hiking in Kansas City
Powell Gardens Festival of Lights
Powell Gardens’ Festival of Lights is a walk through a winter wonderland. Thousands of lights extend for miles to illuminate the gardens’ winter beauty. This year, the path highlights the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel and the Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden.
Arboretum Electric Glow
All the electric, without the hectic. That’s the vibe of the Overland Park Arboretum’s Electric Glow. There’s no Santa or merry makers. Instead, experience candlelit woods and glowing gardens.
Sar-Ko-Aglow
This annual event, called Sar-Ko Aglow, takes place at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa. No tickets are required and the event is free (and so is parking!). The park, which is already scenic during daylight, is transformed into a series of lights adorning the outlines of buildings, trees, bridges and walkways that surround a small lake. Walk the half-mile loop as often and long as you want.
Fort Osage Candlelight Tour
Fort Osage was built in 1808 as a military garrison and trading post. At Christmas, this historic site becomes a time machine, transporting guests to a holiday on the frontier. Authentically attired interpreters lead guests as they listen to the issues of the day presented by those who once called Fort Osage home. Seasonal beverages and holiday activities of the era are also offered. Reservations are encouraged. Tours depart every 15 minutes.
Missouri Town Christmas Celebration
Experience a truly vintage Christmas in the mid-1800s at the Missouri Town Living History Museum. You can expect music, decor and foods of the era as they were experienced in rural Missouri. Crafts, decorations, historic demonstrations, and holiday traditions will be on display.
Arboretum Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll
Enjoy a quiet, adults-only evening at the Overland Park Arboretum with candlelit woods, live music, light displays and gnome villages. Participants must be 18 years old. This is a more reflective alternative to the family-friendly Friday and Saturday Luminary Walk experience.
KC Pumpkin Patch Winter Wonderland
A walk through the Pumpkin Patch farm has been transformed into a winter holiday delight. Experience thousands of lights, a giant slide, photos with Santa and a Grinch-like figure. For an additional fee, you get an up-close experience with Scottish Highland cows in holiday décor.
Arboretum Luminary Walk
It’s the Overland Park Arboretum you’ve always loved, now converted to an illuminated holiday experience. Experience gnome and fairy villages, candlelit gardens and musical performances. Candle-lit woodland walkways beckon, while trees, buildings and bridges shine with thousands of lights. Santa is on hand for photos from 5-8:30 p.m.
Trip the Light Fantastic Bike Ride
You may have enjoyed Jackson County’s Christmas in the Park in your vehicle. Why not tackle it on your bike? This 4.5-mile loop will take you through the full illuminated experience, but with no vehicles.