See holiday lights & go to the museum for free: Things to do in Johnson County
Happy Thanksgiving, Johnson County.
This holiday week, you can take some time to look ahead at events around the county to register for in the new year or find ways to help others in our community.
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.
Register for winter volleyball
Registration is now open for the Women’s Winter Volleyball League in Gardner. All skill levels are welcome. Games begin Jan. 13 and are played on Tuesday nights. Each team is guaranteed six games, with the full schedule determined by the total number of registrations. Participants must be 18 or older, and league champions will receive T-shirts.
Go on the Luminary Walk
The festive light season at the Overland Park Arboretum kicks off tonight, Nov. 26, with the 26th annual Luminary Walk, which includes live music, luminary candles in the woods, gnome and fairy villages, and photos with Santa. Also tonight will be Electric Glow, a special electric-lights-only experience with smaller crowds — ideal for low-sensory needs. Both the Luminary Walk and Electric Glow are offered several nights in December. The arboretum is located at 8909 W. 179th St.
Sign up for JCPRD activities
Online registration opened this week for the January-April programs offered by the Johnson County Parks and Recreation District. It includes a long list of fun activities for every age and every interest, like painting classes, family-friendly PJ bingo, a museum escape room and more.
Meet Santa & get presents wrapped
Donate to the second annual Northeast Elves (Noel) Christmas Shopping Event in Merriam. It’s a fun and festive celebration led by first responders in Northeast Johnson County. Merriam police and local heroes will help children and their families meet Santa himself, enjoy tasty pizza and cookies, and even get their presents wrapped just in time for the holidays.
Go to the museum for free
It’s free admission day today, Nov. 26, at the Johnson County Museum, 8788 Metcalf Ave. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Compete in a coloring contest
An adult coloring contest will begin Dec. 1 in Merriam, running until Dec. 18. Special coloring pictures are available online or at the community center’s welcome desk, 6040 Slater St.
Go to a show & tell
There’s a Show and Tell in the Makerspace in Olathe from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Indian Creek Library, 16100 W. 135th St.
Submit your holiday lights to a contest
Applications for the Holiday Outdoor Decorating Contest in Roeland Park are due Dec. 1. Decorating must be done by Dec. 14. Prizes include $150 for first place. Judging criteria includes creativity, use of inflatables (optional), and overall appearance.
Donate winter clothes
Roeland Park is hosting a Winter Coat Drive through Dec. 19. Drop off donated scarves, gloves, hats, coats and blankets at City Hall, 4600 W. 51st St. or the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Drive.