Our December calendar is overflowing with festive fun and community celebrations. Whether you’re looking to find the perfect gift at a holiday market, enjoy seasonal events or spend quality time with the family, there’s something for everyone. Dive into the complete list below, and start planning your perfect holiday season!
Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane
Experience the enchantment of the season at Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane daily from 5-10 p.m. now through Dec. 31. Bring some cocoa, cookies and blankets as you view the lights and hear the music from the warmth of your car in the Farmstead’s parking lot. This event is free, and the display is at the main entrance of Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.
When the holidays are over, bring your real Christmas or holiday tree to one of the City’s drop-off locations for recycling from Dec. 26-Jan. 12. Your tree will be mulched and used at City parks and the Arboretum. Please remove the stands, lights, tinsel and ornaments. Artificial trees are not accepted.
Future of Art Exhibition at Art at the Center
Celebrate the creativity and talent of local high school artists from Blue Valley, Olathe and Shawnee Mission School Districts. The multi-media show features paintings, photography, drawings, ceramics and more. You can view this exhibit through Jan. 12, any time Tomahawk Ridge Community Center is open.
Wolf Springs Elementary Fifth-Grade Art Showcase at LongHouse Visitor Center
Experience the imagination and talent of Wolf Springs Elementary’s fifth-grade students as they showcase their paper relief sculptures in this special art exhibit. Each piece reflects the creativity and curiosity that make young artists so inspiring. The art show is free to attend, now through Dec. 31. Admission is required to enter the gardens.
Monday, December 1
Neighborhood Executive Committee Officers Board – 5:30 p.m.
The Neighborhood Executive Committee develops and monitors the progress of the neighborhood programs.
Mayor and Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in the council chamber.
Tuesday, December 2
Discovery Day at the Arboretum – 9 a.m.-Noon
Craft time awaits on the first Tuesday of the month at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Each month, a new make-and-take project unfolds on Discovery Day. Crafting supplies are included, and the projects are available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 100 participants. The theme for December is “Sprout House.”
Public Information Meeting: Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Program – 4:30-6:30 p.m.
The Neighborhood Streets Reconstruction Program reconstructs existing streets that have reached the end of their useful life. The second public information meeting will address questions and/or concerns from property owners adjacent to the proposed improvements in the Westbrooke South neighborhood. Learn more about this project and other construction projects happening in the City of Overland Park at opkansas.org/Construction.
Parks + Recreation Advisory Council – 6:30 p.m.
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Council advises and makes recommendations to the Governing Body and staff on residential parks and recreational needs and wants. It meets the last Tuesday of every month at City Hall.
Wednesday, December 3
Giggle Time Children’s Program – 10 a.m.
Join us for a delightful children’s program on the first Wednesday of the month. From music and stories to puppet shows, Giggle Time features new and exciting entertainers. Come and join in the laughter and joy at this free event at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center!
Community Development Committee – 7 p.m.
Community Development Committee meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
Thursday, December 4
Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll – 5-9 p.m.
Enjoy a serene evening at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens during the Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll. Wander through candlelit woods, enjoy dazzling light displays and listen to live music at this adults-only holiday event. General admission is $17 per person. Friends of the Arboretum members can purchase tickets for $15. Tickets must be purchased in advance online through the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website.
Legacy of Greenery Committee – 6:30 p.m.
The Legacy of Greenery Committee develops strategies to increase, preserve and enhance the city’s tree canopy by promoting, planting and maintaining trees and shrubs in the city. The Legacy of Greenery Committee meets at City Hall on the first Thursday of every month.
Friday, December 5
Celebrate the holiday season with a stroll through lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Wander through glowing pathways, listen to live music, discover whimsical gnome and fairy villages and meet Santa for a photo you’ll treasure all season long.
Saturday, December 6
Take advantage of an opportunity to shop the Overland Park Farmer’s Market for holiday gifts and goodies. You’ll find all the same farm-fresh produce and local foods you’re used to. The Market information booth will also be open to accept debit and EBT cards. The event is contingent on the weather.
Join us for a festive day in Downtown Overland Park! Get into the holiday spirit by visiting our Holiday Market and stopping by the Carriage House for Santa photos from 10 a.m. to noon. Plus, explore the participating businesses during the Downtown OP Open House for handouts and special deals.
Nutcracker Tea Party – Noon and 4 p.m.
The Annual Nutcracker Tea Party at Fiorella’s Event Center, 9000 W. 137th Street, is a family-friendly event perfect for the child in all of us! Enjoy a one-hour version of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker Ballet, performed by Crescendo Conservatory, along with a delightful tea party. Purchase tickets in advance on the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park’s website.
Celebrate the holiday season with a stroll through lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Wander through glowing pathways, listen to live music, discover whimsical gnome and fairy villages and meet Santa for a photo you’ll treasure all season long.
Sunday, December 7
Nutcracker Tea Party – 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
The Annual Nutcracker Tea Party at Fiorella’s Event Center, 9000 W. 137th Street, is a family-friendly event perfect for the child in all of us! Enjoy a one-hour version of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker Ballet, performed by Crescendo Conservatory, along with a delightful tea party. Purchase tickets in advance on the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park’s website.
Monday, December 8
Planning Commission – 1:30 p.m.
The Planning Commission considers all applications for final development plans and plats, holds public hearings and makes recommendations for final action to the Governing Body for rezoning, special use permits and preliminary development plans. It also prepares the Comprehensive Plan and reviews the Capital Improvements Program. Planning Commission meetings are held the second Monday of every month at City Hall in the Council Chamber.
Civil Service Commission – 6 p.m.
The Civil Service Commission reviews, approves and assists the police department in the promotion process for officers below the rank of Captain. The Civil Service Commission meets on the second Monday of the last month each quarter at 6 p.m. These meetings are open to the public.
Tuesday, December 9
Board of Zoning Appeals – 7 p.m.
The Board of Zoning Appeals considers requests for relief from the requirements of the zoning ordinance and meets monthly, generally on the second Tuesday. The Board of Zoning Appeals meets at City Hall.
Thursday, December 11
Adults-Only Candelight Stroll – 5-9 p.m.
Enjoy a serene evening at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens during the Candlelight Stroll. Wander through candlelit woods, enjoy dazzling light displays and listen to live music at this adults-only holiday event. General admission is $17 per person. Friends of the Arboretum members can purchase tickets for $15. Tickets must be purchased in advance online through the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website.
Future of Art Exhibition Opening Reception – 5-7 p.m.
Celebrate creativity at the Future of Art Exhibition, showcasing talented high school artists from Blue Valley, Olathe and Shawnee Mission School Districts. Join us for a special evening where you’ll have the exclusive chance to vote and help jury the show for prizes, generously sponsored by Friends of Overland Park Arts. Enjoy free admission, refreshments and the chance to mingle with fellow art lovers in the community. The Future of Art Exhibition is on display now through January 12. It is free and open to the public during regular community center hours.
Public Safety Committee – 7 p.m.
Public Safety Committee meetings are held every second Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
Friday, December 12
Celebrate the holiday season with a stroll through lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Wander through glowing pathways, listen to live music, discover whimsical gnome and fairy villages and meet Santa for a photo you’ll treasure all season long.
Saturday, December 13
Celebrate the holiday season with a stroll through lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Wander through glowing pathways, listen to live music, discover whimsical gnome and fairy villages and meet Santa for a photo you’ll treasure all season long.
Monday, December 15
Committee of the Whole: 2026 Kansas Legislative Program – 6:30 p.m.
The Committee of the Whole meets on an as-needed basis at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
Mayor and Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in the council chamber.
Wednesday, December 17
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.
The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or City staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall.
Thursday, December 18
Adults-Only Candelight Stroll – 5-9 p.m.
Enjoy a serene evening at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens during the Candlelight Stroll. Wander through candlelit woods, enjoy dazzling light displays and listen to live music at this adults-only holiday event. General admission is $17 per person. Friends of the Arboretum members can purchase tickets for $15. Tickets must be purchased in advance online through the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park website.
Friday, December 19
Celebrate the holiday season with a stroll through lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Wander through glowing pathways, listen to live music, discover whimsical gnome and fairy villages and meet Santa for a photo you’ll treasure all season long.
Saturday, December 20
Celebrate the holiday season with a stroll through lights at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Wander through glowing pathways, listen to live music, discover whimsical gnome and fairy villages and meet Santa for a photo you’ll treasure all season long.
Monday, December 22
Enjoy the beauty of the Luminary Walk electric displays at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, without the candlelit woods, Santa, musicians, cider, trains or crowds. Electric Glow limits capacity, making the event ideal for wandering through the gardens in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Tuesday, December 23
Enjoy the beauty of the Luminary Walk electric displays at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, without the candlelit woods, Santa, musicians, cider, trains or crowds. Electric Glow limits capacity, making the event ideal for wandering through the gardens in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Wednesday, December 24
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.
The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or City staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall.
Thursday, December 25
City offices, including City Hall and Sanders Justice Center, will be closed for the Christmas holiday.
Friday, December 26
Enjoy the beauty of the Luminary Walk electric displays at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, without the candlelit woods, Santa, musicians, cider, trains or crowds. Electric Glow limits capacity, making the event ideal for wandering through the gardens in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Saturday, December 27
Participants will have the opportunity to read “The Night Tree” by Eve Bunting, a beautifully crafted story that captures the essence of sharing and caring for nature. Drawing inspiration from the tale, craft unique ornaments designed specifically for woodland animals to place on a designated Night Tree at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
Enjoy the beauty of the Luminary Walk electric displays at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, without the candlelit woods, Santa, musicians, cider, trains or crowds. Electric Glow limits capacity, making the event ideal for wandering through the gardens in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Monday, December 29
Enjoy the beauty of the Luminary Walk electric displays at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, without the candlelit woods, Santa, musicians, cider, trains or crowds. Electric Glow limits capacity, making the event ideal for wandering through the gardens in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Tuesday, December 30
Enjoy the beauty of the Luminary Walk electric displays at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, without the candlelit woods, Santa, musicians, cider, trains or crowds. Electric Glow limits capacity, making the event ideal for wandering through the gardens in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Wednesday, December 31
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.
The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or City staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall.