Winter blues got you down? Get out of apartment and check out one of these events and activities in and around Lee’s Summit.
1. Christmas in the Park
A Lee’s Summit tradition for over 30 years, your holiday celebrations are never complete until you take a journey through Christmas in the Park. Over 300,000 lights and 175 animated displays bring holiday magic to Jackson County. As always, the event is free but any donations go to 35 area charities.
2. Lee’s Summit Magic Tree
Spreading holiday cheer to anyone who drives by or stops, the Magic Tree at I-470 and View High Drive lives up to its name. Thousands of visitors every year take advantage of the photo opportunity, spreading the sentiments of hope, goodness, peace, and love far beyond Lee’s Summit or KCMO.
3. City Year Kansas City
One of the many important KCMO charities, City Year focuses on at-risk youth to offer support and hope for a future. In the past City Year has held and MLK Day of Service, and have no signs of stopping the tradition. So if you want to give back to the KCMO community or want to make volunteering a New Year’s Resolution check out City Year and their fantastic mission.
4. Longview Lake Polar Plunge
Want to take a more literal approach to diving into volunteerism? Consider participating in the Polar Plunge at Longview Lake to benefit Special Olympics Missouri. Learn more about the event and Special Olympics Missouri, and find out how to donate or register for the event check out their website.
5. NYE Live!
Don’t miss the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in Kansas City! For over a decade NYE Live! give partygoers a chance to ring in the new year with a bang. With exclusive access to a dozen bars and nightclubs, all-inclusive packages, and great entertainment, not to mention the party favors, confetti cannons, and KCMO’s very own ball drop, this is definitely the place to be come New Year’s Eve!
6. Maverick’s Game
What screams winter fun more than a hockey game? Head over to Silverstein Eye Centers Arena and cheer on Kansas City’s own Mavericks! Affiliate of the NHL’s Calgary Flames and AHL’s Stockton Heat, the Mavs have a history of wins and made playoffs in six of their first seven seasons.
7. KC Restaurant Week
Put your healthy eating New Year’s Resolutions on the backburner for one week and fully experience KC Restaurant Week. One week out of the year Kansas City restaurants all over the area offer multi-course lunch and dinner menus for $15 and $33, respectively. This is the perfect opportunity for you to try a new type of cuisine or take your sweetheart to that nice restaurant you’ve been eyeing. Check out their website for a full list of participating restaurants and menus.
8. Jackson County Parks & Rec
While Christmas in the Park is a wonderful event, Jackson County parks offer much more during the winter season. Enjoy nature at one of the many parks or lakes, go on a hike, or witness Missouri Town 1855 or Fort Osage under a blanket of snow. Go to their website for more information and to see hours of operation.
9. Festival of Lights
Offering a unique holiday experience in the Kansas City area, the Powell Gardens Festival of Lights showcases an artfully curated, botanically-themed lighting display. Beginning at the garden entrance, guests can walk along a mile-long path winding through displays in six of the seven themed gardens.
10. Union Station
For over a century Union Station has been a hub of culture, education, and entertainment in Kansas City. With its traveling national exhibits and 3D movies, not to mention being the perfect place to grab lunch or a cup of coffee with a friend, Union Station is wonderful year round. As with most historic buildings, it’s transformed to something even more magical during the holiday season. Between that and the New Year’s Eve events, one for families and one for the 21+ crowd, make sure to go to Union Station at least once this winter!