November 6, 2021
With the holidays fast approaching, the magic of the season comes to life for thousands at Jackson County Parks + Rec’s 24th Annual Christmas in the Sky and 34th Annual Christmas in the Park holiday events.
On Wednesday, Nov. 24, 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 the cast of the Quality Hill Playhouse holiday cabaret, “Christmas in Song,” and 100 talented singers and dancers from Monica’s School of Dance in Lee’s Summit. 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 kicks things off at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks at 7:40 p.m.
Topping off the evening, more than 600,000 lights and 175 animated displays will illuminate your magical drive through Jackson County’s 34th 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. “Last year, we expanded the dramatic lighted entrance tunnel to 100 feet. This year, we are adding even more excitement to the entrance approach with our “Spheres of Cheer,” comprised of 90 32-inch colorful, lighted spheres spanning 450 feet!”
“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 3 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 had a record year in 2020, welcoming more than 300,000 visitors.
While there is no charge for this drive-thru event, voluntary exit donations are accepted, with a portion of the proceeds divided among 38 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. Thanks go out to media partner, FOX4, for their continued support of this popular holiday attraction.
Christmas In The Park is open Wednesday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Dec. 31. Hours are Sunday – Thursday, 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
For more information and directions, visit www.makeyourdayhere.com.
