Celebrate the holidays with Jackson County Parks + Rec
Published on November 04, 2024
There is no better way to start the holiday season than with Jackson County Parks + Rec.
Trip the Light Fantastic
The County’s holiday celebration begins Sunday, November 24 with “Trip the Light Fantastic” Bike Ride through Christmas in the Park where cyclists get an early look at the annual event’s displays.
“We invite you to light and decorate your bike for this one-of-a-kind ride celebrating 37 years of Christmas in the Park,” said Parks + Rec Director Michele Newman. “You will be in awe of our 200 displays and more than one million lights, and we can’t wait for you to experience it!”
The 4.5-mile ride begins at the Frank White, Jr., Sports Complex and continues along County Park Road through Christmas in the Park. Parental discretion is advised for riders under the age of 10 as the course can be dark and hilly in places. Headlights and helmets are required for this night ride.
Frank White Jr., Softball Complex is located at 3901 SW Longview Road, Lee's Summit, MO 64081
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Christmas In The Sky
The annual Christmas in the Sky event will be presented November 27, at Longview Lake Beach. This holiday fireworks spectacular has provided the opening night festivities for Jackson County’s Christmas in the Park since 1997.
The free event includes a holiday stage show featuring the cast of the Quality Hill Playhouse holiday cabaret, "Christmas in Song," Soul Harpist Calvin Arsenia, and 100 singers and dancers from Monica's School of Dance, who have performed at this event every year. Santa will arrive to present the “First Gift of Christmas” to a Dream Factory child, ahead of the colorful fireworks show.
Longview Lake Beach is located at 11101 Raytown Road, Kansas City, MO 64134.
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Christmas In The Park
Returning for its 37th season is Christmas in the Park featuring more than a million lights and 200 animated displays. Since opening in 1987, nearly three million people have made the spectacular drive-through event a part of their annual holiday experience.
While there is no charge for this event, voluntary donations are accepted, with a portion of the proceeds divided among 39 area charities. Thanks to the generosity of Christmas in the Park patrons, Jackson County has been able to give over $1.2 million to more than 1,000 local charities since the event’s inception.
Christmas In the Park will be open nightly November 27 – December 31. The drive starts at Frank White, Jr., Softball Complex and winds through Longview Campground.