Hundreds Gather to Kick Off the Holiday Season in Wyandotte County

Published on November 20, 2023

2023 Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

On Friday, November 17^th, 2023, Mayor Tyrone A. Garner and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas (UG) welcomed hundreds of community members to the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Festival. Historically held at the Municipal building each year, this year's festivities took place at Memorial Hall in downtown KCK from 4PM to 9PM.  

Over 500 guests gathered throughout the evening for the opportunity to meet Mayor Garner along with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Festival guests enjoyed many family fun activities located around the outside courtyard and throughout Memorial Hall. 

"I want to personally thank all the many volunteers, donors, celebrities, sponsors, UG staff, my team, media, entertainers, vendors, and most importantly the amazing people of our awesome community that came together to make the kickoff of the 2023 Holiday Season in KCK at the annual Mayor's Christmas tree lighting ceremony a great success!" expressed Mayor Tyrone A. Garner. "It was truly a night filled with fun, laughter, holiday cheer, great entertainment, culture, and warm memories. I sincerely love our community! Wishing God's Blessings to all this holiday season!"

2023 Christmas Tree Lighting Highlights

• Santa & Mrs. Claus Photos and goodie bags to over 1,000 KCK youth 
• Free hot chocolate and apple cider, curtesy of "The Salvation Army" 
• Holiday Crafts and 360 Photobooth
• Food trucks, local vendors, bounce house fun for the kids
• Holiday movies and popcorn
• FREE book giveaway from the KCK Public Library

Entertainment Lineup

• Holiday choir selections and performances from Central Middle School Choir 
• Live entertainment from Heartland Ringers, Andrea Macklin, Sonadoras Uniendo Culturas, Salvation Army Brass Band, KCK Community Orchestra, Tai Chu Dance Group, and Jo Blac. 
  
  

Second Annual UG Gingerbread House Competition

Mayor Garner’s annual Gingerbread House Competition was back in full force. Last year Mayor Garner started a UG wide Gingerbread House Competition that announces the competition winners at the tree lighting festival. Due to the huge success of the competition last year, the competition has been expanded to include the participation of all UG departments and the eight Neighborhood Business Revitalization Organizations (NBR). This friendly competition fostered creativity, teamwork and innovative thinking and building for UG departments. After a week of true designing and building Mayor Garner and the UG Commissioners judged each gingerbread house to name the top three winners. 

1^st Place:   KCK Fire Department 

2^nd Place: Municipal Court

3^rd Place:  Buildings & Logistics Department

A special thanks again to all who attended and helped make this event a huge success for our community! We look forward to seeing you at the 2024 Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Festival!