Due to the rain, the Christmas in the Sky stage show has been cancelled tonight. However, the fireworks display will go on as planned at 8:00 p.m. People are welcome to park and enjoy the fireworks show from their vehicle or nearby paved areas.

Christmas in the Park will open as planned tonight at 5:30 p.m.

November 23, 2024

With the holidays fast approaching, the magic of the season comes to life for thousands at Jackson County Parks + Rec’s 26th Annual Christmas in the Sky and 37th Annual Christmas in the Park holiday events.

Christmas in the Sky will kick off the holiday season, Wednesday, Nov. 27, at Longview Lake Beach located at 11101 Raytown Road. 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.

Gates open at 5 p.m. The holiday stage show starts at 6 p.m. followed by fireworks at 7:45 p.m.

The free event includes a holiday stage show featuring 100 talented singers and dancers from Monica’s School of Dance in Lee’s Summit, who have performed at this event every year since 1997, plus the cast of the Quality Hill Playhouse holiday cabaret, “Christmas in Song,” and Soul Harpist Calvin Arsenia. 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.

Topping off the evening, 200 animated displays and 1.5 million lights will illuminate your magical drive through Jackson County’s 37th Annual Christmas in the Park.

What is new this year? Parks + Rec Director Michele Newman said, “Every year we are looking for new ways to add to the excitement at Christmas in the Park. What child doesn’t delight in putting out cookies, milk, and a note for Santa? This year, our talented crew has created a fun and engaging new display of Santa enjoying that very treat!”

Guests will also see an expanded Candy Land area and some fun, new additions as they enter and exit the park.

“Jackson County’s holiday events, particularly Christmas in the Sky and Christmas in the Park, bring our community together in a spirit of joy and celebration,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “It is heartwarming to witness families and friends gathering to enjoy the magic of the season. As we kick off this holiday tradition, I invite everyone to join us in creating cherished memories and supporting our local charities. Together, we can make this season brighter for those in need.”

Since the opening of Christmas in the Park in 1987, three million people have made this magical drive a part of their annual holiday experience. Christmas in the Park welcomes 300,000 visitors annually. Thanks go out to media partners, FOX4 and 99.7 The Point, 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 35 area charities this year. Thanks to the generosity of Christmas in the Park patrons, Jackson County has been able to give over $1.3 million to more than 1,000 local charities since the event’s inception.

Christmas in the Park runs from Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Tuesday, Dec. 31. Hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The drive begins at the Frank White, Jr. Softball Complex located at 3901 SW Longview Park Road.

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