From donation drives to Santa, holiday celebrations begin in Johnson County
Johnson County, you can learn how to cook cool season veggies or fry a turkey safely this week.
Then might as well have some fun burning off those festive calories with a 5K in Overland Park or a free night at a community center in Mission. Plus, the first Santa visits have begun.
Each week, as part of our Johnson County News coverage and weekly newsletter, we share news, tips, events and community resources for several cities across Johnson County.
Have an event in your community you want to share? Submit it for free to our community calendar. And sign up for the weekly newsletter to get more JoCo news delivered right to your inbox.
Johnson County: Get advice on growing crops
“Dig Your Dinner” — a virtual webinar on how to grow cool season crops will be offered at noon Wednesday, Nov. 19, by K-State Research and Education in Johnson County. Learn the essentials of planting, caring for and harvesting horseradish and parsnips, plus creative ways to use their bold flavors and health benefits in cooking.
Johnson County: How to help families in need
The Johnson County Christmas Bureau, which provides to low-income Johnson County families, is collecting new, unwrapped items. Most-needed items include coats, hats, gloves, toys, personal care products, groceries, and books.
Leawood: Fire safety demo for Christmas
The Leawood Fire Department’s Holiday Fire Safety Showcase will happen from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at City Park, 10601 Lee Blvd. Live demos, hands-on learning, and festive treats. Watch how quickly a Christmas tree can ignite and learn what not to do when frying turkey. Free hot chocolate and fire truck tours.
Leawood: Eat all the pancakes you want
Register for Breakfast with Santa, which will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Lodge at Ironwoods, 14701 Mission Road. You can get all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with sausage, fruit, juice, and coffee, served by the Leawood Lions Club. Bring your wish list, snap a family photo with Santa, and enjoy a festive holiday craft!
Lenexa: Farmers market gets festive
Holiday Farmers Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Nov. 22 at Lenexa City Hall, 17101 W. 87th St. Parkway. In addition to regular products, expect specialty items and assorted gift baskets.
Lenexa: Poetry and food on offer
“Eat Your Words: Poetry and Recipes from Kansas” will be presented by Kansas Poet Laureate Traci Brimhall 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Lenexa Old Town Activity Center, 9301 Pflumm Road. The event kicks off the collection of canned goods donations for the Johnson County food pantry. The drive continues through Dec. 2 at the activity center.
Mission: Combine exercise and donations
Burn Before The Turkey will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 26 at Powell Community Center, 6200 Martway St. It’s free admission with a donation of three non-perishable items. Workout options include cycle, strength or aqua classes.
Olathe: Donate kitchen supplies
The Kitchen Restore Project is collecting gently used kitchen items. The project’s goal is to help individuals prepare nutritious meals at home by supplying essentials such as pots and pans, dishes and utensils. Donations can be dropped off on Wednesday, Nov. 20, or Dec. 6 at the K-State Research and Extension — Johnson County Office, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 1500, Olathe.
Olathe: Meet Santa at the stagecoach
Register for Cookies with Santa at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm, 1200 E. Kansas City Road. It will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2, 4, 9 and 11. Each group reserves a 10-minute spot for their meeting with the big guy, which means no lines. The cost is $25 per group. Every group will receive a 4 x 6 printed photograph. Additional prints may be purchased.
Overland Park: Tree lighting and festival
Downtown Overland Park Mayor’s Holiday Festival is open from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at Thompson Park, 8045 Santa Fe Drive. Experience Santa, Grinch, train rides, maker’s market, photo booth, live music, pony rides, and free arts and crafts. Tree lighting is at 6 p.m.
Overland Park: Run comes with holiday lights preview
Holiday Luminary 5K and 1-mile run will be at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov 21, at the Overland Park Arboretum, 9209 W. 179th St. Preview the holiday light display before it opens to the public. The race will start and finish near the LongHouse Visitors Center. Carolers, music and cookies along the course, and more holiday festivities at the finish line.
This story was originally published November 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM.