Lucie Krisman  - Events

This weekend in Johnson County — Tree lightings, turkey trots and more

Weekend holiday events Johnson County

From turkey trots to holiday shopping, here's where you can find some festive fun across Johnson County this weekend.

Happy Friday and happy (early) holidays, Johnson County!

For those of you who are ready to break out the holiday spirit, Johnson County has a number of holiday events for you to choose from this weekend. But if you’re hoping to wait until after Thanksgiving to catch sight of Santa or light up the tree, don’t worry — there are non-Christmasy events to choose from as well.

Here’s where you can find some festive fun in Johnson County this weekend.

Weekend events Johnson County
Previous runners in the Gobbler Grind Marathon at Overland Park’s Corporate Woods. Photo via Instagram.

Gobbler Grind Marathon at Corporate Woods

Burn off some calories ahead of Turkey Day this Sunday with the 30th annual Gobbler Grind Marathon in Overland Park, which starts at Founder’s Park inside Corporate Woods at 8 a.m.

For less avid turkey trotters, the event also features a half marathon and a 5K course. The price to register goes up after Friday.

Weekend holiday events Johnson County
Photo courtesy city of Overland Park.

Overland Park Mayor’s Holiday Fest

Downtown Overland Park turns into a winter wonderland this Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. for that city’s annual yuletide celebration.

This free event will feature live music, a visit from Santa, a children’s toy train ride, a snow globe photo booth and the lighting of the mayor’s Christmas tree, above, at 6 p.m.

Weekend holiday events Johnson County
Photo via city of Lenexa.

Sip, Mingle & Jingle at Lenexa Public Market

A holiday party with a more adult angle will happen this Friday at Lenexa Public Market, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Drink and food specials will be on offer as patrons can browse the market’s vendors for some early holiday shopping deals. Live music will be provided by local husband-and-wife duo Blue Ridge Heart.

Weekend holiday events Johnson County
Photo courtesy Green Guitar Folk House.

The Wildwoods folk trio performs in Lenexa

Enchantment of a more musical variety can be had this Saturday with a performance by local folk music trio The Wildwoods at 7 p.m. at Lenexa’s Green Guitar Folk House on Pflumm Road.

The group is expected to play songs from all three of their albums, including one released this year. Tickets are $20.

JoCo holiday weekend events
Handmade mini Christmas trees at a previous Kid Makers Market. Photo via Lenexa Public Market Facebook.

Holiday Kid Makers Market at Lenexa Public Market

More holiday fun at Lenexa Public Market, but this one’s for the kids.

Shop for homemade goods made by kids throughout the Johnson County community on Sunday. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can shop for items like paintings, homemade soaps, and decorative candles.

Hi! I'm Lucie Krisman, and I cover the city of Leawood and the Blue Valley School District for the Post.

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A bit about me and my background:

I'm a native of Tulsa, Okla., but have been living in Kansas since I moved here to attend KU, where I earned my degree in journalism. Prior to joining the Post, I did work for The Pitch, the Eudora Times, the North Dakota Newspaper Association and KTUL in Tulsa.