New list says this Johnson County holiday light display is one of the country’s best
One of the Kansas City area’s beloved Christmas light displays was recognized as one of the best in the nation by USA Today.
A panel of experts with the national publication nominated their favorite light displays at botanical gardens throughout the U.S., and then readers voted for their top picks. The readers decided that the Luminary Walk at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens was the third best.
“Luminary Walk at Kansas’ Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will get you in the spirit of the season in no time, thanks to its illuminated garden paths, live music, fairytale villages, train rides, woodland walkways, and photos with Santa,” USA Today said.
The arboretum is celebrating its 25th luminary walk in 2024. It has three experiences in the garden for visitors throughout December, and you can pick which one to walk through:
- Luminary Walk: illuminated garden paths, gnome and fairy villages, live music, and photos with Santa. Open Dec. 13-14
- Candlelight Stroll: The adults-only experience features candlelit woods, live music, and enchanting light displays. Open Dec. 12 and 19
- Electric Glow: limited electric lights-only version with no crowds. Open Dec. 17, 18, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28, 30
Electric Glow costs $12, and the Luminary Walk and Candlelight Stroll cost $17 per person. You can buy tickets online. It’s open from 5 to 9 p.m.
Also making USA Today’s list was Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis at No. 4 and Illuminations at Botanica in Wichita at No. 5.
USA Today’s best botanical holiday light shows
Here is the rest of USA Today’s 10 best botanical light shows in the country:
- No. 1: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia
- No. 2: Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden in Huntsville, Alabama
- No. 6: Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine
- No. 7: Redding Garden of Lights at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, California
- No. 8:Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
- No. 9:Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas
- No. 10: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois
