Nov. 16, 2019

With the holidays fast approaching, the magic of the season comes to life for thousands at Jackson County Parks + Rec’s 23rd Annual Christmas in the Sky and 32nd Annual Christmas in the Park holiday events.

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, Christmas in the Sky will kick-off 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 more than 100 singers and dancers from Monica’s School of Dance in Lee’s Summit, plus performances by the St. Thomas Aquinas Chamber Choir, local artist Tevin Williams and special guest Casi Joy, Nashville recording artist and 2017 contestant on The Voice.

Look for Santa to arrive on a mule-drawn sleigh to present the “First Gift of Christmas” 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 begins at 6 p.m. At 7:40 p.m. fireworks will light up the sky.

Longview Lake Beach is located at 11101 Raytown Road, two miles south of I-470.

Topping off the evening, more than 500,000 lights and 175 animated displays will illuminate your magical drive through Jackson County’s 32nd Annual Christmas in the Park.

“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’ve added an additional 50 feet to the already spectacular 50-foot lighted drive-thru entrance arch that debuted last year. The arch is programmed to sequence a variety of dazzling colors, patterns and effects.”

This 50-foot lighted drive-thru entrance arch debuted at Christmas in the Park 2018. This year, an additional 50 feet will be added, making it 100 feet of holiday cheer!

“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.

While there is no charge for this drive-thru event, voluntary exit donations are accepted, with a portion of the proceeds divided among 35 area charities. Thanks to the generosity of Christmas in the Park patrons, Jackson County has been able to give more than $1.2 million to more than 1,000 local charities since the event’s inception. We thank our media partner, FOX4, for their continued support of this popular holiday attraction.

Christmas in the Park runs from November 27 through December 31. Hours of operation are: Sunday through Thursday 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5:30 to 11:00 p.m. The park entrance is at the Frank White, Jr. Softball Complex located at 3901 SW Longview Park Drive in Lee’s Summit, two miles south of I-470 off of View High Drive.

For more information and directions, visit www.makeyourdayhere.com.