As the days get shorter and the air a little crisper, there’s something nice about slowing down, warming up, and finding new ways to enjoy the season. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or take a short drive for something new, these ideas make cold-weather days feel a little cozier (and a lot more fun).
☕ Close to Home (Right in OP)
Vibe: Warm, local, and low-key.
- Start your day at Pilgrim Coffee or McLain’s Market, where cozy corners and local brews make it easy to linger.
- Challenge your crew at Bury the Hatchet KC or Game Show Battle Rooms which both bring the fun indoors and the laughs guaranteed.
- Get crafty at Paint, Glaze & Fire or Creative Culture KC, where you can create handmade gifts and seasonal décor.
- Explore the Museum at Prairiefire and then head over to shop and eat.
- Do a little shopping at the Overland Park Farmers’ Market Holiday Market on Saturday, December 6th. Local makers, baked goods, and festive produce make it a feel-good way to support small businesses.
- Have dinner & drinks at Strang Hall or Talk of the Town to keep things lively long after the sun sets.
- Bundle up for the Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens where the trails are lined with candles, holiday lights, and music. An annual favorite that captures the magic of the season!
- Or catch a show at The New Theatre & Restaurant, where dinner and live entertainment are all in one cozy evening.
🎡 Around Town (15–30 Minutes Away)
Vibe: Big-city sparkle, family-friendly, full of lights.
- Head to Union Station to see Holiday Reflections, the massive walk-through display of lights, trains, and decorations. Then, stay for a show at the Planetarium or stop by Science City for hands-on fun.
- Lace up your skates at the Crown Center Ice Terrace, then warm up with hot chocolate and a stroll through the Mayor’s Christmas Tree display.
- Walk through glowing lantern displays at GloWild, returning this November to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium with even more elaborate light sculptures.
- Make new traditions by attending the Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony on Thanksgiving night, officially kicking off the holiday season. A Kansas City classic.
- Head Downtown for an adults’ night out. Try The Mercury Room or The Campground for upscale seasonal cocktails before catching a holiday concert at the Kauffman Center.
- Or bring the family Downtown and take a ride around the KC Wheel, with climate-controlled gondolas you can see the city lights all year long.
🏔️ A Short Escape (Under 3 Hours Away)
Vibe: Small-town charm, winter adventure, and cozy weekend getaways.
- Weston, MO: Your mini winter escape. Just an hour away, Snow Creek offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing for all skill levels. Warm up afterward with wine tasting at Pirtle Winery or a cozy meal at Tin Kitchen downtown.
- Lawrence, KS: Game day energy meets cozy downtown charm. Catch a KU basketball game at Allen Fieldhouse, shop along Mass Street, and grab dinner at Merchants Pub & Plate or 715.
- Branson, MO: Worth the longer drive for Silver Dollar City’s “An Old Time Christmas”, one of the nation’s top-rated holiday light displays, with rides, shows, and seasonal treats.
Cold days don’t have to mean staying in. Whether you’re warming up with friends, discovering something new, or planning a quick local getaway, there’s plenty to enjoy right here in and around Overland Park.
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