Winter Fun Across Northeast Kansas

Winter settles into Northeast Kansas with a mix of sparkling lights, cozy escapes, outdoor adventures, and festive small-town charm. Whether you crave holiday magic, peaceful winter walks, or hands-on seasonal activities, this region makes December feel full of possibility. Here’s a look at the winter fun happening across Northeast Kansas this month.

Olathe: Step into the magic of the season at Olathe’s Christmas Tree Lighting on December 5 at the Downtown Library! Enjoy festive tunes from the Olathe Civic Jazz Band, get creative with holiday crafts, and capture the joy with a photo alongside Santa. With sparkling lights, music, and family-friendly fun, this heartwarming event is the perfect way to kick off the holidays in Olathe. Don’t miss this merry celebration that brings the community together in true holiday spirit! http://olatheks.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/36178/

Lawrence: The Winter Wonder Pass is back! Bring on the winter fun and exclusive deals, for all ages. Sign up for free, earn points, and enter to win some amazing giveaways including an ultimate weekend in Lawrence! https://www.explorelawrence.com/passports/winter-wonder-pass/

Miami County: Fishing during the winter? There isn't any need to battle the ice when you can enjoy an indoor, heated fishing dock at Jayhawk Marina. Children 12 and younger fish free. Licenses can be obtained on site. Whether you’re after Crappie, Bass, Walleye, or Catfish, our dock is an ideal spot to cast your line. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., weather permitting. https://jayhawkmarina.com/indoor-fishing-dock/

Overland Park: Kick off your holiday season with a festive family walk through the holiday glow at the Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens! On select nights November 26 to December 30, you can take a stroll along the lit pathways to experience the magical Gnome and Fairy Villages, Marder Garden by candlelight, and the colorful Children's Garden and enjoy musical performances throughout. The gardens are bright with color while the walkways through quiet woods are lit with candles. Trees, buildings, and bridges are all part of the show, with thousands of lights aglow. Photos with Santa are available from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., and the trains run in the Train Garden from 5:00 to 8:45 p.m. Complimentary hot cider is available in the Children's Discovery Garden. Tickets can be purchased online in advance. https://www.visitoverlandpark.com/events/annual-events/luminary-walk/

Merriam: Winter in Merriam is full of cozy moments and outdoor adventures! Bundle up and sled the snowy hills at Antioch Park, then warm up with a dip in the indoor pool at the Merriam Community Center. Treat yourself to a hot drink from a local coffee shop before browsing for the perfect holiday gifts at Merriam’s shops, or embrace the crisp air with a brisk walk along the scenic Turkey Creek Streamway Trail. However you like to celebrate the season, you’ll find plenty of ways to shop, dine, and explore Merriam! www.exploremerriam.com

Lenexa: December means it's time for Sar-Ko-Aglow in Lenexa! The annual lighting ceremony at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park is Friday, December 5 at 6 p.m. Miles of lights bring a festive glow to the park and stay lit until January 19. https://www.lenexa.com/City-Calendar/Annual-Events/Sar-Ko-Aglow

Kansas City, KS: Get ready for some festive fun that will have you fal-la-la-la-la-ing all holiday season long! From light displays to giant trees, Olde World Christmas at Strawberry Hill Museum and Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop, there is something that will bring out the holiday spirit in everyone in KCK. https://www.visitkansascityks.com/events/annual-events/winter-wonderland-in-kck/

Topeka: Topeka shines bright during the holidays, offering a full season of festive fun for all ages. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade, a beloved tradition featuring over 200 floats, marching bands, and Santa himself parading through Downtown Topeka starting at 6 p.m. The celebration kicks off with the annual tree lighting at Evergy Plaza, filling the heart of the city with music, lights, and community spirit. Visitors can also stroll through the enchanting Zoo Lights at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center, where dazzling light displays and holiday cheer bring the magic of the season to life. Whether you’re watching the parade, exploring local shops, or taking in the glow of the city, Topeka is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays in northeast Kansas. https://downtowntopekainc.com/experience-downtown/miracle-on-kansas-ave/

Leavenworth: Winter fun could mean time on skis or sleds in the great outdoors, but it could also lead to an afternoon wrapped in a cozy indoor craft space. In Leavenworth, Next to Nature Farm will spend December in its store kitchen, helping guests create spiced jams, essential oil soaps and other handicrafts that double as thoughtful holiday gifts. The Small Hinge is another great spot for group classes, and you can invite friends and family to crochet a chunky snowman, decorate Christmas cookies and more. Meanwhile, Plain Janes and Co. Studio kicks off the New Year with its Cozy Stitches and Cocoa Bliss Retreat (Jan. 9 to 11), a weekend for quilting, sewing and embroidery projects that includes a cocoa bar and shareable snacks. VisitLeavenworthKS.com

Seneca: Seneca is the town with holiday cheer! Once December arrives, this little corner of Northeast Kansas becomes a cozy holiday escape perfect for a relaxed day trip. Downtown is packed with locally owned boutiques, specialty shops, and one-of-a-kind finds that make gift hunting feel fun instead of stressful. The pace is slower, the people are warmer, and the whole experience carries that unmistakable small town magic. For anyone looking for winter fun that blends meaningful holiday shopping with classic Christmas charm, Seneca is a destination that always delivers. https://www.comeseeseneca.com/holiday/

Atchison: Just a quick drive from town, Snow Creek is a must-do for winter adventurers. Whether you're a seasoned skier, a snowboarder, or a first-timer ready to try the tubing hill, you’ll find winter fun for all ages. Snow Creek’s well-maintained runs, friendly instructors, and cozy lodge make it the perfect complement to your Atchison weekend. Come for the day or gear up for multiple trips. With cold-weather activities this close, it’s easy to blend small-town charm with outdoor adrenaline. www.visitatchison.com

Holton: Winter in Jackson County is filled with small-town charm, festive traditions, and Christmas cheer around every corner. From twinkling lights on the historic Square to special holiday shopping events, early-morning deals, and cozy gatherings, the season brings plenty of ways to celebrate. Families can enjoy beloved traditions like visits with Santa, the magical Parade of Lights, and our annual Christmas Homes Tour, creating a joyful, memorable holiday experience for all. For upcoming holiday and seasonal events, be sure to visit www.exploreholton.com www.exploreholton.com

December in Northeast Kansas is all about enjoying the season in your own way, whether that means sipping cocoa under the lights, crafting handmade gifts, skiing down snowy hills, or wandering through charming downtowns. Every community brings its own flavor of winter magic, and together they create a region full of warmth, wonder, and festive fun. Wherever your travels take you this month, you’ll find something special waiting here in Northeast Kansas.