10 Holiday Things to do in Olathe This Season
Start with number one (yes, we are biased), then mix and match the rest to build a season that works for families, couples, and friend groups across Olathe and Johnson County.
THE LIST:
1. Book a holiday paint night. Paint a winter or holiday canvas at Pinot's Palette Olathe, with step-by-step instruction and no experience needed. It works as a date night, a family outing, or a friends' night out — and you leave with the decoration.
2. Take a holiday lights drive. Load up on hot drinks, put on a holiday playlist, and drive the neighborhood displays your family loves most. Make sure to check our Deanna Rose's large display!
3. Shop local for at least one gift. Pick one name on your list and buy their gift from a local Olathe shop or maker instead of online. Junque Drawer and Fabulous Fern are some of our favs!
4. Do a family photo outing. Choose a pretty winter spot, dress up a little, and take this year's family photo yourselves. Sar-Ko-Park is a great option!
5. See a holiday show or concert. A school concert, a community performance, or a holiday production makes a good anchor for a night out.
6. Have a cookie or cocoa night at home. Not every holiday memory needs tickets. Bake, decorate, judge a friendly contest, and package a few extras to share with neighbors. Cake Loft ALWAYS has delicious options if you are not a baker. (me, that's me, I am not a baker LOL).
7. Give an experience instead of a thing. A class, an outing, or a night together is a gift they will remember in January. See our gift post for ideas — and a paint class is an easy place to start.
8. Plan a girls' night or a date night — on purpose. Do not leave it to 'we should get together.' Book it. Our girls' night post below has a simple plan you can copy.
9. Do one kind thing as a family. Donate toys, write cards, or help a neighbor.
10. Take a slow winter walk and look at the decorations. Bundle up, walk your own neighborhood or a favorite trail, and notice the lights and wreaths. It costs nothing and it is the item on this list people skip most. Christmas Card Lane will not disappoint!
How to use this list without overdoing it:
You do not need all ten. Pick three — one family thing, one grown-ups' night out, and one at-home tradition — and put actual dates on them. A short list you really do beats a long list you only save. If out-of-town family is visiting, send them this list and let them choose one. Guests love having a say, and you get a plan without doing all the deciding.