Christmas in the Park returns for 35th season

Published on November 15, 2022

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A beloved holiday tradition returns for its 35th season as Jackson County Parks + Rec presents Christmas in the Park featuring more than a million lights and 200 animated displays.

“Every year we add an exciting new display to the Christmas in The Park experience,” said Michele Newman, Jackson County Parks + Rec Director. “This year, we are adding a fun-filled 125-foot ‘Candy Land’ display. At its center is a 28-foot-tall lighted gumball machine surrounded by colorful ribbon candies, lollipops, and peppermints, that is sure to delight children of all ages.”

“Our Parks + Rec staff is second to none,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “The talent and expertise they have to design, create and install this massive display year after year is impressive. I can’t thank them enough for all the hard work they do to keep this tradition thriving and the holiday season bright for families.”

Since opening in 1987, nearly three million people have made the drive through Jackson County’s Christmas in the Park a part of their annual holiday experience. Christmas in the Park welcomes 300,000 visitors annually.

While there is no charge for this drive-thru event, voluntary exit 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.

The 25th annual Christmas in the Sky will kick off the season November 23, at Longview Lake Beach. This holiday fireworks spectacular, courtesy of Parks + Rec and 99.7 The Point, 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 in Lee’s Summit, who have performed at this event for all 25 years. Santa will arrive to present the “First Gift of Christmas” to a Dream Factory child, ahead of the colorful fireworks show.

Cyclists are invited to get an early look at the displays with the popular “Trip the Light Fantastic” Bike Ride thru Christmas in the Park Sunday, November 20.

“We invite you to light and decorate your bike for this one-of-a-kind ride celebrating 35 years of Christmas in the Park,” said Parks “+ Rec Director Michele Newman. “You will be in awe of our 200 displays and more than 1 million lights and we can’t wait for you to experience it!”

At the finish line, cyclists will enjoy complimentary coffee and hot chocolate at Gusto Coffee Bistro and photos with Santa compliments of the Bicycle Shack.

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.