November 12, 2022
With the holidays fast approaching, the magic of the season comes to life for thousands at Jackson County Parks + Rec’s 25th Annual Christmas in the Sky and 35th Annual Christmas in the Park holiday events.
On Wednesday, November 23, Christmas in the Sky will kick-off at Longview Lake Beach located 11101 Raytown Road in Kansas City. 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 talented singers and dancers from Monica’s School of Dance in Lee’s Summit who have performed at this event for all 25 years. Look for Santa’s arrival to present the “First Gift of Christmas” to a Dream Factory child ahead of the colorful fireworks show, which will be synchronized to holiday music on 99.7 The Point.
Gates open at 5 p.m. The holiday stage show is at 6 p.m. Fireworks start at 7:45 p.m.
Topping off the evening, 1 million lights and 200 animated displays will illuminate your magical drive through Jackson County’s 35th Annual Christmas in the Park.
Christmas in the Park runs Wednesday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Dec. 31. Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 5 to 11:00 p.m.
The drive begins at the Frank White, Jr. Softball Complex located at 3901 SW Longview Park Road in Kansas City.
“Every year we add an exciting new display to the Christmas in The Park experience,” said Jackson County Parks + Rec Director Michele Newman. “This year, we are adding a fun-filled 125-foot ‘Candy Land’ display. At its center is a 28-foot lighted gumball machine surrounded by colorful ribbon candies, lollipops and peppermints that is sure to delight children of all ages.”
“Nothing ceases to amaze me about what our Parks + Rec team can do,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Their innovation and creativity is the reason we have so much success bringing people together in the spirit of joy, love and giving each and every year. It is truly an honor to be a part of countless family’s holiday tradition for decades and we look forward to dazzling them for many more to come.”
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. Thanks go out to media partner, FOX4, for their continued support of this popular holiday attraction.
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.
For more information and directions, visit www.makeyourdayhere.com.
