It takes a lot of amazing volunteers to put on this show!
Help us bring the magic of the Luminary Walk to life! Throughout November, our team works hard to set up dazzling lights and festive displays, and we rely on volunteers to make it all happen—especially when it’s time to light the candles on event nights. Volunteering can be a fun and rewarding experience, with many families making it a special tradition to give back together.
If you're interested in any of the roles listed below, we’d love to hear from you!
As a small thank you, volunteers that purchase tickets to attend the Luminary Walk will get a "Pick Your Time" pass that allows them to enter at any time they choose.
Set Up Days
We will be putting up lights, creating displays, preparing candle holders, decorating trees, and more on the following days:
- Nov 5, Wed 9:00-12:00
- Nov 10, Mon 9:00-3:00 (lunch provided)
- Nov 12, Wed 1:00-4:00
- Nov 13, Thurs. 9:00-3:00 (lunch provided)
- Nov 14, Fri 9:00-3:00 (lunch provided)
- Nov 19, Wed 9:00-3:00 (lunch provided)
- Nov 21, Fri 9:00-12:00
- Nov 24, Mon 1:00-4:00
- Nov 25, Tues 1:00-4:00
Event Nights
The Luminary Walk runs from November 26 through December 30, and we're looking for volunteers to assist each night with the tasks listed below. Volunteers will receive breaks throughout the evening, and we’ll be providing a hot buffet dinner as a thank you for your time. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the Luminary Walk for free, and it's perfect for teens needing service hours!
- Candle Lighter 3:30-5:00 Light the candles in the luminaries and place in wire holders along the route. (Fun job for parent & child team (over age 7))
- Candle Re-Lighter 5:30 - 9:30 Patrol the route to re-light or replace candles. (Fun job for families).
- Selfie Photographer 4:30-8:30 Stationed at a Family Selfie photo op spot to take pictures using guests’ phones.
- Santa's Helper 4:30-8:30. Help manage line, interact with guests (except on Adults only nights which are: 12/4, 12/11, 12/18).
Re-Set Days
Burnt luminaries have to be collected and new ones put out. These jobs are great for kids 7 and above, too! Enjoy a walk through the Arboretum picking up and replacing luminaries on these days:
- 11/29, Sat 1:00-4:00
- 12/6, Sat 1:00-4:00
- 12/12, Fri 1:00-4:00
- 12/13, Sat 1:00-4:00
- 12/19, Fri 1:00-4:00
- 12/20, Sat 1:00-4:00
Take Down Days
- 1/2/26, Fri 9:00-3:00 (lunch provided)
- 1/3, Sat 9:00-12:00
- 1/5, Mon 9:00-3:00 (lunch provided)
- 1/7, Wed 9:00-12:00
Details
Luminary Walk - Select Nights November 26 - December 30
Traditional Luminary Walk weekends: November 28-29, December 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20
Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll: Thursdays December 4, 11, and 18
Electric Glow: November 26, December 10, 17, 22, 23, 26, 27, 29, and 30
*NEW THIS YEAR* Accessibility-friendly Cart Tour Nights: December 1-3
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Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
8909 W. 179th Street, Overland Park, KS 66013